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| 3/14/2007 11:24:00 AM |
| Superintendent Speech- Healthy Kids Learn Better Coalition Day |
| Thank you all for being here today to support school health. I think we can all agree that the accomplishments of Blossom Gulch, Bunker Hill, and Madison Elementary Schools of the Coos Bay School District are certainly remarkable. The administrators being acknowledged here today have recognized the importance of addressing the physical, social and emotional needs of our students. They understand that improving academic performance and addressing the health and wellness of our children go hand in hand.
These administrators are committed to addressing the needs of the whole child. Simply put, this means that students are provided with the knowledge, skills, services, and an environment to establish and maintain good health. It also means that the messages throughout the school are consistent. So that when a student learns in health class that consuming too many high calorie foods can lead to unhealthy weight gain, the foods and beverages in the school provide healthier choices to that student. It also means that parents and community partners are involved in the planning of programs and strategies to support the health and wellbeing of students. It means that these schools strive to promote health through changes in practice and policy. Ultimately, it means creating a school environment where the mental, physical, emotional, and social needs of our students are recognized, valued and addressed. After all, these administrators know that healthy kids really do learn better. I am pleased to announce the formalization of the Oregon School Wellness Awards. These awards are intended to recognize schools that are undertaking systematic change to improve the health of our students today and in the years to come. The Department of Education, in collaboration with community partners, will recognize schools with wellness policies, programs, and the infrastructure to support and promote healthy eating, physical activity, and parental and community involvement. Our hope is that these awards will motivate and empower Oregon schools as they create and maintain healthy school environments so that our students can achieve their full academic potential as well as develop lifelong healthy habits. Again, I would like to congratulate the administration and staff from the Coos Bay School District being recognized today. Thank you for all you do for the health of our students. And I look forward to joining you next year to announce the recipients of the Oregon School Wellness Awards. Thank you. |
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Oregon Department of Education
255 Capitol Street NE Salem, OR 97310-0203 |
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