First Down for Fitness

The Falcons First Down for Fitness program is an interactive program designed to challenge students in grades three through seven to participate in fitness activities and lead a healthy lifestyle.  This incentive-based program rewards participants for being active at least 30-60 minutes a day, three days a week from September 2 through October 31.

2008 School Visits
September 9
Shiloh Point Elementary School (Cumming, GA)

Atlanta Falcons players Michael Jenkins and Michael Boley along with Falcons Cheerleaders Tamara and Erika visited Shiloh Point Elementary School in Cumming, GA for our first visit for the Falcons First Down for Fitness program.  More than 600 children listened as Boley and Jenkins discussed the importance of eating healthy and getting plenty of exercise.  They also touched on the importance of education, teamwork and the lessons they learned while playing football. 

The highlight of the visit was the push up contest between five Shiloh Point students, Michael Jenkins, and the popular Mr. “G” (Shiloh Point teacher).  Although the kids gave it their all, the crowd agreed that Mr. “G” was the clear winner! 

September 23
Medlock Bridge Elementary School (Johns Creek, GA)

Over 250 students attending Medlock Bridge Elementary School received a visit from Erik Coleman, Michael Boley, Justin Blalock, Harvey Dahl, D’Anthony Batiste, Simon Fraser, Kindal Moorehead, Antoine Harris and Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders Margaret, Kelsey, and Erika.

Students in attendance participated in contests against the players such as hula hoop, jumping jacks, push-ups, jumping rope and sit-ups.  A few students also got to participate in a speed dribble contest and football toss contest with the players.  The event concluded with everyone in the gymnasium dancing to the “Cupid Shuffle”. 

Progress Report Highlights

Cyndi Sarver, Stone Mill Elementary School, Stone Mountain, GA
“My students truly enjoy learning with music and movement!  They are having so much fun with the actions that they don’t even realize they are learning.  They say, “We played all day!  That was fun!”

Tara Arbegast, Bright Star Elementary School, Douglasville, GA
“One success story is one of my students who has a hard time during our running has set a goal to run five laps in the 12 minutes.  He has reached his goal every time and is now raising it half a lap.”

Courtney Russell, Ed S. Cook Elementary School, Atlanta, GA
“…staying in top physical fitness is our number one priority!  Throughout the past few weeks, we have engaged in a wide variety of new and exciting physical activities that we can practice in school or at home with our friends and families.  We have enjoyed playing outdoors with equipment such as a parachute, balls, jump ropes, and more.  We also loved learning about yoga and how it helps us maintain a healthy mind and body.”

(click here for PowerPoint presentation)

Karen Wright, Big Shanty Intermediate, Kennesaw, GA
“I told them (my class) that we would me working toward a goal of becoming fit and healthy while possibly winning prizes or maybe even meeting the Falcons players. My students were on fire! They we walking the track at recess, exercising on the weekends, trying to take care of themselves. I have one student in particular who has really made a huge effort.  He has decided to start working out everyday after school. His mom said she was very excited to see this new side of her son. He has continued to workout and has really put his best effort into this challenge. I just wanted to let you know that this challenge is making a difference in the lives of our students.”

April Winters, Sweetwater Middle School, Lawrenceville, GA
“I do have the pleasure to report that three of our students have lost a total of twelve pounds since we began the physical education class. These students are very motivated and have set a goal to lose more weight before the end of the semester.”

Melissa Baltes, Dowell Elementary School, Marietta, GA
“Since the start of this program, my class has been begging to exercise. When we are in between subjects, they ask to stretch or do push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, etc.  When we go out to recess, we run a few laps.  Some of my boys have taken it to the extreme and will run 15 to 18 laps.  These are boys who are not usually active!  I am so proud of them and extremely excited to see my class energized about health and fitness.”

Congratulations to the following schools for participating in the 2008 Falcons First Down for Fitness program:

4-E Learning & Prevention Center, Inc.
A.D. Williams Elementary
Abbott's Hill Elementary School
Alton C. Crews Middle School
Baker Elementary School
Beecher Hills Elementary School
Bethune Elementary School
Big Shanty Intermediate
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Georgia
Bright Star Elementary School
Browns Mills Elementary School
Campbell Middle School
Charles L. Gideons Elementary School
Chestnut Mountain Elementary School
CJ Hicks Elementary School
Columbia Elementary School
Crawford Long Middle School
Dowell Elementary School
Dunaire Elementary School
Eastside Elementary School
Ed S. Cook Elementary School
Evansdale Elementary School
F.D. Johnston Elementary School
Fairview Elementary School
Fickett Elementary School
Flippen Elementary School
Griffin Middle School
Holly Springs Elementary School
Hollydale Elementary School
Imagine Wesley International Academy
Indian Creek Elementary School
Johnson County Middle School
Jones Elementary School
Kanoheda Elementary School
Kids with Strong Opinions, Inc. in partnership with DINAO, Inc
L.O.Kimberly Elementary School
Learning Link Center
McConnell Middle School
McNair Middle School
Medlock Bridge Elementary School
Miller Grove Middle School
Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School
Montclair Elementary School
Nickajack Elementary School
North Hall Middle School
Oakland Elementary School
P.B. Ritch Elementary School
Palmetto Elementary School
Parklane Elementary School
Path Academy Charter School
Pleasant Grove Elementary School
Redan Elementary School
Rowland Elementary School
Sandtown Middle School
Shiloh Point Elementary School
Sky Haven Elementary School
Smoke Rise Elementary School
Spout Springs Elementary School
St. Peter Claver Catholic School
Stone Mill Elementary School
Stoneview Elementary School
Stonewall Tell Elementary School
Swainsboro Elementary School
Sweetwater Middle School
Thomasville Heights Elementary School
Unity Elementary School
Washington Street Community Center
West Manor Elementary School
Whitesburg Elementary School
WJ Cooper Elementary School
Wynbrooke Theme School