Twice a week Terri Blackman's sixth-grade students at Wood Gormley Elementary School get to take a break from their studies and go to physical education to run around and play games — or so they think. For 30 minutes, P.E. teacher Ted Freedman offers them a different type of learning.

"It's really important to be a person that chooses a lifestyle that is healthy," Freedman said. "I think laying the foundation in elementary school is really important."

Throughout the school year, he teaches the kids healthy habits, proper exercise and various sports. Freedman leads the kids through a yearlong running program that leads up to the Panther Run — the city's largest 5K run, 2K walk and Kids 1K fun run — that raises money for the P.E. program at Wood Gormley.

His message has hit home for former students.

"He made sports really fun, and I wanted to do more it of it when I got into middle and high school," said Rachel Tynes, a former student who is now a sophomore at Santa Fe Prep. "He really got me inspired to run."

Rachel's classmate Jorge Martinez, another former Freedman student, agrees. "I became more motivated to do sports in high school as a result of Ted's enthusiasm and passion for P.E." Jorge said.

"I really like being active and running and sports," said Tasnim Clarke, a sixth-grader at Wood Gormley. "It's my favorite subject." The P.E. program also has the benefit of teamwork.

"It's fun because you get to play all the games with your friends," Keenan Amer, a classmate of Tasnim's said. Blackman said P.E., "teaches the kids how to get along with each other and work together."

P.E.'s impact in the classroom is appreciated by students and teachers alike.

"When I am full of energy, P.E. helps me get it out so I pay more attention in class," Isaiah Martinez said.

Eliza Donahue agrees. "It just helps you think better once you have been outside," she said. This does not go unnoticed by teacher Blackman.

"I am really appreciative that the kids get a chance to get some exercise," Blackman said, "It's great for their learning, and it's great for their ability to focus in the classroom."

Freedman works to relate his class to mathematics, social studies, global awareness and health, providing student with a strong academic footing. The program also includes three visits from the Santa Fe-based AmeriKenyan Running Club.

"These are some of the best runners in the world," Freedman said, and they come and run with the students. Not only does it help improve technique, but it also serves as a cultural lesson.

Every year, besides building the students' knowledge, Freedman builds the students' fitness in a running program that steadily increases in distance with the students' abilities as the year progresses.

While the Panther Run is a fun way to finish the program, Freedman said it's more than just a race. Freeman said it's as a symbol of fitness and exercise in the community and shows how P.E. provides students with a chance to exercise, learn and become responsible citizens.

The school's physical-education program is supported entirely from fundraising by the parents and students.

The fifth annual Panther Run takes place at 8 a.m. April 25. Anyone interested in running or walking in the event can register at active.com or pick up a registration form at the school, 141 E. Booth St.



Alex Wirth is a sophomore at Santa Fe Prep. You can reach him at AlxWirth@gmail.com.