NASPE STARS School (2006-2009) Johnson Elementary School Franklin Special School District STAR Level III (2006-2009) Elementary School: Johnson Elementary School 815 Glass Lane Franklin, TN 37064 615-794-4837 [ website ] [ PE Department website ] Meredith Henderson, Principal Physical Education Teachers: Cam Kerst-Davis Ansley Hobbs

Johnson Elementary School places a very high value on children being physically active on a daily basis. In addition to daily physical education, classroom teachers and administrators lend support by providing daily recess, scheduling special events around physical education classes and by participating in a daily walking program (which has been in place for the past 14 years). Parents are also strong supporters of physical activity evidenced by the large numbers of volunteers. Over 80 parents accompany the daily walkers, and involve themselves in other ways with the program. Two highly experienced physical educators share the teaching duties for a diverse population of approximately 450 Kindergarten through fourth grade students. Kindergarten students participate in the S.M.A.R.T. program designed to help prepare students for learning through movement, while the first through fourth grades have an opportunity to experience a range of activities and skills. Basic movement skills, games and sports, dance and rhythms, outdoor “adventure” and fitness activities are taught using a skill theme approach to encourage mastery. Grants and other fund raisers have enabled the teachers at Johnson Elementary to provide special equipment such as pedometers and climbing equipment to augment and expand their program. Small class sizes averaging 20 or less, access to appropriate facilities (a gym and multi-purpose room for indoor activities and grass or blacktop outdoor areas) provide safe opportunities for all students to hone these skills. “Helpers of Physical Education” is a group of students trained to assist other students who benefit from one-on-one peer coaching. Johnson Elementary School’s dedication to creating an atmosphere conducive to movement seems to be working as witnessed by the BMI average of 16.6% for students in the fall of 2005 which is well below the National average. Teachers are actively involved in multiple community physical activities such as the Kid’s Marathon to which they promote student, parent and family involvement.