More Than a Field Day
- 12 hours ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
How BCE-funded physical education teachers help Burlingame students build confidence and healthy habits that last a lifetime.
On a sunny spring morning at Lincoln Elementary School, students raced across the field, cheered on their classmates, and took turns at stations that included tug-of-war, parachute games, races, and kickball. For many students, Field Day is one of the most anticipated traditions of the school year. It is a day filled with movement, laughter, teamwork, and school spirit.
What students may not realize is that the skills they showcase on Field Day are the result of months of learning, encouragement, and practice guided by the physical education teachers who work with them throughout the year. As students at Roosevelt and Washington celebrated their Field Days on June 9 and McKinley students jump into action on June 10, these celebrations offer an opportunity to recognize an important program that touches the lives of every elementary student in Burlingame.
Physical education is a core part of the student experience in Burlingame schools, but it is not something families can take for granted. While events like Field Day may feel like a longstanding part of elementary school life, the dedicated PE teachers who make them possible are not guaranteed. In fact, a 2019 statewide study found that approximately half of California school districts did not employ any elementary PE teachers. While classroom teachers are funded through state and local education dollars, dedicated elementary physical education teachers are not fully funded through those same sources. In many California school districts, classroom teachers are responsible for providing PE instruction themselves while also managing the demands of every other academic subject. As a result, students often receive less instructional time, fewer opportunities to develop diverse physical skills, and less exposure to activities that can help them discover a lifelong love of movement.
In Burlingame, funds from BCE help ensure that every elementary student has access to a credentialed physical education teacher. Burlingame School District includes PE teachers as an internal staff position, rather than outsourcing to programs like Legarza or Playworks as is the practice in some neighboring districts. Through BCE's annual grant to the Burlingame School District, students benefit from specialized instruction designed to build physical literacy, confidence, teamwork, and healthy habits.
For physical education teachers, helping students discover the joy of movement is often the most rewarding part of the job. At Burlingame Intermediate School, Physical Education teacher Marisol Visalli has spent the past 12 years creating an environment where students feel comfortable trying new things, supporting one another, and developing a positive relationship with physical activity.
"I am a fun maker," Visalli said with a smile. "My job boils down to making sure students have fun with the learning and activities. If they are not enjoying themselves, they are more likely to develop a negative association with moving their bodies. I want them to be open to trying new things, encourage all ability levels, and proactively live a healthy life."
Visalli believes physical education should help students focus on what their bodies can do rather than how they look. Throughout the year, she introduces activities that many students have never experienced before, including dance and non-traditional sports, creating opportunities for students with a wide range of interests and abilities to find success.
That philosophy is shared by educators throughout the district. John Emig, another BIS PE teacher, traces his own love of movement back to his elementary school years. "Like many students, being active was my favorite part of the day," Emig said. "It gave me a space to build confidence and relationships, learn teamwork and social responsibility, and discover what my body could do." Today, he strives to create those same opportunities for his students.
"Through physical education, students are not just learning sports," Emig said. "They are learning communication, empathy, perseverance, and how to support one another. Those are lessons that carry far beyond the field, blacktop, and gymnasium." The impact of physical education extends well beyond school hours. Students gain skills that help them participate in community sports, recreational programs, and create the foundation for active lifestyles. They learn how to work with teammates, overcome challenges, and develop healthy habits that support both physical and mental well-being.
For BCE Co-President Pooja Shah, who is also a McKinley parent, that lasting impact is one of the reasons the program matters so much. "A high-quality PE program is about so much more than exercise. Our dedicated PE teachers help students build healthy habits while teaching teamwork, resilience, leadership, and confidence. These are life skills that benefit every child, every day, both inside and outside the classroom."
How You Can Help
As another school year comes to a close, Field Day serves as a reminder that education extends beyond the classroom walls. Programs like physical education help students develop the skills, habits, and confidence they need to thrive both in school and in life. Through its annual grant to the Burlingame School District, BCE helps fund dedicated physical education teachers at every elementary school and for sixth grade at BIS, along with music, performing arts, world languages, and other enriching programs that support student success. If you believe every student deserves access to these opportunities, please consider making a donation to BCE. Your support helps ensure that Burlingame students continue to benefit from the programs that make our schools exceptional.
Our suggested donation amount is $2,000 per student, but every dollar makes a difference. Consider joining our Scholars Circle by making a donation of $4,000 or more.
