According to Harvey Dunn P.E. teacher John Rodman, the "Hop Sports" training system has over 100 lessons built into it. "There are a lot of fitness related concepts that are taught."

Rodman has been teaching in the Sioux Falls school district for 19 years, and this year, he's trying something new. "We're combining the movement with the academic concepts. That nutritional piece is so important to combine with the physical activity," says Rodman.

The program was made possible through a United Way grant. As of this fall, its been incorporated into classes at Harvey Dunn. So far, the response has been positive. "Overall, their attitude has been great. I've thought they've put forth a really good effort," notes Rodman.  Part of the reason the school likes the program so much, is due to its wide range of physical activity. "They're working on their agility, as well as getting a good cardio workout during that ladder circuit," says Rodman.

The veteran instructor says its important to integrate physical aspects of learning with traditional academics because of its impact in other classes. "We can make the difference.  We can get the brain cells ready to go into the classrooms and learn.  So we're excited about what we can do for those academic concepts as well."