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April 15, 2008
Leading by exampleDo as I say not as I do? Not for the teachers at one Michigan high school. BoardBuzz is excited and inspired by a group of teachers at Orchard View High School who have implemented a wellness plan. This according to a posting on the Muskegon Chronicle's blog.
About a dozen teachers have banded together this school year to promote the importance of exercise and diet. Their efforts so far have included forming an after-school teachers' running club and successfully lobbying for healthier cafeteria food. They also hope to start a similar running club for students this spring.As motivation for themselves, the teachers decided to compete in the Fifth Third River Bank Run, a popular race scheduled for May 10 in Grand Rapids.
"The first thing we did was form a health committee," said history teacher Nicholas Cole, one of four teachers who formed the committee last fall. "We realized that we had no programs directed at health and fitness for staff."
Nothing like leading by example! What's more, "With the support of the high school's food service director and a registered dietitian, new, healthier food was added to the school's menu. For example, whole wheat, whole-grain breads took the place of less nutritious 'sub buns.' Cookies and cheeses were replaced with reduced-fat versions. And lower-sodium recipes were created."
What's especially exciting about this is that the teachers have taken this initiative on their own. And that's what good leadership is all about. Run on, Orchard View, run on!
Posted April 15, 2008 4:45 PM | Health & Wellness | Students | Teachers
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Comments(2)
Posted by: Claus on April 16, 2008 7:42 AM
This Michigan tale is heartening, especially after a recent study of Philadelphia schools demonstrating that schools can effectively fight childhood obesity by banning sodas and candy from vending machines, encouraging physical education, and educating parents, teachers and children about healthy eating. Just ask Richard Simmons.
Posted by: John Bates on April 17, 2008 8:53 AM
It's great to hear that the teachers have pulled together to make healthy changes in the school. With school system budgets being so low it's sad that many have had to turn to contracts with vending machine companies to subsidize programs in the schools. That need has created many of the problems and prevents some districts nationally from making needed change until those contracts expire. Thanks for sharing this information.
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