Success Stories Search

 SANGER UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT  |  SANGER, CALIFORNIA

When Victor Manriquez began his career as a physical education teacher 10 years ago, he had “a rude awakening.” He discovered there was a good amount of negative attitudes towards physical education- the students were not enjoying it and it seemed like the other teachers and administrators did not value it. He realized that he needed to do something “to have a positive impact in the lives of children.” In a community that is struggling with high amounts of poverty and gang activity, Manriquez wanted to create a program that would help them develop a love for physical activity as well as self-respect that would keep them off of the streets and on a path towards college.   

WAYNE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL  |  WAYNE COUNTY, KENTUCKY

In the two years since Wayne County School District joined the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program, it has been an all-hands-on-deck approach to making changes to their school meals program. Students, school and district staff have all made improving the nutritional quality of their meals a top priority for their students- 84 percent of whom participate in the school lunch program.

ROWAN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT  |  ROWAN COUNTY, KENTUCKY

Physical education (PE) teachers in Kentucky are looking for ways to maximize student physical activity and learning. But that can be difficult when class time in some Kentucky districts is dwindling – either because of shorter classes or because teachers have to use class time to do things besides teach.

NORWOOD CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT  |  CINCINNATI, OHIO  

When the team at Norwood City schools foodservice department set out to improve its image and participation rates, not to mention the nutrition content of their meals program and nutrition knowledge of students, they went for the “whole enchilada.” Foodservice Director Roger Kipp said, “Norwood Food Services is branding itself as the place to go for good tasting, nutritional food.” Kipp has adopted the Alliance’s Guidelines on Competitive Foods and Beverages and school meals and has spent the last six months undergoing a major food overhaul in his schools. 

PLATTSMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL  |  PLATTSMOUTH, NEBRASKA  

After receiving the National Bronze Recognition Award from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation in 2010 for building a healthy school environment, Principal Jeff Wiles returned to Nebraska motivated to find more ways to help his students and staff adopt healthier behaviors. He challenged the school wellness committee to design a plan to increase physical activity across the school. The group then came up with the idea of “Wellness Wednesdays,” one day each week where students and staff get an additional 48 minutes of physical activity during the school day.  

 NORTHWEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL  |  MASON, TENNESSEE

Nestled in the heart of southwest Tennessee is Fayette County, a county with a population of 28,000, 12 schools and the fifth highest obesity rate in the state. The school district in Fayette County is trying to change this by increasing the energy level of the students and focusing on how to get them moving more. The district joined the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program two years ago and has worked to incorporate innovative ideas into their physical education (PE) program.

EL MONTE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT  |  EL MONTE, CALIFORNIA  

The El Monte City School District joined the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program five years ago and in June 2011 Rio Hondo Elementary School received the National Gold Recognition Award from President Bill Clinton and the Alliance. In a recent interview, Dr. Robert S. Lewis, Director of Nutrition Services for the district, reflects on how things have changed in his community:  

MONTE VISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL  |  ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO 

Like many schools, Monte Vista Elementary School depends on fundraisers throughout the year to maintain special programs and student activities 

PAGE JACKSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL  |  CHARLES TOWN, WEST VIRGINIA 

Page Jackson Elementary School in Charles Town, a member of the Healthy Schools Program in partnership with Alliance for a Healthier Generation, has announced the release of children's book, "Hello, PJ!" - an adorable children's book.
 

INDEPENDENCE SCHOOL DISTRICT  |  INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI 

With the support of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program, Independence School District has made incredible strides towards serving healthier school meals and helping students make better food choices.

KANSAS CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT  |  KANSAS CITY, KANSAS 

After four years of participating in the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program, Kansas City School District personnel reflect on their progress in the program.

MONUMENT HIGH SCHOOL  |  BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 

When Boston Bikes reached out to Boston Public Schools Executive Director of Health and Wellness Jill Carter, Carter recognized an opportunity to bring a great resource to schools to increase physical activity opportunities.

OAK MEADOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL  |  SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 

In the past 19 years, students from Oak Meadow Elementary have enjoyed the benefits of gardening due to the ongoing support of parent and grandparent volunteers.

 ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA  &  DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA

In schools across the nation, parents are taking the lead when it comes to organizing and supporting students that want to walk or bike to school.

GREEN BAY SCHOOL DISTRICT  |  GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN 

Salad bars have become a staple in high school cafeterias, but Green Bay Foodservice Director Sue Baier knew salad bars for the youngest students could be a harder sell.

JOHNAKIN MIDDLE SCHOOL  |  MARION, SOUTH CAROLINA 

After a lackluster cookie dough fundraiser in the fall of 2009, Principal Jason Bryant and PTO Chairperson Sandra Honaker decided it was time to dump their cookie dough in favor of supporting student health.

M E PEARSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL  |  KANSAS CITY, KANSAS 

Last November, sixteen ME Pearson Elementary School staff members joined their school’s first ever healthy weight challenge.

NORTHVILLE HIGH SCHOOL  |  NOVI, MICHIGAN   

“Fries count as a vegetable! Isn’t that weird?” shared Robert Hsu, high school senior and member of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s Youth Advisory Board.

Sierra Vista Elementary School - Madera, California 

“We used to call recess time ‘referral time’ as the kids would just go outside and get into trouble because they had nothing to do!” said Kathy Nekumanesh, the new principal at Sierra Vista Elementary School.

South Bay Elementary School  -  West Babylon, New York 

On February 18th, 2010, a fire broke out at South Bay Elementary School in the West Babylon, NY school district.

Southern High School  -  Durham, North Carolina 

Written by Odile Fredericks, Reprinted with permission from Carolina Parent 

Teens at Southern High School in Durham have opted to have salads and vegetables available more often in their cafeteria instead of French fries and pizza.

Smithfield Elementary School  -  Charlotte, North Carolina 

“I have struggled with the eating habits of school children for more than 3 years and finally figured out a way to make it fun for the students this year,” said Heather Curtis-Sowell, 3^rd grade teacher at Smithfield Elementary.

Washoe County School District  -  Reno, Nevada 

Tracy Wolf is on a fitness mission to teach students the importance of developing healthy lifestyle habits.

Perry Meridian Middle School - Indianapolis, Indiana 

One of the benefits of participating in the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program is that schools can take advantage of free and discounted resources that are in line with rigorous standards put forth by the American Heart Association.

Washington, D.C., Maryland and Minnesota   

Schools across the country are hearing the message that school gardens can be a terrific way to deliver instructional content in a hands-on way, as well as bring together a school community. 

Ohio and Alabama  

These school food service professionals are actively engaged in creating a healthier environment for students by working closely with their customers- the students themselves. 

 New York, Pennsylvania and Florida 

Schools look to improve staff wellness by creating incentives for physical activity and improving access to healthy foods. 

Goshen Community Schools - Goshen, Indiana 

Last spring when it was time for schools in Northern Indiana to contract for dairy products for the upcoming school year, food service directors in the area talked about making some changes.

Eau Claire Area School District - Eau Claire, Wisconsin 

The Eau Claire Area School District is demonstrating their commitment to the health and wellbeing of their staff by launching a district-wide employee wellness program.

Bonnabel High School - New Orleans, Louisiana 

When Nancy Tigert, nurse practitioner at the school based health center, got the news that the district was requiring implementation of a wellness policy, she pictured more meetings. “I thought it would be teachers, principals and the two required students. I didn’t anticipate it would go like this- this has taken on a life of its own!”

Valley View Elementary School - Phoenix, Arizona  

A new citrus orchard at the school will support projects including the establishment of vegetable gardens, expanded animal husbandry efforts, citrus farming and irrigation studies and an entrepreneurial project to harvest citrus fruits and vegetables as ingredients to make jams and salsa.  

Brunson-Lee Elementary School - Phoenix, Arizona 

Delaware and Florida

Do you  need some fresh ideas for bringing new people to your school wellness council table? Are you struggling to find a time when everyone can get together to meet? Read some tips from other schools!

Kentucky, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania  

Cypress Elementary School - Miami, Florida 

Students involved in the Future Educators of America club at Cypress Elementary are preparing for their future careers while thinking about their health--now and into the future. 

Prince George's County Schools - Prince George's County, Maryland

With all schools in the Prince George’s County School District joining the Healthy Schools Program, the Dietitian/Nutritionist for the district was determined to find a fat-free strawberry milk product that her students would enjoy.

The majority of students at Malcolm X Academy do not have access to green space or the opportunity to ride bicycles in their neighborhood. The school wellness council set out to provide these opportunities for their students with some new afterschool programs. By partnering with community organizations the school was able to extend these fun programs to over 100 students.

Windham High School - Windham, Maine

With a school health team passionate about health, Windham High School has been recognized as a leader in the healthy schools movement by many organizations.

Perth Amboy High School - Perth Amboy, New Jersey

“The key to our success is the support and resources of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program and the New Jersey Coordinated School Health Demonstration Project.

Tomlinson Middle School and Okmulgee Middle School - Oklahoma

Two Healthy Schools Program middle schools in Oklahoma have been selected to become part of an exciting new program working directly with children and their families to establish a community health and wellness hub in the school.  

