CMS gets moving to Achieve 225
Panthers help CMS launch new exercise and health awareness program
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools launched Achieve 225 on Sept. 18 at Greenway Park Elementary. Achieve 225 is a physical education program funded by
the United States Department of Education. More than 18,000 CMS students in 26 schools are participating this year.
The goal of Achieve 225 is to improve health and learning by ensuring each student gets 225 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity a week during
school. This activity is added to the designated 45 minutes for physical education. The program will provide a safe and inclusive environment on the
playground.
The Greenway Park students gathered in the auditorium on Sept. 18 and the Panthers’ Sir Purr and PurrCussion got the fun started with clapping, cheers
and movement. Each student who participates receives a pedometer, donated by the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association and dairy farm families
from the southeast, to keep track of the number of steps they take daily. This encourages movement not only at school, but also at home. Sir Purr received
his own Purr-dometer when a Greenway Park student presented him with one.
“I am excited to know how much I walked every day,” said Greenway Park third-grader Savannah Townsend. “I also do exercise at home, like pushups, to
get more exercise and stay healthy.”
Achieve 225 helps students understand that playing o