A new fitness room at A. J. Smeltzer Junior High School is doing just what it was designed to do – attract students who normally don’t participate in Phys. Ed. class or intramurals, says Phys. Ed. teacher Mary Veinotte. Since it first opened in November, students who usually are not seen in the gym have been filling up the lunch and after-school time slots.

The art class has also caught the excitement, and will be creating large motivational posters for the walls. 

While visiting the Fitness Room, the Halifax Regional School Board’s Sport Animator, offered assistance to one student just beginning his weight strengthening session. 

Ms. Veinotte and Mr. Henneberry are to be complimented for all their efforts to support physical activity at A.J. Smeltzer. Mr. Henneberry has even changed the school time table to accommodate up to 120 minutes of physical education per cycle.
 

             
With funds from a Health Promoting School Grant, Principal Pat Henneberry was able to shop around to find great deals on equipment. What was once an empty classroom at A.J. Smeltzer, now contains stationary bikes, treadmills, two weight benches, elliptical trainer, an exercise ball, yoga mats, and a TV/VCR combo.