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West Babylon, New York

The wellness council at Forest Avenue focused their implementation of healthy programs on fitness breaks this year. Now every classroom, K-5, provides a short activity break for students on a daily basis. These breaks allow students to stretch, dance or just move around. They have found that when the break is over the students are more focused and ready to complete their school work.

Some teachers are doing yoga with the students. Others prefer taking walks outside. The first grade students in Jackie Palagye and Kristen Wilken’s class do jumping jacks while reading their sight words. As teachers strive to balance academics with student health everyone can agree that all of the students benefit from the additional physical activity and the fitness breaks are a big hit with both teachers and students. The school has also started an intramural program that meets twice a week and offers a variety of team sports in a non-competitive atmosphere to encourage broader participation from students.

The school has also moved away from celebrating every student’s birthday and instead holds one “Celebration Day” every month to honor all the birthdays that fall within that month. The parents are asked to communicate about the snacks in advance to make sure that no more than one cupcake is served and many parents have been sending in fruit and vegetable platters for the students to enjoy. An additional benefit of this method of celebration is that if a student’s family does not have the means to contribute, the child is still able to celebrate their birthday with his or her classmates.

 

 

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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