McVey Elementary gets $10,000 grant to boost Phys Ed program

NEWARK –  Christina School District‘s Joseph M. McVey Elementary School in Newark, is the recipient of a $10,000 grant aimed at enhancing its physical education program.

The grant, awarded by GOLO, a Delaware-based health and wellness company, and Project Fit America, a national non-profit organization, will provide new fitness equipment, curriculum improvements, and teacher training designed to improve students’ health and fitness levels.

The initiative is part of a larger effort to foster healthier lifestyles among children while encouraging the development of social, leadership, and teamwork skills.

How it benefits McVey Elementary

GOLO’s donation will help students become more physically active and better equipped to focus in the classroom, ultimately boosting their self-esteem and social development.

“We are thrilled to partner with Project Fit America to introduce this exceptional physical education program to Joseph M. McVey Elementary School,” said Jennifer Brooks, president and co-founder of GOLO.This initiative promises to enrich the lives of both teachers and students, fostering a healthier and more active school community.”

McVey Elementary was selected for the grant through an open call for proposals, which invited public schools from across Delaware, including Kent, Sussex, and New Castle counties, to apply.

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The funding will not only enhance the physical education curriculum but will also support the school for two years with ongoing training and resources.

Dr. Asia Ali-Hawkins, principal of Joseph M. McVey Elementary, expressed excitement over the grant’s potential to improve students’ overall health and well-being.

“This grant from Project Fit America and GOLO will benefit our school by providing funding to enhance our physical education program,” she said. “This will lead to increased physical activity levels among students, better overall health, improved focus in the classroom, and positive effects on students’ self-esteem and social development,”

The grant is part of GOLO and Project Fit America’s broader commitment to increasing physical fitness in schools.

The program includes fitness equipment, engaging games, and activities designed to motivate students while helping them develop healthy habits. Additionally, the program is customized to meet the specific needs of the school, complementing existing physical education curricula.

This grant follows previous contributions from GOLO and Project Fit America, which have benefited John R. Downes Elementary in Newark and W.B. Simpson Elementary in Camden.

Lauren Decker, the school’s physical education teacher, expressed her enthusiasm for the new resources.

“It is my goal to teach all my students the importance of movement, teamwork, and commitment through physical education,” she said. “I love that this grant from Project Fit America and GOLO will allow me to tie in more of a fitness component to my lessons. The new equipment and lessons will be a great way to motivate students while improving their overall fitness levels.”