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These schools shine in healthy programs Attacking cancer from education, prevention and health angles
Oct. 6, 2005 Students in the Belleville-Henderson schools harvest tomatoes at the community garden. The district was recognized for its efforts in promoting health and learning. While the results of data-based instruction— namely increasing academic achievement — can get the heart racing of many a research analyst, a wellness plan in the Belleville-Henderson schools has everyone's hearts racing. "Because we started a data-based wellness action plan, we were pointed to what the community needed to improve health," said Heather Collier, one of 46 members of the Belleville-Henderson Education Association. From creating a free pre-K-12 breakfast program and a "Walk In the Park" fitness trail, "we've expanded into providing a fitness room open to the community on weeknights that we hope to expand into weekends and we're in the second year of a community garden," Collier said. Eight win awards For those efforts, the Belleville-Henderson district in Jefferson County is one of seven recognized for excellence in promoting health and learning. Through the state School Health Alliance STARS program, other districts that received the gold level of recognition for developing schools that support student learning and healthy youth development include Cortland, Hudson Falls, Monroe-Woodbury, Naples, Rush-Henrietta and South Kortright. Also, West Valley schools received a bronze level of recognition. The inaugural awards ceremony was held Sept. 30 at New York State United Teachers headquarters in Latham, near Albany . "From introducing healthier foods into vending machines and dedicating whole days to wellness, to developing skills-based health instruction programs, these districts are leading by example," said Michael Seserman, director of cancer prevention strategies in the eastern division of the American Cancer Society. "Not only are the teachers and staff in these districts enhancing student academic performance today by promoting health, they are also reducing their risks for a wide number of cancers and diseases." NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira, who directs the union's efforts as a flagship sponsor of the Making Strides for Breast Cancer walks, praised the Health Alliance for bringing awareness to the efforts of schools across the state. "Health is so connected to how well our students can do in school and in their lives," said Neira. "It's been a natural link for years to promote healthier options in schools." "Combine the education efforts with early detection and the fund raising we do to support cancer research, and I believe we're developing the formula for beating cancer," she added. — Betsy Sandberg |
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