November 9, 2005

Dear Mr. Mackiel,

     The number of youths who are obese in this country has doubled since 1970. Childhood obesity has been declared a national epidemic. Unfortunately, and as I’m sure you’re aware, many physical education programs have been cut or severely limited in public schools. While many administrators cut PE to improve test scores, research shows that physical education actually enhances academic learning.

      Students in Omaha Public Schools only attend PE once a week for thirty minutes. Regular, daily exercise of at least thirty minutes each day is necessary for health benefits. Seventy-seven percent of California students tested in 2001 flunked the state's physical fitness test. Gordon-Larson, PhD, of UNC says “kids are 50% more likely to engage in physical activity outside school if they had PE classes every day.” I would like for you to reconsider OPS PE requirements by changing them to 30 minutes per day. I request that you would make this effective for the entire school district.

      Thank you for your time and interest. I have long admired your strong leadership skills and commitment to educational issues. I would greatly appreciate it if you would seriously consider this plea. As a future educator of Omaha I believe it is our duty to do all we can to better students’ overall health and lives.

Sincerely,

Josie Calamaio