October 1, 2009

Dear Parents/Guardians,

The Texas Education Agency has mandated annual fitness testing for the state of Texas for all students 3^rd-12^th grades.  The TEA has selected FITNESSGRAM to serve as the state-wide fitness assessment tool in which all school districts will administer the required tests.

FITNESSGRAM was developed by The Cooper Institute to facilitate communicating fitness testing results to students and parents.  The assessment measures three components of health-related physical fitness using criterion referenced standards, called Healthy Fitness zones, to determine students’ fitness levels based on what is optimal for good health.  The three components that have been identified as important to overall health and function: aerobic capacity; body composition; and muscular strength, endurance and flexibility.

All students must be tested each school year.  It is highly recommended that each student bring comfortable attire and gym shoes for the testing day.

 Parents may request results of 3^rd - 8^th grade students on the dates listed below.  High school students will be able to access their results from their net books once all students have completed the test.  Composite results for Northwest ISD will be sent to the Texas Education Agency as required by law.

Testing Calendar

Please contact Teresa Smith at 817-215-0309, if you have any further questions in regards to the fitness testing or visit http://www.fitnessgram.net/faqparents/for a sample student report and answers to common questions about Fitnessgram.

Sincerely,

Susan Elza

Executive Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics