Our project aims to transform our elementary gym into an engaging, inclusive space that supports physical health, teamwork, and social-emotional growth for all students in grades K–5. With age-appropriate equipment like yoga mats, agility tools, and cooperative games, we will create stations that build strength, coordination, and confidence. This equipment will help us better serve our diverse student population by making movement fun, accessible, and meaningful. Through this grant, we’ll empower students to thrive both inside and outside the gym.

Our school serves approximately 300 students in grades Kindergarten through 5th, located in a low-income, high-needs community in. The majority of our students come from economically disadvantaged households, with over many qualifying for free or reduced lunch. Many of our families face challenges such as food insecurity, unstable housing, and limited access to safe recreational spaces outside of school. As a result, for many students, physical education at school is the only consistent opportunity they have for structured physical activity and social interaction through movement. Our gym was originally designed for older students when the building served a different grade configuration, and the current equipment does not fully meet the needs of our younger learners. Much of the existing PE inventory is outdated, limited in quantity, or too large and inappropriate for the developmental needs of elementary-age students. Currently, we are relying heavily on whole-group games and activities that don’t always support students with differing abilities, behavioral needs, or sensory sensitivities. This one-size-fits-all approach leaves some students disengaged or overwhelmed, while others are not challenged enough. Physical inactivity is a growing concern, especially among children. According to the CDC, only 24% of children aged 6–17 participate in the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Our own FitnessGram data from the past two years shows that less than 40% of our students meet the healthy fitness zone for cardiovascular endurance and upper-body strength. These statistics are even more concerning considering the link between physical activity and improved academic performance, classroom behavior, and social-emotional well-being. This project seeks to address these gaps by introducing equipment that supports inclusive, station-based, and developmentally appropriate activities. The purchase of items such as foam balls, yoga mats, resistance bands, agility hurdles, bean bags, and balance stones will allow us to build rotating stations that promote agility, mindfulness, coordination, teamwork, and fun — all while ensuring every child is actively engaged at their own level. The addition of a parachute and cooperative game tools will foster teamwork and peer interaction in ways that are both exciting and emotionally supportive. 
The primary beneficiaries will be the entire student body of approximately 700 students, with activities adapted by grade level and ability. Teachers and staff will also benefit from improved student behavior and focus following structured, inclusive PE sessions. Our long-term goal is to create a movement-rich, equity-based PE environment where students not only learn physical skills but also develop confidence, connection, and emotional regulation — needs that are more urgent than ever in today’s world.

To meet the growing physical, emotional, and developmental needs of our diverse student population, we propose the implementation of a dynamic, inclusive, and student-centered PE equipment initiative titled “Get Moving, Get Strong: Building Champions in the Gym and Beyond.” This project will directly address gaps in physical education resources, with a focus on increasing movement, engagement, and social-emotional learning (SEL) opportunities for all K–5 students. With an investment of $1,500, we will equip our gym with versatile, age-appropriate tools that align with best practices in physical education and holistic child development. Our project centers on enhancing the quality, diversity, and inclusivity of our physical education program. Using the requested funds, we will acquire the following items: speed ropes, hula hoops, agility hurdles, yoga mats, bean bags, resistance bands, foam balls, balance stones, mesh storage bags, and a rolling cart for organized, mobile use of the materials. This equipment has been carefully selected to allow for flexible, rotating stations that align with developmentally appropriate physical skills and address various learning modalities. 
All activities will take place in the campus gymnasium, which serves over 300 K–5 students, including those receiving special education, ESL services, and academic intervention. Each class will rotate through PE twice weekly, ensuring full exposure to the upgraded curriculum. By creating multiple stations with differentiated levels of challenge, this project will make movement more inclusive and engaging for students of all ability levels. In summary, this grant will allow us to meet a very real and urgent need by expanding the impact of physical education at our school. With inclusive, high-quality equipment and engaging, movement-based activities, we will empower our students to grow stronger — physically, mentally, and socially. Together, we can build a future where every child leaves our gym feeling successful, seen, and ready to thrive.