Aug 29, 2008 6:55 pm US/Eastern
New School Centers Around Physical Education
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
Staying fit mentally and physically and developing socially and emotionally are the goals of Baltimore City's new Afya Public Charter School in Northeast Baltimore.
"Afya means health in Swahili. The most important thing if there is to be a fit student is action," Will McKenna, school founder and principal, told Richard Sher.
At Afya, the 110 6th graders have 70 minutes of physical education every day.
"Knowing the situation in Baltimore, Will McKenna and I felt there was a need for this kind of school in the city, where students who work hard can enter the high school of their choice," said co-founder Pat Njenga.
"I know not a lot of kids in the city are getting the chance to develop this kind of physical and emotional stability," said Ashelle Henry, student.
The school has partnered with Baltimore's Union Memorial Hospital, which will be assessing the health of each of the students, and is available to them for any physical or emotional issues.
Afya shares space with the Green School for 110 K-4th graders with emphasis on environmental matters.
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