Park Elementary School - Tulsa Oklahoma

If you ask a child in the hallway at Park Elementary School “What kind of school is this?” the answer you will undoubtedly hear is “This is a healthy school!”

Beatrice Middle School - Beatrice, Nebraska 
Written by Chris Dunker, reprinted with permission from the Beatrice Daily Sun

Wednesday started out just like any other day for Jacob Wolken. The sixth-grader prepared himself for school, hopped on his bike and rode the half-mile to school.

East San Jose Elementary School - Albuquerque, New Mexico

East San Jose Elementary School knows that when parents are involved in their children’s education, everyone benefits. Students with involved parents are more likely to earn higher grades and test scores, enroll in more advanced programs, attend school regularly, have better social skills, show improved behavior and adapt well to school. Including and engaging parents on school wellness councils also results in better outcomes as parents feel empowered to help make healthy changes in the school environment. 

Claude Pepper Elementary School - Miami, Florida 

“It was great to earn money for our school while having fun!” exclaimed Carolina Schooley, 5th grader at Claude Pepper Elementary School. The school wellness council at Claude Pepper wanted to find a healthy school fundraiser to replace their annual chocolate sale and found just that through a program called Adventure Fitness.

Springview Elementary School - Hialeah, Florida  

As part of its tradition of always reaching for high achievement in all areas, Springview Principal Mayte Dovale and the school wellness council decided that striving for high results in health and wellness was an important piece of the puzzle. They decided to propose a fitness challenge to the staff which would include spinning classes and a boot camp. The spinning group now meets twice a week after school and the boot camp meets once a week in a portable classroom on the school property.

Tomlinson Middle School - Lawton, Oklahoma 

Building a new state of the art physical education room for Tomlinson Middle School seemed like a long shot for physical education teacher Jerri Santos. However, with the support of her administration she was able to do the next best thing. Using an old storage area and with the help of parents and PTA members she was able to convert the wasted space into an exciting new aerobics room!

Dulce Elementary School - Dulce, New Mexico 
Written by Cedar McGrath, Dulce Elementary School 

In the beautiful mountains of Northern New Mexico is the reservation of the Jicarilla Apache people. Since 1869 we have called this place home and have struggled and thrived as other native peoples have to live “the good life.” But as many people across the country have come to know, consuming the goods of “the good life” without consideration of the value and benefit to one’s health, have cost us dearly. We once ate deer, berries, root plants and wild vegetation; not the processed foods and sugars of today. And this, along with other factors, contributes to the 10.3% incidence of Type II diabetes in our community. So here at Dulce Elementary School we have started with the young children to instill healthy habits of eating and activity that we hope will last for a lifetime.

Southwest Independent School District - San Antonio, Texas 

With business and restaurant experience under their belts, Child Nutrition Director Winston Gatlin and Assistant Director Scott Stephens found that creating healthier meals on a budget could be relatively easy so long as they paid attention to students’ needs and included a variety of offerings. The district has made tremendous strides in adopting the Healthy Schools Program school meals criteria, thanks to a supportive team that has been happy to work together to increase the number of fruits, vegetables and whole grains served to students.

Medina Valley High School - Castroville, Texas 

With school administration encouraging all teachers to get their students moving more in the classroom, Spanish teacher Cathy Bohnak decided to use dance with her classes. Bohnak said, "This is a fun way to get exercise and learn Spanish vocabulary at the same time.”

Shue-Medill Middle School PTA in Newark, DE 

The following stories were collected with a key collaborator of the Healthy Schools Program, the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA). These featured schools are members of the Healthy Schools Program and received a 2010 PTA Healthy Lifestyles Grant that emphasizes the important role that families can play in increasing physical activity and nutrition practices at home, at school and in the community. Please see www.pta.org/healthylifestlyes for more information.

Abraham Lincoln High School - San Francisco, California 

An annual competition that is held over the course of ten weeks started as a way to get students and staff moving and has turned into a program that extends even beyond graduation. Students, staff and even alumni are competing to see who the healthiest person on campus is. In a series of physical challenges such as push-ups, jump rope and shooting hoops, contestants are eliminated each week culminating in one becoming the “Health Idol” of the school.

Kendale Lakes Elementary School - Miami Florida 

Finding a way to adapt physical education classes to promote the participation of all students, in particular, those with chronic health conditions or special needs, is crucial in developing a high quality program. At Kendale Lakes Elementary, what began as a modification to help a teacher with rheumatoid arthritis has helped launch a fitness craze for students, staff and families.

Harbor Alternative High School - Altoona, Iowa 

For students at Harbor Alternative High School, the town of Altoona is their gymnasium. “Our school is small enough that we do not have the green space or physical space in our school for our Health and Fitness class,” said teacher Eric Hendrickson. To ensure that students could have an enjoyable physical education program, Hendrickson and teacher Ken Osterhaus formed a partnership with a local fitness center in the community.

Kennedy Elementary School - Green Bay, Wisconsin 

An annual bake sale held at Kennedy Elementary School was supposed to help raise additional money for class field trips. This year, wanting to try a new kind of fundraiser that did not revolve around unhealthy foods, teacher Kimberly Reyneabeau came up with a new idea- Bananas over Books!

Warstler Elementary School - Canton, Ohio 

The Be Well book, created by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, offers “real people with real solutions.” This is according to Sydney Kleptach, a nine-year old at Warstler Elementary School where Be Well is inspiring students, staff and parents.

John F. Kennedy Learning Center - Dallas, Texas 

Working quickly to mobilize healthy changes, nurse Linda Jones is working with her school wellness council colleagues to integrate health and nutrition education into all subject areas. They have found exciting lesson plans that align with the state standards for each grade and subject area on the Nutrition Education of Texas website. Jones has taken it upon herself to find the materials and deliver them to teachers and she offers to facilitate sessions in the classrooms as well.

Elizabeth School District - Elizabeth, New Jersey 

"Today we survive in an environment where most people engage in the same tasks day after day. Technology drives our world and the humanistic qualities and understanding of living a healthy lifestyle are often forgotten. Participating in the Healthy School Program has enlightened many students and recharged many of our staff to live, eat and teach others how to be healthy. Elizabeth is a community composed of many different cultures and backgrounds, but living a healthy lifestyle is a quality we can all share and speak all together in one common language."            
     -Ali Olin, Supervisor of Special Services

Prince George's County School District - Prince George's County, Maryland 

The food service team at Prince George’s County School District is thrilled that all of their hard work this year paid off with very positive feedback from state reviewers during the School Meals Initiative review. The staff is especially proud of the wide variety of foods to choose from, their efficiency in getting kids through the lines quickly and their customer service skills.

Southern High School - Durham, North Carolina 

“Do we want to be part of this childhood obesity problem or do we want to make a difference?” This is how Karen Price, administrative assistant and school wellness council chair, replies when someone questions the changes she has been trying to make at Southern High School. “My principal and I had just moved here from a middle school so this was our first experience with concession sales on a grand scale. When we read our district wellness policy and then saw what we were selling, we realized we were not in compliance.”

West New York, New Jersey 

As districts across the country are looking for ways to cut more from tightening budgets, West New York has found a way to collect over one million additional dollars to help them fund their programs. Free and reduced lunch rates are the indicator that schools use to measure income level in schools. In turn, many federal dollars and programs are based on these rates. To accurately capture these rates may require coordination at the district level but, as the West New York school district discovered, the effort to do so paid off!

Pulaski Elementary School - Wilmington, Delaware 

“I believe that the JAMmin’ Minute activities and stations have helped to create a culture and climate in the school where students and teachers can work together to make this a place conducive for learning. Through exercising our bodies together, we feel more comfortable to exercise our minds together. Children get to see that their teachers and principal are human. So they can relate to us more. When parents are in the building, many participate as well. This has helped our whole school community come together as a family that focuses on moving in the right direction academically and physically.”
-Principal Tracey N. Roberts

Seward Elementary School - Seward, Alaska 

The wall of the staff lounge at Seward Elementary is home to a very large chart, which is a log of the staff’s physical activity. Rather than encouraging everyone to log on to a website to track his or her progress, the school wellness council decided to keep it offline. “I think people get tired of computers. We do all of our work on them so it is nice to have this chart not be online. It’s just up there for everyone to see their progress which makes it easy to mentally set goals for yourself,” said school nurse Emily Mechtenburg. “We can see everyone else’s progress as well so we can see who is ‘bustin a move’ and who is lagging and then we can egg them on!”

Bumpus Middle School - Bumpus Alabama 

The strategy in designing a school employee wellness program that faculty and staff would want to join was to keep it simple and positive. So, when the school wellness council launched the “Get off your Rumpus at Bumpus” pedometer challenge, they stressed that staff of all abilities would be able to succeed with this program. According to physical education teacher Donna Boyd, “By starting with a simple, achievable number of steps per day, everyone started off on a positive note and kept going in that direction.”

West Babylon School District - West Babylon, New York 

After a long history of operating a school foodservice program that generated revenue for the school district, the superintendent of West Babylon was alarmed when he saw that the meal program was beginning to lose money. The revenue loss was attributed to a convergence of events that included, but was not limited to, rising staff, food and facility costs and the elimination of high-revenue producing competitive food items sold on the cafeteria line and in vending machines.

Rosa Parks-Edison Elementary School - Indianapolis, Indiana 

“As Director of Wellness I tried many times over the past few years to convince teachers to ‘change their ways’ when it came to birthday celebrations,” said Roberta Sipe. “It was a daily occurrence for children to bring [birthday] treats in. Often a class would have several birthdays in a day or a week and this all added up to too many calories!”

Oregon City High School - Oregon City, Oregon
By Ellen Spialeri, reprinted with permission from the Oregon City News 

Senator Jeff Merkley stopped by Oregon City High School last week to learn the details about how OCHS has been named a Healthy School by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. He found out that the high school is one of only three in the state given a bronze level award from the Alliance, a national program that is a joint initiative of the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation.

Dare County School District - Dare County, North Carolina 

The afterschool program at this beachside school district has recently benefited from a wave of new resources, including the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s empowerME curriculum. The district took advantage of the program’s “train the trainer” model and rolled out the eight-week curriculum last September with great success.

Russell Independent High School - Russell, Kentucky 

“We were looking for a way to increase breakfast participation and cut down on school tardiness,” said Allan Thompson, principal of Russell Independent School. “We accomplished that and so much more! I heard about how this was done at another high school but their scheduling was much different so Linda Kiser (cafeteria manager) and I put together a plan that we now know is a ‘win-win’ for Russell Independent. What has been so nice is that we have been able to utilize existing staff and equipment so our costs have not gone up, but the end result is that more students are getting a healthy breakfast.”

Gibson County Special School District - Dyer, Tennessee

Although Gibson County Schools already had Healthy School Teams (school wellness councils) up and running in their schools when they joined the Healthy Schools Program, they “have enthusiastically embraced the Healthy Schools Program which has given me the chance to bring some new ideas and resources to the schools,” said Kellie Carroll, Coordinated School Health Director for Gibson County Schools. “The National Recognition Program awards each school individually and that is a great incentive for them to keep moving forward.”

Glen Haven Elementary School - Dekalb County, Georgia 

After just one year of participating in the Healthy Schools Program, the staff at Glen Haven Elementary School has seen drastic changes in student behavior and test scores. With strong support from their principal, a wellness council was created and the school started adding programs to help everyone move more and eat healthy.

Bellview Middle School - Pensacola, Florida 

There never seems to be enough time in the day. This, according to Principal Vicki Gibowski, is one of the biggest challenges in education. Gibowski, however, did not want to let this reality prevent her students from receiving health education. For the 2009-2010 school year she spearheaded a radical schedule change that actually put more minutes back in the day for teaching!

Royal Palm Elementary School - Miami, Florida 

A school garden is so much more than what is grown within. Many schools find that a garden can help strengthen a community by bringing in parents, businesses and volunteers. Some schools use gardens as outdoor classrooms, to bring math and science lessons to life. Others find that working in a garden can be especially beneficial to students with special needs. This is what 5th grade teacher Marcia Cardona has found to be especially rewarding with her class garden.

Long Mill Elementary School - Youngsville, North Carolina 

To raise some funds for the community walking trail that they are hoping to build, the Long Mill Elementary School wellness council decided that they needed to think beyond the usual school fundraiser options. They decided to host an event called, “An Evening FITT for Stars,” to raise awareness of their activities in addition to raising money. The FITT acronym stands for “Frequency, Intensity, Time and Type” and was a message they wanted to share with students to remind them to stay physically active.

South Heartland Health Department - Hastings, Nebraska 

Schools across south central Nebraska are getting some assistance in forming school wellness councils from the state health department. The local South Heartland Health Department applied for a grant from the state to help schools in the area get their wellness councils up and running and they have relied on materials from the Healthy Schools Program to make this happen.

Boone and Lincoln Elementary School - Troy, Missouri 

Students at Boone and Lincoln Elementary schools (the two schools are adjoining) have seen many new wellness initiatives over the past four years, and many of them have been initiated by their peers! Each school has its own student wellness council but the two groups meet together so they can share ideas and learn from each other. Assistant Principal Amy Porter shared, “We are thrilled with what our kids have accomplished!”

Wilson Elementary School - Lawton, Oklahoma 

Oklahoma does not mandate health education so physical education teacher Lisa Moore led the charge to offer a comprehensive health education program at Wilson Elementary School. National Health Education Manager Kathy Wilbur gave her some advice on her scope and sequence. Wilbur said, “There were times that she told me she was ready to give up but, to her credit, she stuck with it, even spending a lot of her free time working on the project.”

Knox County School District - Edina, Missouri 

For physical education teachers in Edina, one of the greatest benefits of being a part of the Healthy Schools Program is the collaboration with the SPARK (Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids) program. Eleven staff members recently participated in the training and found it to be very enjoyable

Norris Elementary School - Firth, Nebraska 

Physical activity breaks have become just part of the routine for students and staff at Norris Elementary School. By streaming segments of physical activity videos into the classroom they have made it very easy for all of the teachers to take physical activity breaks without having to lead them or think of new routines. They stream the videos four different times during the day and encourage teachers to use them once in the morning and once in the afternoon, they can choose which times will work best for their classroom.

Thurgood Marshall Middle School - Prince George's County, Maryland 

For staff and faculty at Thurgood Marshall, joining the Healthy Schools Program was a call to action. Since coming on board in the fall the school has committed itself to the process of creating a healthier school environment and to being recognized for their efforts. They have created a wellness council and an action plan and have dived in headfirst to creating a healthier school where students and staff are learning how to make healthier choices and their environment supports those choices.

North Hialeah Elementary School - Hialeah, Florida 

When thinking about the needs of their students, physical education teachers Chris Neglia and Gualberto Navarro decided that the students would benefit from additional opportunities for physical activity, and they needed an afterschool activity to complement the physical education happening during the school day.

Medina Valley Independent School District - Castroville, Texas 

This letter was sent to the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, partners in creating the Be Well Book. More information on the book and how to order your free copies can be found at www.bewellbook.org .

Cochiti Elementary and Middle School - Cochiti, New Mexico 

For a school wellness council to be effective, several components are crucial. The school should have a principal who is supportive and sees the connection between health and academic achievement. A council also needs a champion who helps to inspire and lead, a staff that is motivated, encouraged and supported to implement the action plan and, finally, parents and students should not only have a place at the table but an environment where their voices are heard.

Woodstock Public School District 200 - Woodstock, Illinois 

After attending the Healthy Schools Program Forum in New York City last summer, Lisa Tate, Nursing Coordinator, was excited and motivated to get the staff moving throughout the district. In early fall the district hosted a health fair for district staff, collected employee wellness surveys and launched the “Maintain Don’t Gain Holiday Challenge.”

Owsley County High School - Owsley County, Kentucky 

An emphasis on health education in the schools is helping counter the challenges that living in a rural community can sometimes pose, like finding opportunities for healthful living, be it through access to healthy foods or opportunities for physical activity. For the 4,200 people living in Owsley County, this tight knit community has healthy role models and involvement from community leaders and school administrators that view health education as a priority.

Dulce Elementary School - Dulce, New Mexico 

With the hopes of conveying the importance of a healthy lifestyle for finding balance in one’s life, school leaders in Dulce have adopted a new curriculum focusing on health and diabetes prevention. Dulce Elementary staff, concerned about the rising rates of type 2 diabetes in their Indian population, rolled out the Diabetes Education in Tribal Schools curriculum last fall. They believe if they can start teaching their students about health as soon as they enter Kindergarten, and continue these important lessons through 12th grade, that they can have a lasting impact on their lives.

Young Achievers Science and Math Pilot School - Boston, Massachusetts 

Does a name make a difference? Margaret Connors, chair of the wellness council at Young Achievers had heard about a study conducted by Brian Wansink of Cornell where he found that if kids will not eat their vegetables, giving them cool names like “X-ray Vision Carrots,” or “Dinosaur Broccoli Trees,” can significantly increase consumption and even sustain consumption over a period of time.

Skokie Solomon Schechter Day School - Skokie, Illinois 

For the past four years, parents at this Skokie school have been serving a healthy lunch three times a week and kids now think, “It is cool to pile on the salad, red peppers, cucumbers, carrots, celery and eat it all up!” This is according to Lynn Weiss, president of the Parent Organization and coordinator of the school lunch program. In addition to salad with a healthy dressing, students are eating two fresh fruits, two fresh vegetables and a low-fat protein three times a week. 

Lauderhill Middle School - Lauderhill, Florida 

The new Lauderhill Community YMCA at Lauderhill Middle School, the first YMCA onsite wellness center in a public school in South Florida, represents an innovative public-private partnership dedicated to providing health and wellness programs for school staff, students, parents and the community. The Broward County School Board, YMCA and Waste Management department have all joined together to make this facility a reality, with a shared vision for their community.

Houston Independent School District - Houston, Texas 

Students in the Houston Independent School District are planting, cooking and eating their way to a better understanding of where our food does, and should come from. According to Kate Link, Competitive Foods and Beverage Manager for the Healthy Schools Program, “Adding gardening to a school or afterschool curriculum provides a hands-on experience that could stir youths’ interest in learning, encourage them to eat healthier foods and provide them opportunities to develop personal and social skills.” To help them meet these goals for their students, the district partnered with the Recipe for Success Foundation which believes “that children need to learn that food doesn’t grow in drive thru windows and plastic wrapping; and that a Twinkie is not a vegetable.”

