academically. Part of the test is a test for obesity, "body
composition," defined by the state's 2003-04 California Physical
Fitness Test as "an estimate of the percent of a student's weight
that is fat in contrast to the 'fat-free' body mass made up of
muscles, bones, and organs."
The best performing elementary schools, according to data from the
statewide fitness test on fifth-graders, are at Newport Coast (8.1%)
and Lincoln (9.2%). That is, 8.1% and 9.2% of fifth-graders
respectively at the schools are not in the so-called "Healthy Fitness
Zone." Students are fully in the zone when they meet certain fitness
standards set forth by the test. The worst two performing elementary
schools are Rea (49%) and Adams (34.2%).
It turns out that Lincoln and Newport Coast have some of the
lowest numbers of free meal programs (4% to 5%). At Rea, 92% of the
children get free meals and at Adams, 68% of the children get free
meals. The meals are served before school, during recess and lunch.
The data here suggest our problem is not under-nourishment, but a
lack of exercise.
We should encourage parents to provide proper nourishment to their
children before they come to school, so the schools can focus on
education and physical fitness.
Shame on all of us to allow obesity to be such a issue in our
elementary schools. We are creating children that will have a
lifetime of health issues.
* JAMES JONES is a resident of Costa Mesa.