Michelle Obama announces" Let's Move Active Schools" program in Chicago

CHICAGO (AP) — First lady Michelle Obama is in her hometown of Chicago where she announced a new program to help kids learn and be active at the same time.

The public-private partnership is called "Let's Move Active Schools." The goal would be to have students learning their ABCs while dancing, or memorizing multiplication tables while doing jumping jacks.

The first lady made the announcement at McCormick Place on Thursday. Olympic gymnasts Dominique Dawes and Gabby Douglas and tennis player Serena Williams were there for the event.

Mrs. Obama said too many penny-pinched schools have either cut spending on physical education or eliminated it to put the money toward classroom instruction. But the first lady says that's a false choice because studies show exercise helps youngsters focus and do well in school.

___

Online:

Let's Move: http://www.letsmove.gov