School 29 - Rochester, New York 

Students at School 29 are now heading to the cafeteria with more than their lunch boxes. They are taking coats, mittens and hats so they can head outside to play after finishing their lunch. A recess period is new to the school and is an effort to help address concerns about the amount of physical activity in the day as well as a possible solution for the “cafeteria trouble” the staff have noticed.

Snowhill Primary School - Snowhill, North Carolina 

Schools across the country are looking for ways to integrate the video games that students love into physical education and before/afterschool programs to keep kids moving and engaged. Many are finding that with a relatively small investment for the equipment, they can develop fun programs that engage not only students but also staff, families and even the greater community.

Albuquerque Public School District - Albuquerque, New Mexico 

As many schools can attest, adopting a local wellness policy is just the first step on the road to a healthy school environment. Making sure that the policy is implemented can require additional perseverance and collaboration. The district wide School Health Advisory Council in Albuquerque decided that this is where they needed to focus their energy this spring, and they invited Lori Stern, National Policy Advisor with the Healthy Schools Program, to help them develop a sound strategy to meet this goal.

West New York School District - West New York, New Jersey 

To spread the important message about eating healthy foods and to encourage student involvement, the West New York school district asked students to help create healthy lunch menus. The new district chef, Kim Gray, set out to work with one school per month throughout the spring to develop a healthy menu that everyone in the district would eat on the same day.

Grand Rapids Public School District - Grand Rapids, Michigan 

“Children will try almost any new food in a fun setting like a family night or with their parents at parent teacher conferences,” said Amy Klinkoski, nutrition services coordinator for the Grand Rapids Public School District, on why she now does taste testing after school or during evening functions. “I used to do taste tests at meal time but found that students are more apt to learn after the school day vs. during their meal period, which is their social time.”

Bissonet Elementary School - New Orleans, Louisiana 

At a top ranked non-magnet school, Bissonet Elementary, faculty and staff believe that their focus on health and wellness is one of the factors that sets them apart. Besides the walking and jogging club and daily physical education classes, Bissonet's PE staff lead a five-minute "stand up and dance" session every Friday morning. From October through April, students participate in the “Mileage Plus” running program where classes compete against others and students learn about running techniques and the importance of good nutrition and hydration.

Cabell County School District - Huntington, West Virginia 

In West Virginia, nutrition in schools is taken seriously and the state has numerous policies and programs in place that exemplify their commitment to keeping kids healthy. They are one of only a few states that require all schools to serve breakfast. No a la carte food sales are permitted in WV schools. Forty-six counties (about 84%) in WV have voluntarily become “dry,” meaning they have removed all soft drink sales from schools during the school day and vend only healthy beverages. Moreover, the state’s school lunch program requirements supersede the USDA requirements for fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other nutrient standards.

Housatonic Valley Regional High School - Falls Village, Connecticut  

When the school wellness council at Housatonic Valley updated their Healthy Schools Builder^® Inventory last year they identified school employee wellness as an area that needed improvement. Physical education and health teachers Denise Dower and Lindsley Colligan recognized the need among their colleagues to be more active and thought they could take advantage of their large school building to get everyone moving more as part of a fun competition. 

Beckham Bates Elementary School - Whitesburg, Kentucky  

The school wellness council at Beckham Bates is working to help everyone in their school community find balance and energy. The council used the Healthy Schools Program staff wellness interest survey to gauge interest for different kinds of programs. Based on the results the wellness council started the “B.B.&E” program, which stands for “Be Balanced and Energized!” They started the program by handing out pedometers and starting a walking program. 

Redwood High School - Visalia, California 

Inspired by the increasing number of televised fitness challenges, physical education teacher Joe Garcia decided there was a need to do something at his school to help everyone lead healthier lives. Two years later, Redwood’s afterschool fitness program, Ranger Challenge, is drastically changing the lives of both students and faculty.

Bradbury Heights Elementary School - Prince Geroges County, Maryland 

“Seek to understand first, then to be understood.” This is the motto that physical education teacher Jeff Boteler kept in mind as he worked to bring together the school’s first wellness council this year. He set out to learn the ins and outs of the Healthy Schools Program so that he could communicate the need for and the benefits of the program to his colleagues.

Mohawk Elementary School - Sparta, New Jersey 

During their first two years of participating in the Healthy Schools Program, school wellness council chair and school nurse Lillian Farrell worked with students and staff to promote wellness in the school. In the summer of 2008, Farrell sent parent volunteer Janice Mundi and her daughter Claire to represent Mohawk at the Healthy Schools Program Forum in Little Rock.

Oliver Wendell Holmes Elementary and Middle School - Detroit, Michigan

“Working with the Healthy Schools Program is helping us coordinate our activities into a cohesive effort to make Oliver Wendell Holmes a healthier school. We’re looking forward to our continued work with the Alliance and applying for Bronze Recognition this year,” said Lori Golani. Golani, school wellness council champion and teacher, brought her enthusiasm with her to the first technical assistance session in 2008 and the school has been working hard ever since to get kids moving more and learning about healthy foods.

Cuba High School - Cuba, Missouri 

High school students at Cuba High are setting an example for younger students and showing them that they do not need to use food to celebrate a good time! When middle school students complete an asthma education course, rather than celebrating with a cake, they head out to the high school track where they are given a bottle of water, a kite, and time to run and play. High school students join in the fun and help model healthy behaviors. This school has learned that kids do not need to eat junk food to have a good time, and they do not need to sell junk to raise money for the school.

Emile B. Desauze K-8 School - Cleveland, Ohio 

Once upon a time there was a young boy who was flattened when a bulletin board fell on him, leading him to travel around the world slipping under doors and via air mail. So goes the story of Flat Stanley, written by Jeff Brown. For students in Cleveland, Flat Stanley has become a familiar character except they put a twist on his story – their version of Stanley has recently become overweight due to poor eating habits and physical inactivity. This has made it difficult for him to do some of the fun things he used to enjoy. Now students are trying to make him flat again by learning about healthy behaviors that can help to promote lifelong health.

Bay Point Elementary School - St. Petersburg, Florida 

“This is my passion and focus, to inspire and educate people to make healthful choices and to be a voice in the fight against childhood obesity!” For Julie Ryczek, 5th grade teacher at Bay Point, every spare moment is an opportunity to help someone lead a healthier life. Her enthusiasm is palpable and has made people stand up and take notice.

Delaware Valley Elementary School - Milford, Pennsylvania 

Hoping to find a low cost way to help staff move more during the day, physical education teacher Heather Hubbard took a look at what other schools across the country are doing to get some practical ideas. Hubbard really wanted to implement a program during the school day, rather than asking staff to add to their day with a before or afterschool program. She decided that a pedometer challenge in a relay format would be a fun way to keep everyone motivated and accountable.

McCormick Elementary School - Mullins, South Carolina 

Thirty years ago nearly 90% of children who lived within a mile of school used active transportation, walking or bicycling, as their primary mode of transportation. In recent years, the rates of walking and biking to school have declined dramatically while the barriers of distance and traffic have increased. This has resulted in traffic congestion during student drop off and pick up, increased concerns about student safety due to pedestrian/motor vehicle accidents, and a missed opportunity for physical activity.

Phillips K-8 Academy - Birmingham, Alabama 

When physical education teacher Shauntae Lockett heard about the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grant she thought it would be a great opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of eating more fruits and vegetables. She thought it would complement the school’s overall goals for improving wellness in the school

Elsie Witlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School - Washington, D.C. 

“It is the school’s role, as part of the larger community, to model and actively practice, through policies and procedures, the promotion of family health, physical activity and good nutrition. Our school further recognizes that the sharing and enjoyment of food and participation in physical activities are fundamental experiences for all of our students, staff and families and are primary ways to nurture and celebrate our cultural diversity.“  -Excerpt from EW Stokes wellness policy 

Lotts Creek Community School - Knott County, Kentucky 

In the Appalachian mountains of Eastern Kentucky, where higher than average incidences of obesity and diabetes prevail, a new attitude towards wellness is starting to emerge thanks to the Lotts Creek Community School wellness program. The school is directed by Alice Whitaker who is continuing a legacy of dedication to the community that started with her aunt, Alice Slone, who founded the school in 1933.

John F. Kennedy Elementary School - West Babylon, New York 

When the school wellness council at JFK Elementary set its sights on increasing physical activity opportunities for students it decided that an afterschool yoga class would help students move their bodies but also have an outlet for relaxation. According to Principal Gregg Cunningham, "When children participate in yoga at an early age it helps them develop a better awareness of their bodies in a non-competitive activity. Yoga can help young children develop more control and a greater appreciation of their bodies. We hope that our students will continue to use yoga as a life long method of relaxation and strength training."

Pasco County School District - Land O' Lakes, Florida 

Reprinted with permission from the Pasco County School District
Vending machines throughout Pasco County Schools are getting a new look! Recently, the Food and Nutrition Services Department received a grant from the Dairy Council of Florida to help launch the District’s new healthy vending program. The Food and Nutrition Services Department purchased 60 new vending machines for secondary schools. This is just one of the District’s many approaches to provide healthier snacks and a healthier school environment for their students.

