Roosevelt ranked second among the lowest percentage of at risk or overweight students, according to the BMI survey.

Hatfield said it's important for children to develop fitness routines and exercise.

"They should be doing that at home and when they are in high school," she said.

Hatfield said each physical education begins with stretches, sit-ups, push-ups and a little bit of running. "We take time out of the lesson to make sure they get that in," she said. "I try not to make it a pressure but a fun thing."

Last year, Roosevelt Elementary PTA purchased a rock climbing wall that promotes staying active and having fun at the same time.

"We use it a lot in stations, and we got more equipment," Hatfield said, adding that the extra equipment will be used to incorporate more activities.

Jefferson Elementary physical education teacher Nan Schuchman said students undergo fitness testing in fall and spring semesters. A walking program takes place Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

"Students are able to walk in the gym for 15 minutes, and our incentive is after they complete 5 miles, they get a toe token and their name is read at the weekly assembly," Schuchman said.

She said Jefferson students visit physical education class every other school day.

"We are always promoting physical activity in class and during recess as well," she said.

Schuchman said she talks about lifelong goals with children and mentions ways for kids to stay healthy and eat nutritious food.

"We provide lists of healthy snacks they can have during break time," she said.

Howard said the State Department of Health has introduced a pilot program known as CATCH to Kennedy Elementary's after school program. The acronym stands for Coordinated Approach to Child Health.

Every Tuesday, students receive a nutrition lesson followed by exercise, she said.

CATCH is a two-year program and the second year just began, Howard said. Once it is evaluated, the course could be taken statewide.