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 About George:
George is currently a Physical Education Department Chair at Sierra Vista Jr. High School in Canyon Country, California. He has been teaching for a total of 14 years, and has been using Polar technology for 20 years. George is a member of both CAHPERD and NASPE and was named 2006-2007 Teacher of the Year at his school in addition to receiving the "Who's Who Among America's Teachers Award" five times! In 2009, George was awarded the California Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. He was also named Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the California Coach's Association.
About Sierra Vista Jr. High School:
Sierra Vista Jr. High School is part of the William S. Hart School District in Canyon Country, CA. In this suburban area the typical P.E. class size is 45-50 students. Students are in grade levels 7 and 8, and currently use Polar E Series heart rate monitors (HRMs) in addition to the TriFIT 700 system. Teachers at Sierra Vista additionally use TriFIT software, PE Manager Software, and the Companion Pocket PC. Sierra Vista Jr. High School is recognized by the President's Council as a Physical Activity/Fitness Demonstration Center (PE Program). In 2009, the school won the Golden Bell Award by the California School Board Association for the "No Child Left on their Behind" Physical Education Program. Sierra Vista was also named the Physical Education Middle School of the Year by the California Coach's Association in 2009.
Core Activities:
George uses V-Cycling Virtual Reality Bikes, Dance Dance Revolution (DDR), Xavix, Climbing walls, Trikke’s, Tritons, Fitness Conditioning, Survivor, Body Blades, T-Bows, Frisbee Golf, Basketball, Soccer, Over the Line, Racquetball, Tennis, Elliptical training, Spin bike training, Rowing, Stair climbing, Jump rope, Walking with pedometers, Cross country, track and field training, and a weight training circuit to teach Physical Education at his school.
Using Polar:
George’s school received an Santa Clarita Valley Education Foundation Grant for the 2006-2007 school year, which funded the initial purchase of Polar technology in his school, but in 2007-2008 was awarded a PEP grant, which has also helped purchase technology. Teachers at Sierra Vista Jr. High use Polar in lessons 3 times a week. For George, the most important reason to use Polar is, “to teach students through the important curriculum of the New PE. If we are successful, no child will be left on their behinds.”
The Buzz:
George likes “objective measurement over subjective grading. Teachers are able to individualize PE according to each student’s health and fitness levels, thus being able to create a total health portfolio.”
Students “have fully embraced Polar technology. It keeps them on task at a moderate to vigorous activity level. They are constantly looking forward to receiving their heart rate comparison reports for the PE portfolios. This helps them measure individual performance and progress throughout the year.”
Administration and Parents like “the first hand program results of a student’s grade, heart rate data, and daily class performance. Most importantly, they like to see the accountability and objectivity the technology brings to the PE program.”
Personal Highlight:
Since using Polar technology, George has observed his students taking pride in their fitness levels.
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