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Inspired by the movie “Mad Hot Ballroom,” which is about young students learning the art of ballroom dance, Principal Blakely secured a grant to have all 5th graders learn ballroom dancing this year. Because she was asking the 5th graders to do something new, Principal Blakely felt it was only fair to have staff try it as well, so she arranged for all staff to have seven weeks of dance instruction after school. Now the teachers are having fun doing the foxtrot and swing and getting a great workout.
Sacramento’s cafeteria adheres to strict nutritional standards. There are no vending machines or snack bars for additional purchases, and every day there is a salad bar for students including carrot sticks and fresh fruit. All students drink 1 percent milk and are offered two different vegetable choices with their non-fried entrée. The salad bar is very popular, and students often eat their fruits and vegetables before the rest of their lunch. Students are asked to only bring in healthy, portion-controlled snacks for birthdays or even to forgo food and opt to play a special game of the birthday child’s choosing. Some classes just have a monthly celebration called a “compliment ceremony,” which recognizes that birthdays are about people, not snacks.
Based on the results of a staff wellness survey, the wellness council organized new activities this year such as a pedometer challenge and group sports such as volleyball. They had a successful “Healthy Holiday Challenge,” with 75% of staff participating and competing against each other from Thanksgiving through December. A staff walking group takes advantage of a park across the street from the school for its weekly walks. Sacramento attributes their success to a strong and dedicated school wellness council and administration.
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