District News
Seattle Public Schools presented with Synergy Award for work with indoor rowing programs
Seattle Public Schools was presented with the 2012 Synergy Award at the 5th annual Row to the Future Benefit Breakfast March 22 for the School District’s work and collaboration with various indoor rowing programs.
The event was attended by more than 340 community members, Seattle City Council members, students, teachers, members and volunteers from the George Popcock Rowing Foundation, one of the District’s community partners.
The Synergy Award is awarded to a program partner or individual who embodies the definition of Synergy – the working together of two or more things, people or organizations especially when the result is greater than the sum of their individual effects or capabilities.
Lori Dunn, PreK - 12 Physical Education and Health Literacy Program Manager, accepted the award on behalf of Seattle Public Schools and all its physical education teachers. Also attending was Jennifer Casto, a middle school physical teacher of Aki Kurose Middle School.
Melody Huerta a Cleveland High School student (former Aki Kurose Middle School student) spoke about her experience and how the rowing program (Erg Ed and Rainer Valley Rowing) changed her life for the positive.
The Erg Education Program introduces thousands of students each year (starting in middle school), to the indoor rowing machine (ergometer) through physical education class.
Students participate in activities and curriculum that improves fitness, develops individual and team skills and teaches a fun new skill. In addition to learning the basics of erging, students receive information about water safety, their neighbor boathouse and junior rowing programs.
Erg Ed students have access to many opportunities for continued participation including low-cost mini camps, field trips to the University of Washington and indoor rowing challenges and competitions.
Dunn said that every Seattle Public Schools middle school will have the Erg Education Program in its Quality Physical Education program by fall 2013.
Photo above: Middle School students from Seattle Public Schools compete in an indoor rowing competition in February.