Taos School District - Taos, New Mexico 

Taos, New Mexico, is known worldwide for its stunning mountains, amazing skiing and beautiful artwork. If one looks beyond the cool vistas they will find there is a force in the community that brings a kind of warmth to the schools within Taos. Mary Ann McCann, Taos school nutrition director and co-lead of the district wellness council, warms the hearts and stomachs of the Taos schools’ students as she works diligently to create healthier school environments specifically around the food service program.

Eau Claire Area School District - Eau Claire, Wisconsin 

In Eau Claire, as in many school districts across the country, finding healthier products for their school meals program can sometimes be a challenge. Food Service Director Sue Brown and her staff have played an active role on school wellness councils, regularly attending these meetings throughout the district. They are committed to working to meet all of the Healthy Schools Program Framework criteria for school meals and are pleased to report that, with the help of some new products, they have been able to take a major leap forward towards their goal of reaching the Bronze National Recognition Award.

South Jefferson Elementary School - Charles Town, West Virginia 

“By promoting teacher and staff wellness we can then influence the students to try to be healthier by modeling these behaviors. It is always tough to change a habit but after three months we still have over 95% of the staff keeping track of their steps on a daily basis,” said Chris Atkins, physical education teacher.

Emerson Elementary School - Kansas City, Kansas 

Parents, PTA officers, recreation center staff, teachers and the school principal at Emerson Elementary say that their journey towards a healthier school began by creating a wellness council that brought them all together.

Goodrich Middle School - Lincoln, Nebraska 

Switching to low-fat versions of white, strawberry and chocolate milk are just a few of the changes at Goodrich Middle School which are helping students and staff lead a healthier lifestyle. Danis Willet, school wellness council member, explains that the school has had great success because they engaged a number of people on their council who were willing to look comprehensively at how to make changes. “With a variety of projects going on, each person on our wellness council could get involved and make things happen.”

Longfellow Elementary School - Eau Claire, Wisconsin 

The Longfellow Lions now only hold one fundraiser- one that gets students moving rather than selling. During the Get Movin’ Marathon, students engage in two hours of physical activity at various stations and collect pledges/donations based on the number of stations they complete. Parent volunteers help facilitate the marathon and healthy prizes are awarded such as tents, roller blades, a bike and balls. Money raised funds Longfellow’s wellness programming including scholarships for students that are not able to afford wellness activities in the community.

Ferry Pass Elementary - Pensacola, Florida 

Wiggim, the Wild and Woolly Wellness Friend, has taken to the airwaves at Ferry Pass Elementary to deliver laughs and important health messages in a fun and fresh way. Wiggim, which stands for “Wellness is Good Growth in Me,” is the creation of school nurse Julie Terrell who was looking for a way to incorporate more health information into the school day.

Recovery School District - New Orleans, Louisana 

Posted by Judy Walker, Food editor, The Times-Picayune
© 2009 The Times-Picayune, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
Used with permission of The Times-Picayune and NOLA.com. 

A group of middle school students hope to provide proof today to the leaders of the Recovery School District that students will eat fresh, local, healthy foods. At a press conference at Homespace Gallery, Kids Rethink New Orleans Schools will present reports they've written on three taste tests held in May, in which they evaluated 18 dishes in blind taste-testings. "The idea came from us wanting better fresh, local foods in our school systems," said Isaiah Simms, 14, who has been in the Rethinkers club since it began three years ago.

West New York School District - West New York, New Jersey 

Passionate about providing healthier foods in his district and beyond, Sal Valenza, food service director for West New York School District decided to host a “Healthier Food Fair” to bring vendors together to demonstrate their healthier school food options to the broader school community audience.

Lincoln Elementary School - Levittown, Pennsylvania 

After her district joined the Healthy Schools Program this year, Principal Terrie Giardine felt like she needed to do something to find more time for moving. She understood that physical activity has a great impact on student attention spans so she looked at her school schedule and found a way to add 15 minutes of extra physical activity every day, in addition to recess and physical education. Not only does this change help the students stay focused in the classroom, it helped the school meet the criteria, “All students have the opportunity to participate in physical activity breaks on a daily basis.”

Long Mill Elementary School - Youngsville, North Carolina 

The Morning Movers program at Long Mill Elementary provides an opportunity for students to get moving before they head to class every morning. The school started the Morning Movers program last year after joining the Healthy Schools Program and students have been so excited about participating that the school saw their breakfast program numbers decrease.

Henry County School Distict - Henry County, Tennessee 

Nestled in the northwestern part of Tennessee lies Henry County in which the county seat, Paris, calls itself “the world’s biggest fish fry.” Henry County is new to the Healthy Schools Program this year and their enthusiastic Coordinated School Health Director, Stephanie Winders, jumped on one of the Healthy Schools Program tools to help bring staff together and to build momentum for reaching both short and long-term health goals for the district.

Osceola School District - Osceola, Arkansas 

Like many school districts across the country, Osceola was looking for new ways to engage students around physical education and activity. Without the budget to replace old equipment, the need for a creative solution was clear.

Lakeshore Elementary School - Eau Claire, Wisconsin 

Lakeshore Elementary in Eau Claire was among the 230 pilot schools to launch the Healthy Schools Program in 2006. With strong district support and a committed school wellness council, they blazed the trail for the National Recognition Award and received a Bronze award after their first year of implementation. Over the past three years, the school’s commitment has grown with staff, students and an active school wellness council that has kept school wellness a high priority.

Pinellas Park Middle School - Pinellas Park, Florida 

Three new programs have just been launched at Pinellas Park Middle School to promote healthy eating and the importance of physical activity. The school is introducing students to new foods through a program called “Taste Test” which was developed by the National Dairy Council. Student advisors will lead classes through various taste tests while presenting nutritional information and encouraging student to eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products. Students will get to vote on their preferences.

Independence School District - Independence, Missouri 

The Independence School District (ISD) and school districts across the country were challenged in 2004, under the Congressional Reauthorization of the National School Lunch program, to create wellness policies and goals to assist in reducing childhood obesity. ISD used this opportunity to take an aggressive role in determining their responsibility for reversing the alarming trend of student health challenges. They committed to the idea that public education does play a vital role in the health and wellness of their constituents. 

Letcher County School District - Letcher County, Kentucky 

Located in the coalfields of Southeastern Kentucky, Letcher County school administrators do not let their rural environment discourage them from exposing their students to a variety of physical activity. Sandra Hogg, Director of Special Programs, mentioned that in schools where kids have access to tennis courts, they are purchasing tennis rackets. She is also purchasing golf clubs, badminton and yard games. The wellness chairs believe parents of their students want their kids to learn life long sports and physical activities.   

Wahoo Elementary School - Wahoo, Nebraska 

Wahoo Elementary School is committed to helping their students become a generation on the move. The school’s walking club began nearly two years ago when administration and staff wanted to do something to encourage kids toward a life-long physical activity such as walking. Students were first enticed to participate by earning small charms for laps completed. Since then students have embraced the opportunity and now the walking club has become one of the favorite activities for students to participate in before the school day begins.

Escambia County School District - Pensacola, Florida 

During the 2007-2008 school year, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, the Dole Food Company and McCain Foods USA collaborated to provide technical assistance to the Escambia County School District’s Food Service Department. Their intent was to create replicable tools for all schools while increasing the serving of more nutrient-dense, lower calorie foods in three Escambia County Healthy Schools Program schools.

Kennedy Elementary School - Green Bay, Wisconsin 

When the state of Wisconsin mandated that schools must provide physical education at least 90 minutes per week at the elementary level, Kennedy Elementary realized it needed to add creative programming to help ensure that they meet this goal. They also wanted to build a program that would help students develop lifelong, healthy habits. The school district adopted a progressive wellness policy last fall which takes a strong stand on promoting a healthy learning environment. This policy focuses on providing quality physical education and opportunities for physical activity throughout the day as well as after school.

Umana Middle School Academy - Boston, Massachusetts 

Umana Middle School Academy in Massachusetts was granted the opportunity to expand the hours of the school day by the state legislature and is using the extra time, in addition to increasing academic enrichment, to increase the number and types of classes being offered to students in the areas of health, fitness and nutrition. Umana has taken advantage of the additional hours to reach the entire student population, including students who rely on school buses to travel home from school and those who are least likely to participate in a voluntary afterschool program.

Berkeley County School District - Berkeley County, West Virginia 

A community-based collaborative in West Virginia is working to bring health education to students in the region. They are providing nutrition and fitness activities and presenters to a Berkeley County Schools afterschool program held at the Boys and Girls Club. They provide materials and resources to pre-K programs in the district, assist middle school afterschool programs and organize family fun and fitness events at the elementary schools. They are also involved in an annual intervention for mothers and adolescent daughters called “BodyWorks.” This program was developed by the Office on Women’s Health and is a ten-week program with a train the trainer component.

Mercer Elementary School - Cincinnati, Ohio 

The Mercer Elementary Parent Teacher Association (PTA) wanted to change the way it raised funds so instead of students selling things like candy out of catalogs the students could earn donations while becoming healthier at the same time. With this philosophical shift in mind, their new fundraising program Exercise for Education was born. Under the direction of PTA member Jenny Nayak, students solicit donations from parents, relatives, friends and community members to support their participation in a day of exercise on the track of a nearby high school.

