Individual Success Stories
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1. El Paso ISD’s Coordinated School Health Program
- Wellness teams for each elementary and middle school consisting of teaching, staff and administration.
- Quality physical education for 45 min per day, 5 days per week.
- Brain breaks, action-based learning labs.
- Before and After School “Activity Quotient Zones” for increasing physical activity.
- http://www.activeschoolsasap.org/featured-schools/el-paso-independent-school-district
2. IDEA Public Schools grant winners
- IDEA Public schools is a network of K-12 public charter schools in the Rio Grande Valley, Austin, and San Antonio.
- They received a $2.2 million Physical Education Program grant to enhance physical education, health and wellness programs.
- They were also awarded a $42,000 grant by the US Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services to fund its farm project which provides fully organic and fresh produce grown on campus.
- http://www.ideapublicschools.org
3. Let’s Move in Magnolia Park
- In coordination with CAN DO Houston they have started free zumba, yoga, and other classes based on community interest.
- There is also the CAN DO bus providing transportation to students to after school enrichment programs and a free snack and supper.
- http://www.candohouston.org/magnolia-park.html
4. Mission FitPossible
- Started by middle school students in Corpus Christi ISD.
- Students partnered with the district superintendent and Mayor’s Fitness Council to host booths at health fairs, workshops for coaches, and 10-week contest to determine the healthiest school.
- Annual 5K Run/3K Walk to raise money for physical education equipment.
- They have raised $50,000 so far to be exclusively used by the district to purchase or restore PE equipment.
- https://www.healthiergeneration.org/_asset/bn4wj9/CC-one-pager.pdf
5. Read, Deed, and Run Marathon
- West Memorial Elementary of the Katy ISD.
- Students in 3rd to 5th grade commit to a 26-week program during which they read 26 books, do 26 good deeds, and run 26.2 miles.
- Finishers earn a medal and t-shirt in May at the program end.
- http://www.katyisd.org/campus/WME/Pages/Read,-Deed,-Run.aspx
6. Collaboration with the Alliance for Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program
- James Bowie Elementary in Dallas, TX.
- Formed a school wellness council whose priorities were to improve quality of school food and increase physical activity opportunities.
- Removed all vending machines and swapped out snack options to comply with USDA nutrition standards.
- Participation in the 100 Mile Club (http://100mileclub.com/) to encourage running, jogging and walking, along with 3 mile races on Saturdays.
- https://www.healthiergeneration.org/about_childhood_obesity/wellness_stories/2014/08/20/968/all_in_texas_school_has_no_limits_on_health
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1. Colorado Educational Initiative (previously the Colorado Legacy Foundation)
- This organization has collaborated with Colorado schools to improve the health and wellness of its students in various ways.
- “Health Buddies” – students keep each other accountable.
- Morning announcements relevant to health.
- Science projects on wellness, nutrition, or physical activity.
- Physical activity breaks.
- Developing physical activity and nutrition best practices for schools.
- http://www.coloradoedinitiative.org/
2. Colorado School District
- Nutrition
- Students visit cafeteria to learn about food safety, food preparation, or other nutrition-related topics.
- Taste-testing nutritious foods.
- http://www.cde.state.co.us/nutrition/nutriprograms
- Physical education
- Partnering PE teachers with other subject teachers. Example: using math skills to measure heart rates and graph data.
- http://www.cde.state.co.us/cohealthpe/resources
3. Eat Smart, Play Hard
- Kansas State Department of Education created a website with instructional/educational videos for use in schools as well as resources for educators and parents.
- This same website also highlights successful efforts in individual schools and medal status in the Healthier US School Challenge.
- http://www.eatsmartplayhard.org/
4. Collaborations with the Alliance for Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program
- Anne Frank Elementary in Philadelphia, PA.
- Offers salads at lunch several days per week and healthier classroom celebrations with fruits instead of just sweets.
- All students are getting 60 min of physical activity per day.
- Before-school walking club, after-school yoga and kickboxing classes for parents, students, and teachers.
- Hosted a 5K color run for the community with over 300 participants.
- https://www.healthiergeneration.org/about_childhood_obesity/wellness_stories/anne_frank_elementary/
- John M. Sexon Elementary School in St. Petersburg, FL.
- Healthier alternatives added to lunch menu with fun and creative taste testing opportunities for students.
- Removed unhealthy vending machines and started healthier and non-food school celebrations.
- Added physical activity breaks in the classrooms by providing teachers with suggested activities on cards and videos.
- Recess for every student, every day.
- https://www.healthiergeneration.org/about_childhood_obesity/wellness_stories/the_five_year_plan/
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