NATCHEZ &8212; Physical education in Natchez-Adams Schools is getting a facelift.

Starting this semester, the district will be implementing a new PE curriculum that not only restructures the lesson plans in the classroom, but also uses community support to create after school programs, open fitness centers and run summer activities.

FENCES &8212; Fitness Empowered by Nutrition, Communication and Exercise for Students &8212; and SPARK &8212;Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids &8212; are new curriculums funded by a $482,683 federal grant for three years.

Robert Lewis Middle School Principal Bettye Bell wrote a grant application for the money based on the low economic status of most of the district&8217;s children.

Natchez is the first district to implement the program, and if it succeeds the district can become a model school and may be eligible for more money, Program Coordinator Marcus White said.

This year the focus will be on RLMS and Morgantown Elementary. The remaining schools will be added to the program over the next three years.

Fitness centers in the Morgantown and RLMS gyms are scheduled to open in February. The centers will have exercise equipment including cardiovascular stations with stationary bikes, treadmills, stair steppers and games like golf, bowling and badminton. Each center will also have sound equipment and weights, White said.

The centers will be open after school and in the summer to students and the community.

In the summers, FENCES will work with the Boys & Girls Club, the mayor&8217;s office, Alcorn State University, both local hospitals and the sheriff&8217;s office to host organized summer sports including soccer, baseball, flag football, tennis and volleyball.

And in the PE classrooms, FENCES will work with teachers to write lesson plans that demonstrate competitive movements, develop motor skills and teach mental, social and emotional fitness as well as physical fitness.

&8220;The PE teachers will also play a major part,&8221; White said. &8220;We want to make the physical education department in our school district a whole lot better, give it an upgrade.&8221;

The FENCES staff &8212; White, Program Specialist Angela James and Youth Development Specialist Leon Thomas &8212; are paid through the grant. White, an ASU grad, is a certified fitness trainer.

&8220;The school district is at risk of obesity,&8221; White said. &8220;Something needs to be done to help the students be aware of their well being. We want to help our school be a healthier school.&8221;