North Miami Elementary School - Miami, Florida 

This past fall students from North Miami Elementary were invited to join a 12-week afterschool cooking class sponsored by an organization called Common Threads. Common Threads educates children on the importance of nutrition, physical well-being and cultural diversity through cooking. It works to reach children in low-income communities to show them how they can make healthy and affordable meals.

Fairbanks School District - Fairbanks, Alaska 

A unique partnership between an organic, non-profit farm and the Fairbanks School District is providing opportunities for students to learn about food, gardens and the impact they have on local communities. Susan Willsrud, director of the Calypso Farm & Ecology Center, said, “It’s rewarding to see communities grow to have love and pride in their school gardens.”

North Canaan Elementary School - North Canaan, Connecticut

Last year, while preparing for the annual Connecticut Mastery Tests (CMTs), the wellness committee at North Canaan Elementary School decided to pilot a breakfast program for the entire school with the goal of building excitement for healthy eating habits for the students. Breakfast was delivered by the cafeteria staff to each classroom and students enjoyed a healthy breakfast as well as Yoga before the testing period began.

Shadyside High School - Shadyside, Ohio 

Changes in programming, curriculum and equipment are underway in the physical education program in Shadyside. With the district now in its second year of implementing a PEP grant, the results have been gratifying. Health Education Coordinator Holly Ging said, “You can’t imagine the difference it makes. We can offer our kids things we’ve always wished for and dreamed about, and watch their faces light up.”

Arroyos del Norte Elementary School - Taos, New Mexico 

Arroyos del Norte Elementary has a brand new school wellness council and with it comes a better understanding of what school wellness means and a willingness to try new things. School Principal Dr. Lucille Gallegos-Jaramillo (Dr. G) had always envisioned a school community where students were “Academically, Physically and Emotionally (APE) Fit.” In the fall of 2008, wellness plan coordinator Janell Farwell brought forward the need for a wellness plan which turned out to be a good fit with Dr. G’s vision.

Huffman Elementary School - Anchorage, Alaska 

Anchorage is covered in snow for five to six months a year but Huffman Elementary School has found a way to keep kids active during these cold, dark winter months. They are offering cross-country skiing as part of their physical education program and as an afterschool program. With a 2008 PTA Healthy Lifestyles Award, received by the Huffman Elementary PTA, the school has expanded its program to reach elementary school students across Anchorage.

Cass Lake-Bena Elementary School - Cass Lake, MN 

Cass Lake-Bena Elementary School is home of the Panthers and students in their Healthy Kids Club are showing Panther pride by learning new ways to eat healthier and stay physically active. “I’m trying to teach the students to find physical activities they like and will be a lifelong exercise for them,” says Cate Belleveau the school enrichment specialist who supervises the Healthy Kids Club. “I was a college basketball player so I know what it feels like to have something I’m good at and I love to do. This is my goal for the students in the Healthy Kids Club.”

River Terrace Elementary School - Washington, D.C. 

When River Terrace Elementary joined the Healthy Schools Program last October, Principal Shannon Foster had a vision of seeing her school become a more physically active community. She mobilized her leadership team and they set their sights on changing the culture for students and staff through more physical activity breaks and structured recess time.

Macon High School - Macon, Missouri 

Determined to meet their food service training criteria this year, Macon High School’s school wellness champion, Jennifer Riekeberg, and Gayle McVay, district food service director, discussed what they could do despite limited resources.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School - Washington, D.C. 

It did not take long for the school wellness council at Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School to decide that students and staff needed more opportunities for physical activity and to start an afterschool program to meet that need. The program is offered to both students and staff once a week and everyone has been very pleased with the response.

Comal Independent School District - New Braunfels, Texas 

“The idea of ‘walking in someone else’s shoes’ is a powerful message. It’s easy to give lip service to expectations or state mandates; it’s a completely different matter when you have to experience it first hand!” said Dr. Jodi Duron, assistant superintendent for Comal Independent School District. Since Texas law requires that the FITNESSGRAM physical fitness assessment be administered to all students in grades 3-12, district leaders thought it was only fair that all the principals try it out as well.

Jackson Elementary - St. Paul, Minnesota
by Tom Weber, c) 2009, Minnesota Public Radio. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 

There are 550 or so kindergarten through sixth-graders at Jackson Elementary, in St. Paul's Frogtown neighborhood. They're just about all students of color, and 90 percent of them live in poverty. Given those demographics, Principal Patrick Bryan says a good 275 of them are on pace to develop diabetes, if they follow current trends. A compelling reason, he said, to have personal health just as high up on the to-do list as reading, writing and arithmetic.

Charles Hay Elementary School - Englewood, Colorado 

For schools focused on reading, writing and ‘rithmetic’, a creative problem solver might be needed to help find extra time for physical activity during the school day. Charles Hay Elementary has that kind of thinker in physical educator Dale Lumpa. Lumpa used to spend the end of the day assisting students with writing in their classrooms. Then he proposed to the principal that they make the gym available for teachers to drop off their students instead for a “Cougar Fit Club.”

Glen Iris Elementary School - Birmingham City Schools, Alabama 

Classroom teachers in Birmingham City Schools are getting an extra hour each week to plan activities for their classes and students are heading down to the gym for an extra hour per week of physical education. Physical education teachers Sharon Smith and Alfonso Lewis wanted to take advantage of this opportunity and provide a venue where students stay active and engaged for much of that hour.

Campbell Elementary - Fairburn, Georgia 

Campbell Elementary School used to celebrate birthdays by having monthly parties in the cafeteria where cake and ice cream were served to all students celebrating a birthday that month. After joining the Healthy Schools Program, reinventing the school’s birthday celebrations became a high priority

Denmark-Olar Elementary School - Denmark, South Carolina 

Establishing a school wellness council (SWC) is the key to ensuring a school can build and sustain a healthy school environment. In smaller, rural school districts the pool of potential participants for school committees is limited and the most effective and efficient use of these human resources is critically important.

RW Combs Elementary School - Perry County, Kentucky 

Staff members at RW Combs Elementary school “have gotten a better handle on their weight, are able to identify risks –such as high blood pressure, and have started walking programs or other individual wellness initiatives,” according to Ruth Adkins, school wellness champion. Adkins and colleague Vonda Adams are two teachers who caught the wellness bug after attending the 2008 Coordinated School Health Institute and have since then worked to improve opportunities for staff to lead the charge as healthy role models.

Mt. Rainier Elementary School - Mt Rainier, Maryland 

As in many schools across the country, candy was just part of the culture at Mr. Rainier Elementary, almost a form of currency. They used it to motivate students and to encourage good behavior. Rob Hokanson, physical education teacher, estimates that 75% of staff would use candy as rewards. Even the custodians would sometimes pass out candy to students in the hallway.

Redland Middle School - Homestead, Florida 

Redland Middle School boasts a vivid history, one that its students are now retracing as they are learning about growing vegetables, harvesting and making compost. The Redland Farmlife School was dedicated on July 4, 1916 during a large community picnic. The original building is currently being restored. The school housed grades K-8 and had a small high school and agricultural school. Most students were bussed in on a slatted-roof cattle car hauled by a tractor.

Sawtooth Elementary School - Grand Marais, Minnesota 

Last spring, while students across the country started enjoying warmer temperatures, students at Sawtooth Elementary in Northern Minnesota were making the most of the coldest days of winter on snowshoes! The Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation granted the Grand Marais Campus PTA money to purchase snowshoes for the school.

Sterling Elementary School - Glynn County, Georgia 

After completing the Healthy Schools Inventory, Sterling Elementary found that they needed to increase physical activity levels of students and staff. In the summer of 2008 they received a $5,000 grant from the Georgia Department of Public Health through the school nurse liaison program. The funds were supposed to be used to increase activity levels. After researching numerous options the wellness council decided to focus on creating an outdoor fitness area for everyone to use.

Plainfield Central and Plainfield Memorial Schools - Plainfield, Connecticut
Story by Emily Groves, reprinted with permission from the Norwich Bulletin 

Students at Plainfield Central and Plainfield Memorial schools took on a hefty challenge: Walk 28 million steps collectively--the distance it would take to cross the United States--by the last day of school, June 16. Students began the challenge with a high-energy rally and ceremonial first walk with Robert Sweetgall, who has walked across the country seven times.

Albert Turner Elementary School - Marion, Alabama 

When two school employees in this very rural district with limited access to major medical care or physical rehabilitation services became injured, Principal Edwin Dial Jr. decided he wanted to do something to help them. He purchased several pieces of exercise equipment for them to use at the school. Since that time, the district formed a wellness council and the program has continued to grow to help all school staff meet their fitness goals.

John F. Kennedy Elementary School - West Babylon, New York 

The teachers at John F. Kennedy Elementary School in West Babylon, NY have not only been working hard to build strong healthy minds but have also been working hard in building strong healthy bodies through example. In keeping with the Healthy Schools Program, JFK employees participated in a program entitled the “Skyscraper Climb Challenge.” It is a program that promotes physical activity through stair climbing.

