Falmouth Public Schools Fitness Testing

Health related fitness has long been recognized by educators as an important factor in leading to a happy and healthy life. The medical profession recognizes and promotes the importance of exercise and fitness and its relationship to improving the quality of a person’s well being.

Twice a year students in grades 4 – 12 who are involved in physical education are tested for fitness levels according to their age. A report is sent home with the "before" and "after" scores and each child is assessed as follows:

• Your child needs improvement, or
• your child is in the healthy fitness zone, or
• your child exceeds expectations.

The testing measures cardiovascular endurance, abdominal strength and endurance, hamstring and lower back flexibility, upper body strength, and trunk flexibility and strength.

Body Mass Index (BMI)
A body mass index is also included in the student's report. The BMI provides an indication of the appropriateness of students' weight relative to their height. While this assessment is not the most accurate indicator for the percent of body fat, it is a readily available tool that can be used to help students and parents understand the health implications of being overweight. Measurement of height and weight are done during the Fall semester.

BMI Categories:

• Underweight = <18.5
• Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
• Overweight = 25-29.9
• Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

Implications of Fitness Testing
The implications of these tests are significant:

• Meeting the healthy standards for Pacer or Mile run indicates cardiovascular efficiency and healthy heart and lungs
• Strong abdominal muscles and adequate hamstring and lower back flexibility help to prevent chronic back problems
• Upper body strength is necessary for a healthy person to perform daily tasks
• Measures of height and weight assist in the reflection of overall body composition.

As health and wellness educators, our goal is to help all students become healthy, productive and physically active. We urge you (parents and caregivers) to assist in this process by encouraging your children to maintain or improve their level of health-related fitness and by tracking your children's progress through subsequent reports.

If you have any questions or concerns about the fitness programs, please call or e-mail your child’s teacher or contact Mr. Dana Almeida (9-12 Department Head, Physical Education/Health) at 508-540-2200 ext 1017 or dalmeida@falmouth.k12.ma.us