We at Heart Zones are thrilled to extend our biggest congratulations to Matt Barrows, a Physical Education teacher at Rising Hill Elementary in the North Kansas City School District, who was just named Missouri's Elementary PE Teacher of the Year!
This incredible recognition is a testament to Matt's dedication to building a next-generation PE program, and we are proud to be a part of his story.
Shifting the Focus from Competition to Personal Health
Gone are the days when PE was just about dodgeball or running laps. The new standard for physical education—the standard Matt Barrows champions every day—is about inclusion, personal effort, and building healthy habits that last a lifetime.
This award honors educators who innovate and ensure every student feels successful, regardless of their athletic ability. It’s about teaching students to understand their own bodies and find joy in movement.
This modern approach requires modern tools. That’s why we’re so excited that Matt recently brought the Heart Zones Move Solution to Rising Hill Elementary.
The Heart Zones Solution: Data-Driven PE
For PE teachers and school staff looking to elevate their programs, Matt Barrow's classroom is a perfect example of PE technology in action. You can see his innovative approach for yourself and hear directly from his students about how this technology changes their PE experience.
The Heart Zones Move Solution helps educators and students move beyond guesswork and into data-driven results. By using our simple, accurate heart rate monitors, students get real-time, visual feedback on their effort levels.
Easy to Use, Even for Kindergartners!
Rising Hill Elementary kindergartners can wear and understand their Heart Zones' heart monitors! 5 & 6 year old students immediately connected how exercise elevates the HR, and how breathing and focus can lower it.
- It Empowers Students: Kids learn to see and understand their heart rate, connecting their movement to their health.
- It Promotes Personal Bests: The focus shifts from competing against others to achieving personal goals.
- It Makes PE Inclusive: It levels the playing field, allowing every student to be recognized for their effort, not just their speed or skill.
- It Provides Proof: Teachers can easily track participation, effort, and standards-based progress for their entire class.
Get the Same Tools as Missouri's Best
Matt Barrows is setting a new standard for physical education in Missouri, and we are honored that he chose the Heart Zones Move Solution to help him do it. His work proves that when you equip a great teacher with the right technology, you create an environment where every student can succeed.
Congratulations again to Matt Barrows and the entire Rising Hill Elementary community!
Are you an educator looking to bring data-driven, inclusive PE technology to your school? Sign up for a free demo to learn more about the Heart Zones Move Solution and see how you can empower your students, just like Missouri's Teacher of the Year.