New Brunswick School District - New Brunswick, New Jersey 

After attending the Healthy Schools Program technical assistance sessions, it became clear that focusing on school employee wellness was a common goal across the New Brunswick school district. The head nurse of the district, Nancy Coppola, and Assistant Superintendent Mary Egan decided that they could help their schools move forward on this issue by placing the staff wellness interest survey, provided by the Healthy Schools Program, up on the district website for all staff to take. They felt that it would save the schools a great deal of time and energy to handle the survey administration on their behalf.

Cook-Wissahickon Elementary School - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

At Cook-Wissahickon, wellness and sustainability go hand in hand! The school wellness council and the sustainability council have teamed up to turn the school into an eco-friendly garden oasis, both indoors and out. The project started when science teacher Abby Pelcyger attended a few trainings with the local horticulture society and learned of a grant opportunity to help them build indoor gardens.

Ogema Elementary School - Waubun, Minnesota
Story by Mila Koumpilova, reprinted with permission from The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead 

They have whooshed across the woods on skis in subzero temperatures. They have planted hundreds of pines, tapped maple trees for syrup and spied on trumpeter swans. Lately, Waubun students have often ditched the classroom for their school forest, 160 acres of maples, oak and ironwood where classes rarely ventured.

Farmington Elementary School - Germantown, Tennessee 

Every month Farmington Elementary participates in a walk to school event involving students, parents, the local parks and police. It is a community event that takes a great deal of coordination and logistical planning, spearheaded by the PTA. Due to Farmington’s Coordinated School Health’s wellness plan and Healthy Schools Program action plan indicating the need to increase physical activity and community involvement, the idea of the Walk-to-School Event was born.

Live Oak Elementary School - New Orleans, Louisiana 

Momentum for health and wellness is on the rise in the Big Easy where a number of initiatives at Live Oak Elementary are helping students move more and eat healthy foods. At lunchtime students can now choose from the hot lunch or a salad and fruit. Healthy afternoon snacks are also offered since the school day lasts until 4:30. Then, the afterschool program offers whole grain snacks, carrots, celery and skim milk.

William H. Turner Technical Arts High School - Miami, Florida 

William H. Turner Technical Arts High School prides itself in providing excellence, rigor and hope for all students. Therefore, it is only appropriate that the staff challenge each other to work hard to be “Fit and Fabulous.”

Inborden Elementary School - Enfield, North Carolina 

Hoping to motivate staff and students to get moving, the wellness council at Inborden decided that the school should make the trek to Africa. They determined that it was about 7,765 miles from Inborden to Nairobi, Kenya and each class was given a pedometer to track steps. They measured the steps from the classrooms to other key points in the building so they could easily keep track of every step and convert those steps into miles.

Prince George's County School District - Prince George's County, Maryland 

Prince George’s County School District, with approximately 16,000 full-time employees, understands the importance of keeping their staff healthy. Their wellness department is pulling out all the stops to make sure they are doing everything they can to help employees adopt healthy behaviors.

West Babylon High School - West Babylon, New York 

During its first year of participation in the Healthy Schools program, West Babylon High School (WBHS) has experienced quite a stir in its kitchens, classrooms and hallways. Posters touting the benefits of exercise and good food choices decorate the halls and everyone from staff in the kitchen, to teachers, and students are working together to adopt healthier behaviors such as starting the day with a healthy breakfast. With the help of community supporters and many concerned members of the WBHS staff and student body, students and staff are eating smarter and healthier--and loving it!

Landis Intermediate School - Vineland, New Jersey 

When the school wellness council at Landis decided they needed a fun and inspiring before school program to help them increase physical activity levels they turned to the Healthy Schools Program Resource Database. They found the Mighty Milers program and ran with it!

Maybury Elementary School - Detroit, Michigan 

By developing community partnerships and securing a local grant, the school wellness council at Maybury Elementary has been able to develop programs and activities to help reinforce an active and healthy lifestyle with their students. They installed a climbing wall in the gym and purchased bowling equipment. Now they are able to teach life-long recreation skills and a sport that is very popular in their community.

St. Anthony Catholic School - San Antonio, Texas 

Upon seeing students buy “lunch” from the soda machine, Principal Dr. John Kennedy decided changes were in order. With parents, staff and students engaged, the St. Anthony “Mi Vida” wellness campaign was born.

Quitman County Middle School - Marks, Mississippi  

In early October, Quitman Middle School hosted a special school community meeting, where parents and distinguished guests from the United States Senate and House of Representatives heard about the changes they have made to create a healthier school environment despite some environmental limitations.

Delong Middle School - Eau Claire, Wisconsin 

The staff at DeLong Middle School is serious about having a fun staff wellness program and they are working together to be creative. After completing their staff wellness interest survey they came up with a long list of activities they wanted to try. In order to raise funds for the wellness activities they decided to hold a clothes swap. Staff members pay $3 to get in and then clothes were swapped for free. They used the money to purchase lunches for staff and to make gift baskets to use as incentives.

Delong Middle School - Eau Claire, Wisconsin 

Delong Middle School is fortunate to have an active student wellness group that has lead the charge to increase physical activity and on making healthy changes at their school. After participating in the Student Trailblazing Project, an initiative to field-test the Step Up for a Healthier School Student Toolkit, students at Delong worked to eliminate unhealthy options from the a la carte line, introduced the “Jammin’ Minute” into classrooms and hosted taste tests to encourage healthy snacking. After two students traveled to D.C. to educate lawmakers on their efforts, they received a return visit from Wisconsin Representative Ron Kind.

St. Simons Elementary School - Glynn County, Georgia 

For the first through fifth graders at St. Simons Elementary School, a monthly afterschool program offers a fun way to explore healthy choices. Paige Fox, a paraprofessional at the school with a fitness background, wanted to start a club that would expose children to a number of wellness topics with a hands-on approach. By tapping into a base of community and parent volunteers she has been able to create a diverse spectrum of lessons for the students to explore.

Edgecombe County Schools - Edgecombe County, North Carolina
Reprinted with permission from author Kim Bellamy with the Daily Southerner. 

The public schools in Edgecombe County have put a twist on their school lunches and vending machines. Instead of getting candy, salty chips and fattening cookies out of the vending machines, students have the option of baked chips and Rice Krispy treats. No soft drinks are offered at the schools. Only water, 100 percent fruit juice and sports drinks are available.

Riverview Elementary School - Vancouver, Washington 

Riverview Elementary students love a fitness challenge! Last fall, for the third year in a row, they jumped at the chance to step up their physical activity during the six-week Governor’s Health Bowl Challenge. The student’s enthusiasm helped to rally the entire school community and families into being active.

Alhambra Unified School District - Alhambra, California

It was hard to miss the hordes of kids walking with yellow balloons with the message “Eat Healthy, Be Active” during the morning commute the first week of October. Alhambra was one of countless school districts worldwide to participate in International Walk to School Week. Every morning, more than 300 students and community members gathered at a central location in preparation for the walk. Police officers and firefighters accompanied the ½-mile treks to ensure pedestrian safety.

Albuquerque Public Schools - Albuquerque, New Mexico 

Looking for a fun way to engage employees across the district in wellness efforts, the Albuquerque Public Schools district staff wellness committee decided that a fitness challenge would help them meet their goals. They launched the district wide fitness challenge at the beginning of 2008 using the American Heart Association’s Start! Program. Jennie McCary, wellness manager for the district said that the program was attractive to them because “participants can log on from any computer and track their activity as an individual or a team, and I can pull team and district reports.”

Cleveland Metropolitan School District - Cleveland, Ohio 

The primary goal of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) is to become a premier school district in the United States of America.  CEO, Dr. Eugene Sanders and Mr. Eric Gordon the Chief Academic Officer have implemented a scope and sequence process that brings CMSD staff, teachers, parents and community partners to the table for the benefit of enhancing student learning.

North Beach Elementary School - Miami, Florida 

Fitness Challenge Gives Teachers Welcome Bonding TimeTeachers and staff at North Beach Elementary kicked off their employee wellness program by recently participating in the Presidential Physical Fitness Challenge--a decision prompted by a variety of factors including the need to meet staff wellness goals, results of an employee needs assessment, and a survey of school staff.

Owsley County High School - Owsley County, Kentucky 

According to the 2000 United States census report, Owsley County, Kentucky has less than 5,000 people and the median income for a household is the third lowest in the nation. It is a challenge to come up with opportunities for physical activity, as there are no health clubs, gym space is at a premium and activities like skating, bowling and gymnastics are a 45-minute drive over hilly terrain.

Sam Davey Elementary School - Eau Claire, Wisconsin 

Last year, interested 4th and 5th grade students at Sam Davey were invited to serve as “Student Ambassadors” to the school wellness council. Ambassadors joined the wellness team for lunch for one, two or three meetings. Each group of Ambassadors discussed a particular aspect of health and wellness ranging from heart health to the importance of physical activity. They also worked on special projects for the school such as planning the schoolwide celebration for American Heart Month, writing their own Jammin’ Minute and teaching it to other students, making posters to advertise their Bike Rodeo and writing their own Energizer (physical activity break).

