Trenton Schools Wellness Program

“Healthy Schools -Healthier Generation”

 

       The past school year a wellness policy was adopted by  the Board and introduced to all schools in the district. The Nutrition Services department in an effort to support that  endeavor and to evaluate a platform for implementation to all schools, offered the opportunity for five selected schools to  participate in the "Model Healthy Schools Pilot Program." The program goals were to teach students to make healthy food choices and to promote physical fitness thus combating obesity by offering various programs and resources within the schools by which they could accomplish these goals.

As a result of the pilot program's success the Nutrition Services Department in conjunction with our wellness partners will be implementing the wellness program

"Healthy Schools- Healthier Generation" in all district schools during the 2008-2009 school year.

 Who are the Wellness Partners and What do they do?

 

  • Nutrition Services Department - Responsible for oversight and implementation of program

 

  • Alliance for a Healthier Generation which includes the Clinton & Robert Wood -Johnson Foundations- Provides support, resources, programs and technical assistance to schools and school districts to support their effort to improve nutrition, physical activity, and staff wellness

 

  • Isles - a community based organization whose mission is to foster more self- reliant families in healthy, sustainable communities thru garden, nutrition education, and " Sprit Walk" programs

 

  • Rutgers's Cooperative Research and Extension-  aides in providing nutrition education classes to each school.

 

  • Early Childhood  Department and School Nurses-  provided help with program development and implementation in schools and  obtain information for BMI's on all Pre-K  to 3rd Grade students in pilot schools

As a part of the program each school will;

Have the opportunity to participate in the Healthy Schools Program thru

Alliance for a Healthier Generation

Establish a Wellness Committee - thru the

Alliance for a Healthier Generation and Nutrition Services

Implement two Nutrition Education Classes to be taught promoting healthy food choices, thru Rutgers's Cooperative Research & Extension

Have access to on-site garden or one within walking distance of school to aide in teaching students the importance of fresh vegetables thru

Isles & Nutrition Services

Introduce an effective plan to increase physical  activity  thru

Isles and Alliance for a Healthier Generation Jam-in Minutes

Have access to Wellness Resource Area which will contain resources that may be used to teach students about and  promote wellness thru the

Alliance for a Healthier Generation and Nutrition Services

Introduce Green Products for use in each building thru

B&G and Nutrition Services

Resources for improving staff  overall wellness  thru

Alliance for a Healthier Generation and Nutrition Services

 

As a part of the program each school will continue;

  • Participate in  a culminating Wellness Fair in June 2009  thru all wellness partners

  The benefits from the program for the schools will be;

  • Full implementation of the District's Wellness Policy

  • Students who know  how to make wise food choices  and are more active

  • Healthy more alert Students

  • Students ready to learn

  • Potential for better test scores

  • Community and Parent involvement

  • National Recognition Thru Healthy Schools Program

  • Healthy School / Healthier Generation

 We are asking each school to accept the challenge, because we are anxious for your “Healthy School” to become a part of this prestigious team for a “Healthier Generation”.

 l

 

"Healthy Schools/Healthier Generation"

Calendar of Events 2008-2009

 

June 2008

Program Introduced to Staff

Wellness Committees Established

(in each participating school)

Take School Inventory &

Establish School Wellness Goals

 

August 2008

District Wellness Partners Meeting

Letters To Parent & Permission Slips

(sent to schools explaining the program)

Garden Harvest

 

September 2008

Letter & Slips Sent Home

Develop School's Wellness Action Plan

Healthy School Meeting

Present Action Plan at Meeting

Garden Harvest - Vegetable of Month

Jam-in Minute Introduction

 

October 2008

Begin to implement Wellness Action Plan

Parent Fact sheet -Benefit of Exercise

Safe Paths for Walking

Garden Harvest- Vegetable of Month

Jam-in Minute

 

November 2008

 Parent Fact Sheet

Benefit of Fresh Fruit & Vegetables

Sweet Potato Pie Dessert

Last Garden Harvest

(Preparing the Garden for Winter)

Jam -in Minute

  

 

December 2008

"Think What you Drink" Activity Sheet

Parent Fact Sheet -Healthy Drink Choices

Healthy Schools Meeting

Jam-in Minute

 

January 2009

Celebrate the New Year!!!

Good Nutrition / Physical Activity

Music Fun DVD

Parent Fact Sheet-Benefit of Fiber

Jam-in Minute

                                                            

February 2009

Black History & American Heart Association

Month

Fresh Vegetable Topping on Pizza

Food Guide Pyramid

Parent Fact

Heart Healthy Tips

Jam-in Minute

 

March 2009

National School Breakfast Week

Parent Fact Sheet-Benefit of Breakfast

Breakfast Promotion

Jam-in Minute

 

April 2009

Preparing for "Spirit Walk" Distribute pedometers

Parent Fact Sheet -Benefit of Walking

Healthy Schools Meeting

Preparation of Gardens for Planting

Jam-in Minute

                       

 May- June 2009      

Evaluate Goals & Program

Preparation for Wellness Fair

Planting in Gardens

Jam in Minute

 

Trenton Public Schools

"Healthy Schools/Healthier Generation"

Wellness Program

 

 

Dear Parent/Guardian,

       

The Trenton Board of Education-Nutrition Services Department is asking for permission to have your child participate in our 2008-2009 “Healthy Schools/ Healthier Generation" program.  The goal of this program is to bring health/fitness awareness to students in their schools. We believe that by introducing good health and exercise habits to young children it can result in healthier habits for a lifetime.  Therefore, we are urging the children of Trenton to be a part of this magnificent health/fitness awareness program and we are asking for your permission to have your child actively participate in our “Healthy Schools/ Healthier Generation” program.  Attached is our 2008-2009 Events Calendar.

       

        Please aid our Department of Nutrition Services in bringing health and fitness awareness to your child. And, remember that our effort today is beneficial for tomorrow. 

        If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact Dedra B. Wood Director of Nutrition Services @ (609) 989-2890.  Thank you for your time and consideration!

Please sign and return.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Child’s name: ______________________________________________

 

School: _____________________________________________________

 

Grade: ______________________________________________________

 

Teacher’s name: ____________________________________________

 

______ Has no food restrictions or allergies

 

______Has the following food restrictions or allergies:

 

_____________________________________________________________

                                                                                                                                       

_____________________________________________________________

 

___________________________________                          _______________

Parent/Guardian Signature                    Date

 

Sincerely,

Dedra B. Wood

Dedra B. Wood

Nutrition Services Director