Spring Branch ISD Featured News

 

In partnership with the National Football League, the American Heart Association announced that Sherwood Elementary in Spring Branch ISD is one of 34 schools in the country to receive a $1,000 grant to support students’ physical activities.

The grant winners were announced in an AHA Fitness Break video broadcast ahead of the 2025 Super Bowl. Each award represents an NFL team, and Sherwood’s honor was given in the name of the Houston Texans.

Qualified!

Sherwood participates in the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge each year, incorporating tips and activities focused on healthy living, along with an online site where students can encourage family and friends to donate to the organization.

The NFL PLAY 60 grant program recognizes schools that commit to getting students moving for at least 60 minutes a day, participate in the Daily Movement Moment Challenge, and support the fundraising and heart health education efforts of the American Heart Association. Students who participate are designated Heart Heroes by the AHA.

“When students come to the gym, I have them for 50 minutes at a time,” said Sherwood health fitness teacher Megan Carpenter. “I try to keep them active and moving as much as possible while they’re with me. I like to encourage all of my students, especially those who have sports and activities outside of school, to keep moving and stay active.”

“At the American Heart Association, our future is all about improving yours,” said AHA Chief Executive Officer Nancy Brown. “For 18 years, the American Heart Association and the NFL have teamed up to inspire kids to get moving to support their overall wellness by pairing fun with health fundamentals to drive lifelong wellness through NFL PLAY 60.”

Floored!

Carpenter was surprised when notified that Sherwood was one of 34 schools in the country to receive the NFL PLAY 60 grant.

“I was floored when I found out and so thankful,” she said. “I’ve been slowly trying to replace old equipment and acquire more things my students might enjoy. I want them to love different forms of exercise and new activities.”

With part of the grant funds, she plans to buy bucket drums and drumsticks for a program called Drum Fit.

“It’s a great workout—lunges, squats, stretching, jumping, bending—all while having fun to music,” Carpenter said.

She also will be able to purchase basic exercise equipment for her older students to start some easy strength training, using resistance bands in addition to the body-weight exercises they currently practice.

Home Away From Home

Sherwood Elementary is currently housed at the South Transition Center while the school’s campus is being rebuilt as part of the SBISD 2017 Bond program.

“The temporary location is wonderful,” Carpenter said. “At first, I was overwhelmed by the massive size of the rubber floor gym that we borrow from Westchester Academy, but I have learned to make the space work for us.

“I’m definitely excited for our new building to open in a couple of years, though,” she added.

Congratulations to the Sherwood Eagles, who are now more aware than ever that practicing heart health really pays off!

#SBISDProud