Lamorinda Students Score Well In Physical Fitness Tests

Lamorinda students for the most part scored well above the state average is physical fitness test results released Wednesday by the state Superintendent of Schools.

The tests given last school year measured fifth graders, seventh graders and ninth graders in six different fitness categories.

Superintendent Tom Torlakson said overall California showed slight improvement in their conditioning.

“The simple fact is that healthy kids learn better,” Torlakson said. “I’m pleased to see the slow shift toward better health continue, but we are nowhere near the end of this effort. To help them succeed in school and in life, California’s young people need more access to physical activity, fresh, healthy food and clean water.”

Patch used the body composition category to compare districts and schools. The links in the story will take you to the results of all six categories.

Statewide, 53 percent of fifth graders were listed in the Healthy Fitness Zone in body composition while 56 percent of seventh graders and 58 percent of ninth graders were at that level.

In the Acalanes Union High School District, 78 percent of ninth graders were in the healthy zone in body composition.

In the Lafayette School District, 81 percent of fifth graders and 87 percent of seventh graders scored in the healthy zone.

In the Orinda Union Elementary District, 81 percent of fifth graders and 84 percent of seventh graders were in the healthy zone.

In the Moraga Elementary District, 86 percent of fifth graders and 77 percent of seventh graders were in the healthy zone.

Moraga School Superintendent Bruce Burns said schools value fitness as a critical part of a healthy lifestyle as well as an essential component of a well-rounded education.

"The importance of dedicating time to providing physical education activities and fitness and health education are even more significant these days as students have more sedentary activities, such as television, video games, and Internet surfing," said Burns.