The Healthy Schools Builder® is an easy online tool that helps schools identify their status as a healthy school and to develop customized action plans to make positive and healthy changes. Any school that enrolls in the Healthy Schools Builder® and completes the Builder inventory can apply for the National Recognition Award.
Read More
Staff at Lindsey Elementary commented that they had their share of moans and groans about taking on a big new project like the Healthy Schools Program. However, when they reached the end of the first year they realized that the improvements made in their school did not increase their workload but did increase their energy and efficiency with which they did their work. Principal Anthony Lunceford said, “The most important thing this program has done for this school is establish a common bond that I never knew existed here.”
The school has made changes to their school meals as well as started a fun and engaging staff wellness program. Lunchroom manager Slim Johnson worked to add a non-fried fish dish to the menu at least one day per week. Johnson said, “The kids loved the tuna so much that I doubled the amount I prepared by the second week!” They also switched all the milk products to 1% or less and added low-fat portion controlled salad dressings to the menu. Johnson has been known to puree cauliflower to resemble mashed potatoes and to add shredded carrots to spaghetti sauce.
The principal and assistant principal became team leaders for the staff wellness program. They formed two teams (red and green) to compete against each other and to keep motivation high. They were thrilled when over 40 staff and faculty members showed up to participate on the first day. The team captains would do roll call at the beginning of each session to encourage regular attendance. Team members shared healthy recipes throughout the competition. At the end, over 140 pounds had been lost and team members gained more accountability, self-confidence and a greater appreciation for each other.
Resources & Tools | Contact Us | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Web Linking Policy
© 2010 Alliance for a Healthier Generation