Salem schools are getting help to get kids moving and healthy.
It was announced Wednesday, the school system is one of two in the Commonwealth to get a federal grant. The $800,000 grant will help the schools institute a new physical education curriculum, get new equipment for the elementary and middle school students and even build a new fitness center at the high school.
The goal is fight the childhood obesity problem that's plaguing America. "We want kids not to just play baseball, baseball- we want them to know how to go to the gym properly, how to stretch, to know how to do life skills once they get out of P.E.," said Thomas Barber.
"Does this mean no balls, bats, no basketball," asked NEWS7's Susan Bahorich. "Oh no, you just modify it a little bit, so they're constantly moving and not realize what they're doing," said Barber.
The grant will be distributed over a three-year period. Salem was one of 76 school systems in the country to receive these federal funds. Distribution of the money is still in the planning stages.