Lauderhill Middle School - Lauderhill, Florida 

Lauderhill Middle School in Lauderhill, Florida has added a new twist to their physical education program. SPARK has been included as part of the curriculum since the beginning of the 2008 school year. Saundra Howard, a Lauderhill physical education teacher, sees how much the lessons in the curriculum have enhanced her program. “Students are playing volleyball, basketball and soccer; not just the traditional games but lead up games and fun variations instead!” Lead up games are activities that build skills that will allow them to later fully participate in a certain sport. One example would be 2 on 2 soccer-- all students get more touches of the ball due to fewer players.

Lakeshore Elementary School - Eau Claire, Wisconsin 

“When one moves ahead, the other doesn’t want to fall behind,” said Mary Jo Tuckwell, R.D., nutrition and management consultant at Lakeshore Elementary School in Eau Claire, WI. She’s referring to the snowball effect that came from having all four schools in the Eau Claire district striving to meet Alliance guidelines at the same time.

Bernalillo Middle School - Bernalillo, New Mexico 

In order to keep students engaged and active before and after school, the school wellness council at Bernalillo Middle School has realized that creativity is the key to developing before and afterschool programs that meet the needs of all students.

North High School - Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Mt. Ararat Middle School - Topsham, Maine
Windham High School - Windham, Maine 

Ten schools were recently honored for their outstanding school health education programs with the inaugural Blue Apple Health Education Awards by the American Association for Health Education (AAHE). Three of the award-winning schools--North High School, Mt. Ararat Middle School (bronze recognition) and Windham High School (silver recognition)--are members of the Alliance’s Healthy Schools Program.

Dr. Bowman Foster Ashe Elementary School - Miami, Florida 

After identifying staff wellness as a top priority and conducting a staff survey, Dr. Bowman Foster Ashe Elementary School decided on offering the Weight Watchers at Work® program for school employees. The program was such a success in its first year that the school decided to offer it again this year.

Hortonville School District - Hortonville, Wisconsin 

Hortonville Schools are moving in a healthy direction for both students and staff. In the high school, students received free milk and fruit during the mornings of finals for the first semester which was very popular. Students are also getting physically active, as seen by the rising participation in intramurals programs. New offerings include Zumba classes, broomball and volleyball, where participation has more than doubled. To reinforce nutritious snacks, students receive fat free chocolate milk as a treat at the games.

Sterling Elementary - Sterling, Alaska 

Fresh produce is a real treat in Alaska and now, thanks to the Sterling Elementary PTA, 6th grade teacher Teri Diamond, Nurse Betty Miller and their school wellness council (SWC), students are now able to explore a new fresh fruit and vegetable each month. Wellness has always been a priority for Principal Christine Ermold so she gave full support to the newly formed SWC to find more ways to get fresh produce for students.

Roger E. Sides Elementary School - Karnes City, Texas Copyright 2009 San Antonio Express-News, reprinted with permission. 

There are many things Sylvia Kellner wishes she could do for her 10-year-old son, Kyle, like fix the brakes on his bicycle. Luckily for her, Kyle's fifth-grade science teacher, Joe Bishop has organized students, teachers and parents into a group that repairs and rides bikes on Saturdays and gives them to kids whose families cannot afford them.

Edna Karr High School - Algiers, Louisiana 

At Edna Karr High School in Algiers, Louisiana, the drinks in the vending machine have become a little lighter on calories and sugar. Edna Karr is one of the eight schools in the Algiers Charter School Association of New Orleans in its first year with the Healthy Schools Program. The school is well on its way towards creating a healthier environment for its 800 students and 80 staff. 

Sunset View Elementary School - San Diego, California 

The school garden at Sunset View Elementary School is cared for by all students at the school and used for class enrichment and snacks. This past fall, with funds from a 2008 PTA Healthy Lifestyles Award, the school PTA added fruit trees and berries to the vegetables and flowers already plotted, and celebrated with a Winter Harvest Festival. The festival brought all 20 classes into the garden to harvest fruits and vegetables and learn about growing food, organic gardening and making healthy choices. The classes then tried new foods and recipes.

West New York School District - West New York, New Jersey 

West New York Public School District is in its third year with the Healthy Schools Program. “Our district has shifted from focusing on cookies to focusing on a culture. We now focus our efforts on whole school reform including school meals, physical activity, health education, staff wellness and beyond. All areas of the school environment play significant roles in making this reform a reality,” said Sal Valenza, food service director.

Barbara Blanchard Elementary - Cape Girardeau, Missouri 

Leave your pumps, loafers and oxfords at home! Every Friday morning at Barbara Blanchard Elementary in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, students and staff put on their walking shoes and come together for a twenty minute walk, following a healthy breakfast provided by the school. The Blanchard Wellness Walk began three years ago when Principal Dr. Barbara Kohlfeld decided that they needed to do something to get the students more active. Physical education teacher, Debbie Phillips, took the idea and put it into action.

Solomon Schecter School of Westchester - Westchester County, New York 

In an effort to support the school’s decision to work on improving the quality of food offered in the lunchroom, active parents Shari Rubinson and Allison Wohl at the Solomon Schecter School of Westchester. decided to create a program called “Food Detectives.” The purpose of the program is to educate, motivate and inspire students in a fun and engaging way to make healthy choices at school and at home, and to understand the physical and mental benefits for doing so.

McIver and Pittman Elementary School - Halifax County, North Carolina 

McIver and Pittman Elementary schools in Halifax County are the fortunate recipients of two Skillastics™ games, donated by Skillastics™ president Sandy Slade. By implementing the games, both schools are having fun learning new basketball and soccer skills in addition to their current physical education curriculum and afterschool physical activity offerings. The games are designed to help children learn valuable skills they can use on and off the playing field and to allow them to participate in physically challenging but non-competitive exercise.

Warren County High School - Warrenton, North Carolina 

Instead of selling cookies or wrapping paper, the Health Occupation Student Association at Warren County High School decided that they would try to raise money for their club by providing a valuable service to the community-blood pressure screenings.

Herbert Hoover Elementary School - Langhorne Pennsylvania 

Herbert Hoover Elementary is trying to send a message to students about the importance of eating a healthy breakfast and they are building cereal box sculptures in the lobby to help raise awareness. In January the school focused on educating students about cereal and grains.

Kenly Elementary - Tampa, Florida 

After receiving the Bronze National Recognition Award last summer, the school wellness council at Kenly wanted to identify the next big challenge to work on to help the school become a healthier environment. They decided to look at improving how they reward students and parents. When Kenly became a “candy free” school two years ago they started to reward students with extra minutes of recess instead of candy and realized that was just as effective and a much healthier option.

Park Lane Elementary School - Lawton, Oklahoma 

What do you get when you combine an enthusiastic physical education teacher with a community eager to volunteer and provide resources? The result is a unique physical education class that challenges students each day with new adventures and teaches them life long activities.

Orchard View Intermediate School - Martinsburg, West Virginia
Story reprinted with permission from writer Jillian E. Kesner and the Journal News. Photo taken by Ron Agnir. 

Dottie Pownall's classroom has been called the "ball room" ever since she purchased fitness balls for her 27 students last month to be used in place of traditional desk chairs. Pownall's class at Orchard View Intermediate was conducting a class science fair project on ways to help students learn when they came across an article about a study conducted by the Mayo Clinic, which indicated that the use of fitness balls improves students' concentration, creates less classroom noise and helps students become more fit.

Sacramento Elementary School - Portland, Oregon 

Principal Stevie Blakely believes that the inspiration to work on creating a healthier school environment came from seeing the childhood obesity epidemic hit so close to home. “We have students who have various health issues due to weight. It is in our face and we need to do whatever we can to change our environment,” she said. Principal Blakely is working in partnership with the School Wellness Council to build on current wellness efforts in its charge to provide physical activity and nutritious options for students and staff.

Fox Hollow Elementary School - Port Richey, Florida 

This year, Fox Hollow Elementary formed a School Wellness Council (SWC). Currently, its 20 members are divided among a number of subgroups that each work on a different section of the schools’ Wellness Action Plan. Members have begun wellness initiatives for staff, students and parents--and there has been enormous success so far.

L.P. Collins Elementary School - Cupertino, California
El Monte School District - El Monte, California 

As part of the Healthy Schools Program, participating schools form a School Wellness Council (SWC)--and in California, many parents have embraced the opportunity to participate. Overwhelmingly, parents in Cupertino and El Monte, California report wanting to take action to help their kids be healthier, and they recognize how important it is for schools to support physical activity and provide nutritious foods and beverages.

Macedonia Elementary School - Blackville, South Carolina 

Through work in their edible garden, third graders at Macedonia Elementary School are improving their nutrition and increasing their physical activity while deepening their understanding of ecosystems, the life cycle of plants, and learning other science, math and health education concepts. Staff and parents are discovering how powerful a community can be when you reach out to the right people.

Tulsa Public Schools - Tulsa, Oklahoma 

If you ask a student what fruits and vegetables are raised in their state you may get a blank stare. However, 5th graders in Tulsa Public Schools have a greater understanding of Oklahoma agriculture thanks to an innovative program called Farm to Market. The Farm to Market program is successful in large part to countless volunteers who help students make the connection between the ground and the grocery store.