Thanks to the hard work and passion of Board Member Katherine Nakamura, our board’s efforts to secure state approval of physical education credit for our marching band and JROTC students took a giant step forward this week. AB 351, introduced by Assembly member Mary Salas, was approved by the Assembly Committee on Education on April 1.

Thanks to Katherine’s efforts, support from SDUSD Legislative Affairs Manager Monica Henestroza, and a strong presentation by students and teachers, the Assembly Committee heard all about these programs and the benefits they provide to our students in both physical exercise and educational value. This committee approval paves the way for the bill to be heard by the full Assembly in the next few weeks.

On behalf of our students, the district appreciates the support of Assembly Member Mary Salas who authored the bill and spoke passionately and effectively on its behalf. She truly believes in the importance of AB 351 for every student in California. Her staff was also terrific in their support and enthusiasm. Her hard work, effective outreach and ever-evolving understanding of the details that encompass all of these programs has made all of the difference.

Several students travelled to Sacramento for the hearing and participated in meetings with legislators and spoke at the hearing session. Adrian Bacong, president of the Mira Mesa High School marching band and a senior who will be majoring in neurosciences at UCLA in the fall, was one of five speakers to directly address the Committee on Education. His knowledge of biology and explanation of musician respiration rates and the core strength required in marching band impressed everyone who listened. Kassandra Cardenas, a sophomore at Lincoln High School and a flutist, gave a very soft-spoken description of how much marching band had done for her breathing and her aerobic capacity. Kayla Sivak, a freshman at Henry High School and also a flutist, was very articulate and crafted each of her arguments like a professional, speaking of her experiences as a Lacrosse athlete and her experience in marching band. Naomi Cawthorne, a freshman at Henry High School and a clarinetist, explained what marching band meant to her and how closely the bonds are formed in that community. She also shared that due to the uncertainty over PE credit and the fact that she is college-bound, without AB 351 she will not be enrolling in marching band next year despite how much she loves the program. William Nakamura, also a freshman at Henry High School, brought his sousaphone all the way to Sacramento. Committee members had a chance to feel the weight of that instrument which gave them a sense of the strength and stamina required to carry it, much less perform with it.

Several other students and teachers participated in meetings with legislators to make the case for AB 351. Perla Juarez, a junior at Patrick Henry High School in the Navy JROTC program, gave one of the most moving accounts of all. Perla shared her struggles over the last couple of years within a difficult family dynamic and described how JROTC has given her the discipline and sense of family she has needed to continue in the face of odds that would humble anyone. Her story clearly touched the adults and the students. Andrew Kelly, also a junior at Patrick Henry High School in the Navy JROTC program, was very clear in how the program has made him grow physically, mentally, academically and emotionally. In addition, Andrew shared the practical details regarding the physical training aspects of the program. Commander Mark Viizcarra, Patrick Henry NJROTC instructor, was not only supportive of all the students, but provided the practical details involved in the day-to -day goals and physical activity that the students experience. Commander Clark Owsley, Serra High School NJROTC instructor, was very precise in his explanation of the program at his school, giving Committee members a very clear understanding of what is entailed in the program.

This was a great experience for our students and their efforts will help all students in California with this important legislation. For more information about this important legislation, please visit www.AB351.org .