Patrick Henderson, Renee Smith and Ernest Victorino

Henderson and his colleagues’ innovative teaching idea, “Movin’ Minds,” is designed to increase academic performance in the classroom through raising physical fitness levels. The old model the teachers used has involved team games where too many students were able to get by without doing much, therefore, not growing physically or mentally. For the 2014-15 year, the teachers have incorporated the SPARK philosophy, a research-based public health organization dedicated to creating, implementing, and evaluating programs that promote life-long wellness. According to Henderson, studies have shown that students who participate in SPARK have positive and transformative effects on their brain and test scores. Ultimately, this new approach to physical education will engage students in positive teambuilding activities and lessons that will not only increase fitness levels, but also increase school wide test scores and bring the school closer together.