FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
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    STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
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    Dr. Eric J. Smith
    Commissioner of Education
    T. WILLARD FAIR,
    Chairman
    Members
    DONNA G. CALLAWAY
    DR. AKSHAY DESAI
    ROBERTO MARTÍNEZ
    PHOEBE RAULERSON
    KATHLEEN SHANAHAN
    LINDA K. TAYLOR
    M E M O R A N D U M
    DATE:
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    February 27, 2008
    TO:
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    District School Superintendents
    Elementary
    School
    Principals
    FROM:
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    Dr. Eric J. Smith, Commissioner, Florida Department of Education
    Mr. William Montford, III, Chief Executive Officer, Florida Association of District
    School Superintendents
    SUBJECT:
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    Launch of the Governor’s Fitness Challenge
    It is with great pleasure that we announce the launch of the Governor’s Fitness Challenge.
    The 2007-2008 Governor’s Fitness Challenge is an eight-week challenge that encourages
    elementary school students and schools to participate in physical activity. The Governor’s
    Fitness Challenge focuses on five activities that can be completed during or after the school
    day. Participating schools have the opportunity to win $10,000 or $5,000 worth of sports or
    fitness equipment or a visit from a Florida professional athlete or Olympian. Schools will also
    have the opportunity to receive a designation as a
    Governor’s Fitness Champion School
    .
    Students will also have the chance to receive individual prizes. Participating students from
    winning schools will receive a Governor’s Fitness Challenge T-shirt, and every student who
    participates will receive a Governor’s Fitness Challenge certificate and a sticker.
    When a school registers, they commit to dedicate two 45-minute sessions per week OR to three
    30-minute sessions per week for the duration of the eight-week Governor’s Fitness Challenge.
    During that time, students can work on the five activities of the Governor’s Fitness Challenge or
    from a selection of other activities.
    The Governor’s Fitness Challenge also encourages students to engage in physical activity
    outside of the school environment. Each week a new fitness theme will be unveiled on the
    Governor’s Fitness Challenge Web site, featuring podcasts from popular professional athletes
    and Olympians who encourage students to get more active. It also has fun, healthy recipes that
    families can prepare together.
    325 W. GAINES STREET • TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0400 • (850) 245-0505 • www.fldoe.org
    Governor’s Fitness Challenge
    February 27, 2008
    Page Two
    One goal of the Governor’s Fitness Challenge is to reach as many children as possible. The
    main activities and exercises can be modified to accommodate students with special needs.
    Homeschool students and students who attend a school that does not participate in the
    Governor’s Fitness Challenge can still take part. Assistance for modifying and implementing the
    program for these groups will be available throughout the Governor’s Fitness Challenge.
    The Governor’s Fitness Challenge can work in conjunction with a school’s existing Physical
    Education or after school programs, as well as allowing students to participate from home.
    We encourage you to join this exciting challenge. To participate, schools must register by
    March 7, 2008, at www.GovernorsFitnessChallenge.com.
    c:
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    Physical Education Coordinators
    Physical Education Teachers

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