DUE TO COVID, OUR YMCA VISITS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED! WE HOPE TO RESUME SOON!Franklin Elementary Medical Sciences and Wellness Magnet School is committed to student success. Students rotate in weekly visits to the YMCA Downtown, and the medical science lab, for maximum exposure to fitness and scientific experiences. The school’s counselor provides opportunities each week for students to listen to career professionals in the medical sciences, safety, fitness, nutrition, and health. Anatomy and physiology are keywords for Franklin Students as we gain understanding for the importance of active and healthy living. Mississippi University for Women The Division of Health and Kinesiology at MUW opened the doors of Pohl Gymnasium to coordinate the physical fitness tests for the students. Fitnessgram, which is a complete battery of health-related fitness items that are scored using criterion-referenced standards, was used to measure all K-4th-grade students’ cardiovascular fitness, percent of body fat, flexibility, muscular strength, and endurance. MUW Health and Kinesiology faculty and students administered the fitness tests. Results from the tests were given to parents during their parent/teacher conferences in October. This information is valuable to the parents, students, MUW and CMSD. This partnership provides university students with hands-on experience administering the tests. Franklin Academy received accurate and valid data taken in this controlled setting. The opportunity served as an introduction into other related programs between the university and the magnet school. Post- tests are given in late spring to measure the impact of the year- long fitness program each school year. Mississippi State University’s Extension Agency The partnership with Mississippi State University’s Extension Agency was established to support the nutritional element in the wellness theme and its medical importance as well. The partnership ensures every student the opportunity to learn from a nutritional professional.
Teachers are reinforcing the importance of proper nutritional habits by allowing students to take water bottles into the classrooms and promoting our “healthy snacks only” policy. Teachers also serve as role models by eating healthy and exercising themselves. Students receive a high-quality learning experience aimed at preparing them for the global society in which we live. The unique learning experience is based on state and national curriculum standards. Students explore medical sciences with a perspective of health care professionals: medical doctors, nurses, health care specialists, therapists, technicians. Emphasis is given to developing strategies to maintain healthy lifestyles, proper nutrition, and physical fitness. |