Hasbrouck Heights, NJ - September 4, 2008.  FlagHouse, the official physical education equipment sponsor for the STARS Program, is proud to congratulate Braelinn Elementary School in Peachtree City, GA on becoming a STARS school. The STARS Program is a national achievement program established by the National Association for Sport & Physical Education (NASPE). The program recognizes outstanding physical education programs K-12 in schools across America.

STARS schools provide meaningful learning opportunities for all students. Their physical education programs serve as models for others to follow and they exemplify excellence in teaching knowledge and skills of motor development and health related fitness. STARS award criteria are based on curriculum, instructional strategies, assessment and evaluation, communications and support resources; such as facilities, equipment, class time and teacher qualifications. Due to the rise in childhood obesity and the diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle, the need for quality physical education programs and instruction has never been greater.

Two physical education teachers serve 583 students at Braelinn Elementary School. Classes meet two times per week up to 50 minutes per period. PE specialists provide classroom teachers with lesson plans to assist in completing 100 minutes of physical education per week, as required by state law.

Their program emphasizes health and skill related fitness, skill themes and concepts in sports and dance through activity-oriented instruction. Students participate in a blend of games, educational gymnastics, and rhythm and dance experiences. Through traditional and contemporary dance, students gain a deeper understanding and acceptance of the differences and similarities of the diverse cultures in the world.

The school recognizes physical education as an important part of the curriculum, as strong physical health contributes to the mental, social and emotional well-being of their students. In addition, the school's PTO provides a great deal of support in funding and maintaining playground and outdoor equipment. By teaching children healthy behaviors early on, their program ensures that students will continue to enjoy physical activity and achieve lifelong fitness.

FlagHouse, a global supplier of physical education equipment for education and recreation professionals, has been the official physical education equipment sponsor for the STARS Program for the last four years. Keith Gold, Senior Brand Manager at FlagHouse remarked, "We are proud that Braelinn Elementary School and its staff is dedicated to providing a strong physical education program to their students. The number of overweight children ages 6-19 has more than tripled in the United States since 1980. This extra weight puts children at risk for a number of diseases. Quality physical education programs, like the one implemented at Braelinn, help to fight obesity and protect the future health of our children."

FlagHouse provides STARS recipients with a gift certificate to purchase new physical education equipment for their school. In addition, the company assists in funding the development of STARS PIPELINE Workshops each year. The workshops, held at the annual convention for the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, provide schools with the tools needed to successfully prepare their STARS application.  Workshop participants have the opportunity to review samples of winning STARS portfolios, discuss strategies for collecting and analyzing documentation and are taught how to effectively communicate program specifics.  Each year, FlagHouse awards up to 75 grants that allow teachers to participate in the workshop and obtain the knowledge necessary to build strong STARS portfolios.

For more information on how your school can apply for a grant to attend the 2009 STARS PIPELINE Workshop, please contact John Ruggiero at FlagHouse at 1-800-793-7900, x 7521 or email John.Ruggiero@flaghouse.com.

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