It took both vision and bold leadership for a school district to fully equip every Physical Education program with advanced fitness technology. But that’s exactly what the Sauk Prairie School District in Wisconsin did, put student health and innovation first. And once they made that leap, success followed.
Funding came from a variety of sources, including district budgets, parent organizations, local hospitals and foundations, community grants, and Wisconsin Health and Physical Education Grants. If your school or district is exploring funding options, Sauk Prairie’s approach is a great example to learn from. If you need more funding resources and ideas, like Sauk Prairie used, find them here!
Curious how it’s going now? We asked Sauk Prairie students and teachers to share their experiences using Heart Zones. Watch and read their stories below!
Sauk Prairie school district shares about using heart rate monitors in PE
Why did you choose the Heart Zones Move Solution?
Eric Scheunemann and Jacob Breunig, the PE instructors at Grand Avenue Elementary, were introduced to the technology by a parent who was using it in another district and they loved the ease of use, automatically stored data, and communication with parents. Plus there are no recurring costs!
What is the most important feature of Heart Zones Move?
One of the big reasons the Sauk Prairie District decided to purchase Heart Zones' physical education technology was cost. The manageable cost of Heart Zones, compared to other companies that may charge a yearly subscription fee, remains of their most attractive qualities. Eric and Jacob also appreciate the versatility Heart Zones offers and how the big board allows the students to see their heart rate data live.
what do the kids like most about heart zones?
" That they can immediately see how hard they are working in class and can get to know their heart health better. This translates to heart rate awareness outside of the classroom as well. "
What have teachers enjoyed most about using Heart Zones?
That we get to know our students better because we can see changes in their heart rate which leads to conversations about how factors inside and outside of the classroom can impact their heart rate.
The Sauk Prairie district PE teachers also enjoy that Heart Zones Move technology allows them to "teach movement skills and health concepts simultaneously." Eric and Jacob have also enjoyed watching their students "be able to learn more about their own heart, something relevant to them."
They have noticed that the kids are actually "excited to wear the heart rate monitors in class." Most of all, Jacob and Eric love talking with their students about the 5 heart rate zones and the importance of each.
" Students now move with purpose. Not only are we encouraging and helping students spend time in moderate/vigorous physical activity but we are also teaching them about recovery heart rate and waiting for them to lower their heart rates before we give instructions. "
For the Sauk Prairie School District PE teachers, using the Heart Zones Move Solution allows them to know their students individually and therefore challenge, encourage, and support them individually in a whole class setting. The Sauk Prairie PE teachers share below how they have also been using the heart rate monitors to push the boundaries of physical education:
We have used the heart rate monitors outside the traditional PE classroom too. We often will use them while working with students with special needs, whether that is figuring out a way to help a student with limited mobility raise their heart rate or if it is while working with a student in the pool when they are the most active of their entire day. We have also used the heart rate monitors during activity breaks for students to help us ensure we are helping the student get a productive break.
PE teacher, Jeff Johnson, and students using Heart Zones at River Valley Middle School, another local Wisconsin school
Testimonials
" Students see their heart rates while exercising and learn the benefits of being in a healthy zone. This transfers outside the gym and encourages kids to want to be active. "
" Heart Zones has completely changed how our teachers instruct our students in physical education. It has also motivated and engaged our students to become more aware of the components of a healthy heart and their bodies as a whole. "
" Using the heart rate monitors helps me know what activities help me raise my heart rate. "
" Our children know how to identify a healthy resting heart rate for their age. The emailed reports have led to some great home discussions... What our kids are learning about heart health will benefit them for the rest of their lives. "
" The heart rate monitors allow me to see how active I am. "
Learn from the Sauk Prairie School District
If you have any questions, please contact Eric Scheunemann or Jacob Breunig as they would love to share more about their experience with Heart Zones. As a model school, Grand Avenue Elementary School is a great location to visit for any schools considering a Heart Zones Move Solution for themselves.
Jacob Breunig
Grand Avenue PE Teacher
Jacob Breunig has been a Physical Education teacher for 14 years with 12 in Sauk Prairie. He enjoys working with K-5 students. In his spare time he enjoys coaching soccer and basketball and bowhunting.
Eric Scheunemann
Grand Avenue PE Teacher
Eric Scheunemann has been serving the Sauk Prairie School District as a Elementary Physical Education Teacher for 12 years. He enjoys spending time with his family and being outdoors. Especially hiking, fishing, or hunting. You can follow Eric on Twitter via @ScheuEric.