Teachers & Schools
Hats Off for Active Schools!
It is time celebrate a new school year with the unveiling of the 2015 Let’s Move! Active Schools National Award recipients! Today, Let’s Move! Active Schools partners and staff are proud to honor the 525 schools from 37 states that have earned the top physical activity and physical education distinction for K-12 schools.
School Breakfast Top Priority for NJ School District
Harrison School District Superintendent Dr. James Doran is committed to improving the learning environment for children in this small New Jersey town. Part of that commitment was on display during National School Breakfast Week when I visited Lincoln Elementary School with Dr. Doran to see first-hand how schools in Harrison have championed breakfast in the classroom.
Lincoln has more than 600 students who have enjoyed breakfast in the classroom for the past two school years. But this year Dr. Doran expanded the program to include both the middle and high school, ensuring that even more students begin each school day with a nutritious breakfast. The District decided it was best to offer breakfast after the bell to all students because, according to Dr. Doran, “all the research indicates that children who eat breakfast perform better academically and tend to be more attentive.”
Alabama City School System Proactive in Meeting New Meal Standards
Andalusia City Schools were ahead of the curve. Even before they applied for the Healthier U.S. School Challenge (HUSSC) and won a Gold Award of Distinction for their elementary school, Andalusia City Schools were already taking steps towards making nutritional improvements to their meals.
“We have a long standing tradition of excellence and are recognized as a system where performance exceeds expectations,” said Ms. Stephanie Dillard, child nutrition director for Andalusia City Schools. “At Andalusia City Schools we want what is best for all students, and we exceed expectations in our school meals.”
Schools in Andalusia began serving whole wheat breads and romaine lettuce prior to applying for the HUSSC. Additionally, the schools increased their fruit and vegetable offerings, including dark green and dark orange vegetables a few times a week. Students were also already served one percent or skim milk.
Connecticut School Makes Healthy Meals a Priority
Last year, the principal of our school organized a school garden club for all interested students. With the tremendous work of master gardener Mr. Bill Baxter, and his son and daughter in law, Jesse and Dana Zettergren, the club members have been able to maintain the school garden throughout the summer and into this school year.
We have found that it has been quite easy to tie in the garden club to the lunches that we serve through the National School Lunch Program. We are also testing out new ways to make our school-grown vegetables last longer. We suggest you try:
- Freezing vegetables
- Making pickles
- Using herbs to make herb-flavored oils
- Canning vegetables
- Drying fruit
- Donating excess produce to reduce waste and involve the community in our garden
Using Creativity and Technology To Promote Nutritious Meals in Kansas
Most of us have heard the phrase, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Camera phones, YouTube, and dozens of photo-related apps would seem to support this adage, and I happen to agree as well. That's why I combine nutrition expertise and technology to teach K – 12 students about nutrition and the new school meals.
School Lunch Superhero Day
We all know that getting your young ones to eat a well-balanced meal can be difficult. And for many of our children, the only meal they eat each day that is built of quality nutrition is served in the school cafeteria. In an effort to recognize the school nutrition professionals across the nation who serve our children every school day, the School Nutrition Association is launching School Lunch Superhero Day this Friday, May 3.
Healthy Eating Gets Colorful and Creative in Washington State
This year, the school day just got healthier! Thanks to new and improved school meals, championed by First Lady Michelle Obama, cafeterias across the country are cooking and serving up delicoius and nutritious lunches to students. Chris Neal from Buren, Washington, gave us some great tips on how to spice up the cafeteria.
Prince George’s County Schools in Maryland Enjoy Meals, Get Moving
When the new school meal pattern rules were released as part of the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act, I knew Prince George’s County Schools (PGCPS) were ready. In fact, our district food service program has been serving healthier choices for years. Our kids have embraced the healthier fare and parents have also fully supported our menu choices. And at PGCPS we pay special attention to breakfast—hands-down the most important meal of the day. It gives our students energy to start their day equipped and ready to learn.
Super Hero Gets Kids Moving At Pennsylvania School
Students eating lunch at Springfield Elementary School are going crazy, captivated by the arrival of Saladman. Clad in a green cape, hat and mask, Saladman bounds from table to table in the school cafeteria proclaiming the benefits of eating fresh vegetables. His over-the-top enthusiasm delights the whole room as he passes out samples from the salad bar before enticing the throng of youthful diners to join him for some jumping jacks and pushups.
Beyond Lunch: Taking Breakfast to the Classroom in Little Rock, Arkansas
When I first heard about it, I didn’t believe that breakfast in the classroom would be possible. As a food service director, I thought that’s what the cafeteria was for. But now, I’m the one selling it to anyone who will listen.
