The state of
West Virginia is concerned about the health risks of our students.
Diabetes and Obesity are growing at a rapid rate for our youth. Due to
these critical changes, the state has adopted a "Wellness Policy".
Each county is to prepare a policy of its own that coincides with the state
recommendations. The Roane County Policy has been completed by a committee headed up by the
county Food Service Coordinator. Spencer Elementary School is beginning the process of
preparing ways to follow this policy. Our goal is to meet or exceed the requirements of the state
and county policy to help, or continue to help, our students become healthier.
It is proven that
our youth need to spend time each day in movement activities. Students must do more on their own in the evenings.
All students are asked by Mrs. Riley to participate in movement activities at home
as well as in her class. She has given them ideas to help them
keep active other than what is being done in their physical education classes. (Refer to Mrs.
Riley's Physical Education Page) The students have been asked to set
a goal of drinking no more than two cans of pop a week, and drinking more water,
milk, and 100% fruit juice. She has also asked the students to try new,
healthy choices of food at least one per month. They've been asked to concentrate on
making healthy choices when eating. Making these changes will take time,
but our children are worth all the efforts to help them be healthy.
While attending a
conference in Charleston on October 23, 2006, the presenter stated, "Holiday
parties are a real concern, due to the food items being served." The
items being offered are of high contents of fat, sugar, and sodium (salt).
Individuals at the conference gave ideas to help parents and teachers make
better party food choices. Here are some items that were suggested which
offer a healthier choice.
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Air-popped popcorn
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Pretzels
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Crackers and
string cheese |
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Baked chips and salsa
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Cut up fruit with
yogurt dip |
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Cut up veggies with
yogurt/ranch dip |
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Low fat breakfast or
granola bars |
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Trail/cereal mix (whole
grain, low-sugar cereals mixed with dried fruit,
pretzels, etc.) |
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100% fruit juice
or "Lite" fruit jiuice |
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Bottled water |
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A letter will be sent home to
parents listing appropriate, healthy food items for parties. Our number one priority
should be that Staff and Parents work together to provide a fun time with a
healthy outcome! Thanks for all your efforts! Also, look for the Roane
County Wellness newsletter sent from school once a month.
