Medford High Fitness Center Opens May 11

New Fitness Center Part of $900,000 Federal Grant

– Allison Goldsberry

Medford High School’s sparkling new state-of-the art fitness center will be unveiled in a special grand opening celebration on Monday, May 11 at 6PM.

The fitness center is the first piece of a three-year physical education plan being rolled out with a $900,000 federal grant.

Gone are the days when gym class meant spending most of the class waiting around for a turn to kick a ball.

With the $900,000 grant from the federal government, students in Medford’s middle schools and high school will learn how to create and reach personal fitness goals to remain fit for life.

The grant, one of the most significant in recent memory according to School Superintendent Roy Belson, will be used to create an entirely new fitness program to combat inactivity and poor nutrition, focusing on grades six through twelve.

Health and Physical Education Director Eileen DiBattista calls the new program “Medford Moves on the Road to Wellness,” with a plan for a revised physical education curriculum, 150 hours of professional development for health and fitness teachers, and new equipment.

“The basic goal is to teach them lifetime fitness, so when the graduate from Medford High School they can say ‘I know how to stay fit, I don’t need a P.E. teacher anymore, I know just what to do for myself,’” said DiBattista.

The fitness center at Medford High School will have brand new, state-of-the-art aerobic and weight-training machines.  Gym will go hi-tech with the introduction of heart rate monitors and hand-held computers so teachers can assess students’ individual fitness levels and progress.  The traditional sports model for gym class has been scrapped in favor of “adventure-training” that will include a rock-climbing wall at the high school, and leisure activities such as golf, tennis, and snowshoeing.

“And if we don’t have snow we’ll snowshoe on the grass.  It’s not a problem.  It’s a great balance activity,” said DiBattista.

The grant will be spread out over three years, with the new equipment and technology expected to be incorporated this year.  Adventure training is planned for next year, with a rock-climbing wall to be installed at the high school and other equipment for the middle schools.   Finally, the leisure activities, generally activities students can do on their own such as inline skating, will be incorporated in year three.

Everyone is invited to check out the fitness center at Medford High School during Monday’s grand opening.  The 6PM ribbon-cutting will be followed by tours and demonstrations.  There will also be free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, and health experts from Tufts University, Lawrence Memorial Hospital/Hallmark Health, Exergames, and Polar Technology will be on hand.