Fitness Fridays Score Big

The early bird not only catches the worm, but catches the ball.  Our very first Fitness Friday took place on 1/17/14 (this week featuring a friendly but fierce volleyball workout, with other activities to come). First serve was at a nice-and-early 7:30, and Camp Friendship sure was getting everyone’s blood pumping.

Councilman Brad Lander, Colorado Rockies pitcher Adam Ottavino,  PS 39 teacher Eve Ottavino

PS 39’s Wellness Council believes in the benefits of moderate exercise before school, which contributes to the young brain’s ability to focus and process information (many studies show a relationship between morning exercise and brain power). That goes for moms and dads as well as kids.

Our own PE teacher, Ms. Deedrick

Also, Fitness Fridays are in response to our budget’s lack of physical education funding (our kids only get part-time gym class). As part of our steadfast commitment to fitness, we received a grant from the Department of Education for this ten-week mini-Olympics.

Principal De Paz, Assemblyman Jim Brennan, students

If over 100 families attending weren’t awesome enough, our event also had a special guest:  Colorado Rockies pitcher Adam Ottavino, who happens to be a Park Slope native and PS 39 alum, as well as the son of 
PS 39 4^th grade teacher Ms. Eve Ottavino. 

The media was on hand as well: thanks to BK News12 and DNAinfo for their interest in the story. This is a slam-dunk for our Lisa Hoffman, PTA leader of PS 39’s Wellness Council and for our awesome principal, Anita De Paz. As well, big thanks go to NY State Assemblyman Jim Brennan and City Councilman Brad Lander for their support and willingness to jump in and play volleyball with our families.


Be there for the remaining Fitness Fridays at Camp Friendship, 339 8^th Street (between 5^th and 6^th Streets).  Please remember to RSVP each week so we can manage attendance and make the events worthwhile for all who come out bright and early to participate!

As Nike says, “Just do it!”

by Ron Sklar, reporter at large