Center School District Superintendent Challenge

On May 12, 2010, Center School District in Kansas City, MO held their 5th grade Field Day. Boone, Center, Indian Creek and Red Bridge elementary schools were involved in the event. Competitions during Field Day included a softball throw, 50 yard dash, 100 yard dash, 200 yard dash and 400 yard relay.

The final event of the day was the annual Superintendent Challenge. Each year, Center Superintendent, Dr. Robert Bartman, challenges the 5th grade students to an 800 meter race. The school with the most students to cross the finish line before the Superintendent is awarded with a plaque and gets bragging rights for a whole year. Center Elementary won for the second year in a row with 11 students beating Dr. Bartman across the finish line.

Nate Francis, PE4life Program Support Specialist, attended the event and said “It was great for the students, parents and faculty. The kids were stoked when they won the Superintendent Challenge; it’s exciting to see an administrator who interacts with their students.” Center School District has plans to attend a PE4life Workshop to experience PE4life’s Core Principles in action in the near future. 

We all know it’s essential that a successful Physical Education program incorporates community involvement and support from the administrators and decision makers. Challenging your students to a race is a great way for an administrator to not only advocate for physical activity in the district and the community, but also connect with the students on their level.

Kudos to Center School District and thanks for inviting PE4life to be a part of your exhilarating event! Better luck next year, Dr. Bartman!