CPS partners with Web site

Aug 12, 2009

By Peggy O'Farrell • pofarrell@enquirer.com • August 12, 2009

AVONDALE - Dailen Ward's fingers click-clacking on the keyboard almost drowned out the speeches.

On the computer screen, the faster the 8-year-old typed, the faster his avatar ran toward the finish line.

Winning the virtual race at www.clevercrazes.com, Dailen said, was enough to make him want to get up and run in the real world.

And that was the point of all the grown-ups' speechifying at the front of the room.

Cincinnati Public Schools Wednesday announced they're the first school district in the U.S. to partner with Clever Crazes for Kids, a new national Web-based initiative that teaches children 6-12 the principles of physical activity, nutrition, self-esteem and "green" living.

Dianne Dunkelman, founder of Clever Crazes, said a "golden thread" links the four areas.

"If you're being bullied at school, you're not going to be out on the playground or out playing sports," she said. "You're going to be inside eating junk food to make yourself feel better."

Mary Ronan, CPS superintendent, said Clever Crazes "is a fabulous complement to our existing wellness programs."

Students, with parents' permission, can log onto the Web site and visit any of the four key areas to learn fun facts and take educational quizzes. After earning points for correct quiz answers, they can play computer games based on recycling, running, basketball and healthy food choices.

Asked which game he liked best, Dailen answered, "All of them."

By Wednesday morning, the third-grader at South Avondale had racked up more than 9,300 points. "I can make even higher," he said.

Schools earn points based on their students' participation, and schools that rack up the most points earn cash prizes to buy equipment and supplies, Dunkelman said.

The prize money is an incentive, Ronan said. "Times are tight. Our teachers do look for additional ways to buy supplies and bring resources to their classrooms," she said.

Dunkelman said schools in the Cincinnati Archdiocese will join the effort, and some charter schools are also considering it.

Dunkelman is best known as the founder of "Speaking of Women's Health," which held conventions around the United States and drew nationally-known health experts. The organization is now owned and operated by the Cleveland Clinic.