For immediate release
Contact Gene J. Evans, (503) 947-5737
March 17, 2008
Three Schools Chosen for Oregon School Wellness Awards
SALEM – State Schools Superintendent Susan Castillo announced that Abernethy Elementary (Portland), Franklin School (Corvallis), and Joseph School District (Joseph) have been named as the recipients of the 2008 Oregon School Wellness Award. This is the first year that the Oregon Department of Education has formally recognized outstanding school wellness programs. The schools have effectively implemented their district’s wellness policies, are creatively promoting healthy student behavior, and are monitoring and evaluating their programs to meet all student needs. Child nutrition programs provide healthy meals to promote learning readiness and healthy eating behaviors.
“The staff members of Abernethy, Franklin, and Joseph Schools recognize the link between health and education and have taken action. Schools that are committed to their wellness policies have benefited from more positive and alert students, reduced school absenteeism, and improved student performance and test scores,” Castillo said.
During the next year, she will visit these schools to celebrate their great work. The Nutrition Education Services/Oregon Dairy Council is the title sponsor of the 2008 Oregon School Wellness Awards making it possible to present each recipient with a $2,500 cash prize, certificate of recognition, and a banner.
“Nutrition Education Services/Oregon Dairy Council is pleased to support the efforts of teachers, administrators, parents, and community leaders for their exemplary work in implementing school wellness policies in Oregon,” said Anne Goetze, Director.
“We applaud ODE for initiating this award to recognize the work of schools to improve nutrition and physical activity. We hope these schools will inspire others and the health of Oregon's children will benefit further,” Goetze said.
2008 Oregon School Wellness Award Recipients
Abernethy Elementary, K-5
Abernethy has a school kitchen where all the food is made from scratch by a trained chef. In the Garden of Wonders, students participate in food and garden-based activities that are interwoven with academic curriculum. A full-time AmeriCorps volunteer teaches students about food; how it grows, its cultural significance, its nutritional value, and how to prepare it in healthy meals.
Franklin School, K-8
Franklin is a Healthy Kids Learn Better school that uses Start Smart Eating & Reading Nutrition curriculum. MIX IT UP is a school-wide nutrition program during lunch with a focus on MyPyramid specifically fruits and vegetables. A monthly school menu featuring fruits and vegetables of the month, recipes, and health information is shared with student and parents. Primary teachers are adding more energizers to their curriculum, increasing the physical activity in the classroom.
Joseph School District
Joseph has implemented a school-wide fitness program that rewards students with charms for their exercise. They have monthly events that unite the student with the community to teach them lifelong wellness tips. One such event is the “Turkey Trot” walk that followed the Thanksgiving school meal. The Joseph School District encourages all families to participate in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs. Participation in their child nutrition programs has increased by 30% this past year.
Each recipient of this award completed an application that was reviewed by a Blue Ribbon Panel. The panel helped to narrow down the applicants, and Superintendent Castillo made the final selection.
School Wellness Policies are required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture from school districts receiving federally-funded school meals. These School wellness policies, due during the 2006-2007 academic year, set goals for school-based activities that promote healthy eating, daily physical activity, and other wellness behaviors. Individual schools must implement the district policy, but can also go beyond the policy to improve student health.
The application and additional information for this award can be found at: http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/results/?id=270.
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Susan Castillo, State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Gene Evans, Communications Director, Telephone (503) 947-5737
http://www.ode.state.or.us
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