After being cooped up in classrooms, most elementary children eagerly anticipate their physical education classes so they can unwind.  Coaches are always looking for new ways to motivate and to keep the kids busy.  Before visiting the school last week, I already knew that coach Michael Kauzlarich is a well-organized and no-nonsense PE teacher.  He is a staunch believer in physical fitness and health.

            Even before I entered the Putnam County Elementary School’s gymnasium, I could hear the many happy and excited children participating in an activity.  Upon entering the gymn, the place looked more like a bowling alley.

            The large class of 1^st and 3^rd graders was divided into five separate groups on each side of the basketball court.  On the one side, three red mats with painted locations for regulation size pins were taped to the floor.  Behind the mats, lightweight portable stoppers were placed to stop the ball and to keep the pins contained to a smaller area.  When pins were knocked down, the pinsetters returned them to the mat and returned the balls by rolling them to the other side of the court.  There were white baskets for the pins and a rack for the balls.

            Across the court five teams of bowlers were taking turns rolling their standard size balls at the pins.  There was instant jubilation when pins were knocked down.

            Coach “K,” as the kids all call him because they have difficulty pronouncing his name, explains, “We have six complete sets.  Two sets came with those long carpets with actual bowling alley markings on them.  Those cost three hundred dollars apiece.  That’s why we have the red mats.  The third graders are helping the first graders.

            After we watch the kids for awhile, Coach K adds, “As you can see, the groups are learning the value of cooperation and teamwork.  There are ball returners and pin setters.  This year the kids will be introduced to bowling.  Next year, the upper classes will learn how to score.  The two carpets are the actual width of an alley, and they show the kids what a lane looks like.”

            The six sets only recently arrived and Coach K explains, “I’ve tried to order them since I’ve been here, but budget conditions wouldn’t permit the purchase.  I can understand that.

            “Sometime ago the Parents and Teachers organization approached me and asked what I’d like to have for the kids.  The reason I picked bowling is because it is a lifetime sport and it affords kids another recreational choice.  Anyway, the PTO ordered the six sets, and I’m extremely grateful.”

            Though I’d heard that the PTO did things for the school, I wasn’t aware of their specific involvement until that day.  Young parents belong to the organization for the purpose of helping teachers better educate their children.  Since the Elementary Book Fair is one of their fund-raisers and was going on in the school, Coach K took me to their room.

            Three young PTO mothers were in the room promoting the Book Fair.  Traci Busker is the president of PTO.  Asked about fund-raisers, she answers, “Besides Book Fair, we have Family Fun Nights, Mini-Midget Basketball and Dippin’ Dots.  Everything we make goes back to the school.  Let me also say that Coach K does a lot for PTO.”

            “Don’t put that in the paper,” Coach K directs.  “What you can do is tell the public that the PTO would appreciate donations.”  Sometimes I listen to directions, and sometimes I do not.  That attitude comes with old age.

            Our local PTO consists of all volunteers.  The bowling equipment is only one example of what these young parents do for our school.  They care about the education our future Midgets receive.  If you have an opportunity to donate to their cause, they’ll be grateful.