2008-2009 Healthy School Awards Winners and Highlights

Although our schools had different approaches to school wellness, there were some common threads:

• A team commitment to wellness School Champion leading the way
• A belief in the connection between wellness and academic achievement
• Teacher/staff wellness programs where teachers are role models for good health
• Creative solutions to challenges
• Connecting with the Community

Gold Level Award - St. Simons Elementary
Where “healthy children learn better and are ready to learn”. St. Simons has a “we all can do” approach to school wellness. A important key to the success at St. Simons was their utilization of a number of instruments to measure the success and value of their programs. This information was used to guide their planning and significantly improved their wellness policy implementation.

When the committed team at St. Simons found a need, they also found the way. Funding for a walking track and playground equipment refurbishing was secured through mini grants. In addition, the school nurse completed over 40 activities in an application process and won “Play Station” game “Dance, Dance Revolution”. Each of these new additions were used, not only by children, but also by teachers and community members. Every classroom chose to do a integrated physical activity initiative called “Walking to Disney” and students were given the opportunity to stay after school to participate in physical activity/nutrition clubs. Food service providers promoted healthier eating through educational signage, tastings, and healthier food offerings. Families and the community were engaged as invited guest speakers and through programs such as “ Game On! The Ultimate Wellness Challenge ”, PTA presentations, and health fairs. St. Simons initiated a variety of quality wellness programs which represented a well-conceived coordinated approach to school wellness.

One word best describes school wellness at St. Simon’s Elementary, WOW. We are proud to recognize them as our Gold Level Winner.

Silver Level Winner - Campbell Elementary
Campbell utilized the philosophy “many hands make light work” and quickly involved teachers, staff, parents and community members in the wellness plan. From the beginning of the year, Campbell used best practices and self assessment to guide their strategic planning. School nutrition options and practices were quickly analyzed. Foods with low nutritional value were replaced by more nutrient dense foods, and celebrations that commonly involved food became celebrations based around physical activity. Parents who were informed and included in the process enthusiastically supported the nutritional changes.

Physical Activity opportunities were increased for children and their parents. The school day had a 15-minute healthy start as children could arrive early for self-selected physical activity in the gymnasium. Campbell also addressed a need for more physical activity during the day by securing grant funding to support classroom based physical activity including TAKE 10!, yoga and aerobic DVDs. PTA meetings and family fun nights became opportunities for parents to participate in physical activities with their children and to learn more about the importance of healthy eating. In addition, Campbell assessed their physical education equipment needs against NASPE standards and utilized grant funding to enhance the quality of their physical education program.

Bronze Level Award - JC Booth Middle School
The school philosophy, “children need to be healthy to learn, and need to learn to be healthy”, resonates through the school climate, programs, policies and activities. From the “walking warriors” who started the day with physical activity, fitness clubs that met during homeroom and the FIT Fayette staff wellness initiative JC Booth provided a variety of opportunities for students and staff to be active. Healthy eating standards - such as fresh fruit and vegetables instead of fries, and 100% juice and Gatorade® - instead of unhealthy vending options also demonstrated “Booth’s” commitment to health and wellness.