MORE THAN 150 SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO UTILIZE CURRICULUM

More than 130 teachers from around Wisconsin descended upon Lambeau Field Tuesday, Aug. 15, for a 'Fit Kids' training session and left Green Bay excited and prepared to take the program back to their school districts.

'Fit Kids,' a year-long educational program for fourth graders that focuses on nutritional, physical and social health of children, was developed in 2004 for the Green Bay School District. Several other districts adopted the program for the 2005-06 school year, and in 2006-07, the program is being rolled out statewide to more than 150 school districts with thousands of students receiving the benefit of the successful curriculum.

"We're thrilled to take 'Fit Kids' statewide this school year," said Packers President/COO John Jones. "It's been a successful program in the schools that have used it the past two years and it will be great to see more students and teachers participate. We are very appreciative of our wonderful teachers and the job they do with Wisconsin youth."

"We are excited to share 'Fit Kids' with the rest of the state of Wisconsin," said Green Bay Area Public School District Superintendent Daniel Nerad. "Given the percentage of kids that are overweight today, a program such as 'Fit Kids' will help reverse that trend. 'Fit Kids' was developed by educators, with a focus on fun for fourth grade students while making small changes at a time."

Jamie Graper, a physical education teacher from Howe Elementary School in Wisconsin Rapids, is excited to take the program to her students.

"The influence of the Packers organization and the players is truly motivating for the kids," she said Tuesday after receiving training. "I can't wait for school to start. I really see it as not just another thing to do. The way it is organized is amazing. The kids will respond."

A joint effort between the Green Bay Packers, CBS 5 WFRV-TV, the Green Bay Area Public School District and the Karma Group, 'Fit Kids' each month covers a theme introduced via video by a Packers player. The themes are Get Together, Get Out, Get Fueled, Get Cooking, Get Moving, Get Bendy, Get Happy and Get Fit.

'Fit Kids' in 2005 received a Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (WBA) excellence award for the 2004 pilot program.