Lake County Gazette

This fall, John David, Life Fitness Department Chair at Grayslake Central High School, will be recognized by the Northeastern District of the Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (NED IAHPERD) after securing a grant that has brought new equipment to students.

The grant funded two additional sets of 9 Square in the Air, a game combining aspects of volleyball and four square. With three full sets now available at Grayslake Central, up to 27 students can participate simultaneously.

“It is fast-paced, so even when someone gets knocked out, they have a short wait to get back in,” David explained. “After attending a national convention and seeing this game played, I knew it would be a great addition to our curriculum and something students of all skill levels would enjoy.”

David emphasized that the grant is about more than adding a new activity. He said it expands access to movement and variety in physical education during an important time for high school students’ development.

“I am always on the lookout to increase the activities and opportunities we give our students, and grants are a great way to supplement that,” said David. “Our school year can be long, and equipment is expensive. Having as much equipment as possible allows us to offer a plethora of games for our students. The more options, the better.”

He noted that research supports movement breaks throughout the school day as beneficial for mental resets, stress reduction, improved attention and memory, and stronger social connections.

The application process took just over an hour according to David. It included providing rationale for the purchase along with alignment to PE standards and an implementation plan. Waiting for a vendor quote was the most time-consuming part.

“Whenever I receive a grant, I am so excited because again, I know our students are going to enjoy the activities,” David said. “The ability to add such equipment without it impacting the budget is huge because most of that other money is earmarked for repairs, maintenance, and replenishment.”

David will be officially honored at the NED IAHPERD Banquet in October.

“Our Life Fitness team at Grayslake Central values high engagement and participation from our students, and they are just ecstatic to be able to provide these opportunities,” David said. “Don’t be surprised if you see one of them jump into a game and show their skills!”

Grayslake Central High School is part of Grayslake Community High School District 127 in Lake County alongside Grayslake North High School https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/. According to data from the Illinois State Board of Education https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/, District 127 employs 195 teachers with an average salary of $79,647; nearly 60 percent are women while just over 40 percent are men. The district reports no teachers with more than ten absences per year.

Demographically https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/, District 127’s student population is about 58 percent White, 25 percent Hispanic, seven percent Asian and four percent Black. In fiscal year 2020 https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/, spending per student was $31,874 with total expenditures reaching $88 million.