Movement, moderation and muscles are the messages at Jowell this semester!

PE teachers, Kim Rainey and Debra Wolfe’s message is “movement can be fun” and they are coordinating a program called “We Like to Move It.” The first graders practiced and presented an evening program for their parents featuring various forms of dance and rhythm movements.
More parents are getting involved according to school nurse, Rebecca Presswood, who states “Everyone has been very supportive – principals and staff are very health conscious.”

The “moderation” message was seen on Valentine’s Day with everyone getting fruit juice and one sugar cookie instead of an overload of sugary snacks as in the past. Lessons on portions are planned for this spring.

Putting power behind the healthy messages, “Muscle Up with Milk” has kids checking off their 3 A Day Dairy servings eaten each day on a calendar. Dairy grant funding supported these fun events:

• Staff sported milk mustaches
• Incentives given for choosing dairy at lunch
• Prizes for milk trivia contest winners
• Dairy tasting at PE time

Small steps, dance steps, muscles and movement – healthy messages can be found in many places, in many ways to fit into your school!

Action Goals and Check Points

A journey starts with a single step and Jowell Elementary students and staff are on the road to healthier lives! Their KidLink Team has mapped out the school's healthy action goals:

1. Encourage all students to enjoy being active.
2. Encourage good sensible nutrition, especially drinking milk.
3. Teach good and better food choices that are available to the students.

These check points measure their success:

• Plan for PE and/or recess to be enjoyable
• Offer a variety of activities for all students
• Promote milk consumption through milk availability, posters, announcements
• Reward staff wellness program participation with incentives and recognition
• Continue “Grab n’ Go Breakfast” to increase breakfast consumption
• Offer fresh fruit and vegetables daily at lunch and breakfast

Jowell Elementary is on the road to making healthy choices a life-long path!