Loma Verde Principal Receives Governor's Fitness Award

Eileen Smith, principal at in Novato, has earned $1,000 for her school by being given a bronze medal from the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sports.

Smith started a mandatory early morning P.E. class for fourth graders this year that frees more classroom instruction time during regular school hours and gets students’ blood flowing so they are reading to learn. In fact, all Loma Verde students in third, fourth and fifth grades run laps before school starts each morning.

Smith leads by example, too, by riding her bike to work on most days from her home in San Rafael, a round trip of 26 miles.

According to the Governor’s Council website, Smith worked with PTA to hire a person to organize structured games and activities that are physical in nature during recess and lunch breaks. She supports the FIT Club established by the P.E. teacher that also hosts organized games and exercise during lunch recess. She also supports the Running Club and associated awards for milestones achieved.

Smith was named 2010 Principal of the Year by the Marin County School Administrators Association.