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Miami, Florida

The school wellness council at Calusa Elementary is most proud of the employee wellness program they were able to get off the ground this year. They followed the important steps outlined in the Healthy Schools Program Framework for conducting a staff wellness interest survey, analyzing the results and then developing a program based on the interests and needs of potential participants.

The council discovered that many teachers were interested in an on-campus fitness program that included elements of relaxation and aerobic exercise. The wellness council then started to search for instructors and equipment. They were able to purchase yoga mats, medicine balls, free weights, elastic bans and a few instructional videos. The members found instructors to teach yoga and tae-bo once a week. Other teachers then stepped up to supplement those classes with weekly upper and lower-body conditioning classes. They use a Zumba instructional video and a video to use with the medicine balls.

The wellness council created a calendar, sign-up sheets and flyers for the teachers’ mailboxes. They posted the calendar on the school website and started sharing news about the program during the morning announcements. Approximately sixteen staff members have regularly joined the classes. They plan to charge participants $20 next year to help cover the costs of the instructors and incentives.

The wellness council is thrilled that teachers are sharing their experiences with each other and talking about how great (or on some days- how sore!) they feel. It is clear to all that the program is a success and they look forward to rolling it out again in the fall.

 

 

As a recipient of the  Healthy Schools Program National Recognition Award, this school reached an important benchmark in improving the learning and working environments of students and staff. By making significant changes in the areas of healthy eating, physical activity and staff wellness, this school has joined a growing movement of committed individuals and organizations that are working to combat childhood obesity and foster healthier communities. View all 2008-09 recognized schools >>

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