Gowanda Elementary School is set to enhance its Physical Education (PE) offerings thanks to a generous grant from the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences at San Diego State University, provided through SPARK. Gowanda Elementary is one of only 11 schools nationwide to receive this grant, which aims to invigorate PE programs with new equipment and training resources. 

The grant, valued at $3,304.23, was secured through the efforts of Gowanda teacher and coach David Bolen and student-teacher Tyler Regan from St. Bonaventure University. Regan played a crucial role in gathering information and crafting the successful application for the SPARK Equity Award in early 2024. 

Bolen expressed his enthusiasm for the impact the grant will have on the school’s PE program. “This equipment will refresh some of our well-loved, frequently used gear and support a diverse range of activities,” he explained. The new resources will be utilized throughout the 2024-2025 academic year and include a variety of items such as cones with cone displays, poly-spots, bean bags, foam balls, and a 24-foot parachute. 

In addition to the physical equipment, Gowanda Elementary will benefit from SPARK’s Inclusive PE Guidebook and curriculum materials, which align with national standards. These resources are designed to support the teaching of fundamental skills such as dribbling, overhead throws, passing, and setting. Bolen is particularly eager to integrate these tools into daily lessons, noting their potential to improve students’ coordination, team-building, cooperative skills, and overall sports involvement. 

The grant also provides access to SPARK K-2 PE Set 3 Curriculum and an inclusive guidebook in both digital and print formats. Furthermore, Gowanda Elementary staff will receive 16 credits of SPARKecademy online training, which will equip them with the knowledge and techniques needed to effectively implement the new curriculum and equipment. 

Bolen and his colleagues are looking forward to completing the online training and applying their newfound skills to enhance the PE experience for their students. The infusion of new equipment and educational materials promises to foster a more engaging and comprehensive physical education program at Gowanda Elementary, benefiting students well into the future.