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Civic Memorial unveils data-driven weight-fit program and mindfulness PE to support athlete well-being
Summary
Civic Memorial PE staff described a new velocity-based training system that tracks movement and daily mental-health check-ins; presenters reported 22 referrals since implementation and tied earlier grant funding to the program's rollout.
Civic Memorial PE staff told the Bethalto CUSD 8 board they have rolled out a data-driven 'weight-fit' program that uses a velocity-based system to track athletes' bar speed, vertical jump and movement angles and to surface physical and mental-health concerns.
A presenter described the Output Sports app and wearable devices used by student athletes, saying the system "tracks bar speed. It tracks how high they jump. It tracks the angle…" Staff emphasized a shift from "grind until failure" training to load-management and individualized training zones. The presenter added the program is used as an early-warning tool: "We implemented this system at the beginning of second semester. We have had 22 referrals, five of whom were [used] to start a new 504/IEP or provide additional supports, and two of whom had serious mental-health issues that we were able to get additional supports outside of school."
Presenters said the device also supports daily SEL check-ins — brief five-question mental-health prompts completed before workouts — and that coaches, athletic trainers and the district MTSS team review the results. They described partnerships with in-house athletic trainers and an Optimum Nutrition sponsorship that supplies discounted protein and classroom access to supplements funded in part through fundraising cards.
Separately, staff described a 'mindfulness PE' pull-out for students identified as at risk, aimed at communication, trust-building and leadership practice. The presenters also summarized policy changes around dress-out infractions, shifting toward reflective and restorative consequences and reporting that dress-cut incidents decreased from about 290 in fall 2023 to around 97 in fall 2024 after policy changes and supports were implemented.
The board did not take a separate vote on the program; presenters said the program was initially funded through a social-emotional well-being grant that the district hopes will be renewed based on the data it produces.
