OMG- an observation of the fitness of our sixth graders

Oh my goodness. At my school, we have three days of Activity Days in the spring ("Field Day")- one for 6th grade, one for 7th, and one for 8th. In the past, when I taught elementary school, it was similar- usually one or two grades had field day at a time.

As a "connections teacher," I am on the team that runs the show. My job for the last three years has been that of "recorder"- I stand at the finish line and record who comes in first, second, etc.

So... In all my years of field day, I have never experienced anything like today.

Ah, and for the record, it was NOT too hot- it is gorgeous outside- sunny and warm with a nice breeze all morning!!

First event: First group of boys 400 meter run. One student gets dizzy and lays down. Second event:

Second group 400m boys. Student who comes in second immediately falls to the ground and siezes. He has a history of seizures and probably should not have been slated to run- but he signed himself up and the teacher let him. An ambulance is called for him. EMT looks at kid#1 and calls for backup to take care of him. Both are taken away.

At this point, we'd halted the events- kids and teachers waiting in the stands while the ambulances clear out. A good HOUR of down time.

Word spreads that kid #1 didn't eat any breakfast. Kids are grilled and those who didn't eat breakfast are told they will not participate in any running events.

The decision is made to skip the rest of the 400 meter (one lap around the track) and 100 meter (one straight-away) races and go for the 4x100 relay. Many kids (and a few parents who came to watch) are very disappointed to miss their events.

Relays: three more kids end up laying in the shade with their feet up being attended to by the nurse.

Obstacle course: two more kids down!

The final event was tug-o-war. Several kids were CARRIED INTO THE BUILDING!

When I got inside, there was one ambulance already there, one on the way, and they were calling for another! There were three kids laid up in the conference room- three in the clinic- and two in the office.

What the hell???

Some teachers are saying that after the first one (the epileptic) that most of the rest were just drama-cases and attention-seekers. (If this is the case, I hope they get their butt beat for 1) ruining it for everyone else and 2) making their parents pay for a ride in an ambulance and trip to the ER!)

Some teachers are saying that many of them had no water- and worse, that many drank lots of soda, coffee, and ENERGY DRINKS this morning. Seriously people- DO NOT LET YOUR 12 year olds have energy drinks. Really.

Some are saying that the kids didn't eat properly and that it was a blood sugar issue.

Many are saying that it's the fact that they are not used to PLAYING, RUNNING, or simply exerting themselves at all. That they are not used to being outside.

Whatever the reason, it's quite ridiculous. Seriously? 13 students requiring an ambulance at field day? No bones broken, no fights... just falling out?

Sheesh.