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.
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For the wellness council at South Bay, moving from the Bronze award level to Silver meant moving staff, students and parents forward with their healthy changes. There was more work to be done in increasing physical activity levels, replacing cafeteria food selections and changing other long-standing traditions.
One of these traditions was that of students bringing sweets to school for their birthday. The school has worked to end that practice and to replace those sweets with non-food treats. Some examples they encourage with staff and parents include a craft project, game time, inviting a special guest to read a book to the class, or letting the birthday boy/girl be a special helper for the day.
They have encouraged students to get involved in the decision-making process regarding cafeteria food options. They have held food tastings for both menu and snack items and shared student feedback with the food services department who continue to work to eliminate less healthful choices. Samantha Lobasso, a 5th grader at South Bay shared, “The cafeteria should definitely have watermelon and different color apples and types like Gala and Empire and bigger servings of fruits and vegetables.”
The wellness council has found that educating parents is key to success. They said that although some of the healthier food items are more expensive, they have been able to convince parents, administrators and teachers that the positive outcomes outweigh the difference in cost. PTA President Diana Doerbecker said, “The wellness program in our district is a wonderful thing. We are teaching our children from a young age that healthier choices will benefit them throughout their lives.”
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