Dance workout may be part of gym class
BY REBECCA MORTON
Staff Writer

MARLBORO - Students at both of Marlboro's middle schools will become part of the revolution, Dance Dance Revolution (DDR), that is. The Board of Education was expected to approve the implementation of the new physical education program at its meeting on July 17.

The DDR physical education initiative was discussed at the board's workshop meeting on July 10. At that meeting James McCann, vice principal of the Marlboro Middle School, and physical education teacher Eric Jay gave a presentation on the benefits of the game that gets people moving to the beat.

The panel's interest in DDR was sparked when board member Cynthia Green read an article discussing its benefits.

McCann and Jay looked into the matter and found that the game has already been initiated at Manalapan and Jackson schools, both of which reported success.

"Kids pay to play it on the boardwalk, but they'll get it for free at school," McCann told the board.

In DDR, a player stands on a stomp pad with arrows that point in different directions. As music plays, the player follows the arrows that are displayed on a television screen in order to know where to move. The momentum of the music gets people hopping and bouncing.

"Kids are excited, moving, and really enjoying it while getting a good cardiovascular workout," McCann explained.

The Marlboro Middle School and the Marlboro Memorial Middle School will follow the model of Jackson schools, having rows of pads along the gym floor. Two metal pads in the front will be connected to a Play Station unit. The metal pads will be the main controllers which actually maintain the student's score. The other rows will not be hooked to the game, but will still entertain the other students while they take turns on the unit.

"DDR is another move forward in our schools promoting an active lifestyle," McCann said.

Board member Michael Lilonsky asked if it would be mandatory for all students to participate on the front pads, as some youngsters may not be as coordinated as others.

The answer that was given was yes, and it was stated that the students will improve their moves especially while they are practicing on the warm-up pads.

Green and Superintendent of Schools David Abbott said the children will most likely not care what others think as they will be more focused on their own score.

One point stressed during the presentation is that the game is good for everyone. It is something that anyone can excel in, regardless of the athletic ability they may possess.

"My son and his friends did this for a while. Most of them were good athletes, but his one friend really wasn't coordinated. He was better than the rest of them," Business Administrator Cindy Barr-Rague said.

Another item discussed at the workshop meeting was the review of a policy on the use of school facilities. This policy is being rewritten to allow use by profit and not-for-profit organizations. There have been several previous discussions on this topic.

A few points were discussed for clarification involving prices. Board President Terry Spilken asked that the document be prepared for the July 17 meeting and also reminded his fellow board members and the public that it is still a draft that can be changed. The board was expected to present the policy to the public last night.

The board members also discussed the instillation of new districtwide telephone system. One benefit of the new system would be voice mail to everyone including teachers, allowing parents to leave a message directly with their child's teacher. A layout of pricing and a projected time-line were requested for the July 17 meeting.