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Kids parade their pride in 24/7 program
May 11, 2006 North Syracuse educators learn about 24/7 Let's Go! on a professional development day. Who ever thought an elementary schooler could get excited about broccoli? At Nathaniel Wood Hull school in the William Floyd district, Suffolk County, 750 of them did, waving banners and parading through the halls to kick off the school's 24/7 Let's Go! healthy lifestyles program. The initiative was developed by New York State United Teachers last year to encourage students to eat right and exercise. "One student wore a karate outfit, others drew vegetables or the 24/7 logo onto T-shirts or made banners featuring pictures of healthy foods," said physical education teacher Teresa Carrozzo. Along with colleague John Romero, she organized two parades and headed the school's program. Paraders were encouraged to wear athletic uniforms or exercise clothes. Carrozzo led the parade, clutching fistfuls of fruits and vegetables. The parade concluded with an assembly in the school gym, featuring music by the school band and a pro-healthy-lifestyle rap and speech written by students. "A month later, kids will still come up to me and tell me how many healthy things they've done that day," said Carrozzo, a member of the William Floyd United Teachers. Under 24/7 Let's Go!, developed by NYSUT's Health Care Professionals Council, K-5 students earn stickers for healthy habits. Physical activity earns "action" stickers, while eating wholesome foods like fruits and vegetables, garners "happy food" stickers. Students display their daily sticker rewards on a month-long 24/7 Let's Go! chart. Another look In Otsego County, the Richfield Springs Faculty Assciation, led by Tracy Allen, found the NYSUT healthy lifestyles program paired well with another campaign — Parents as Reading Partners. This year, the program's theme is" Reading does a body good." In North Syracuse schools, union members recently promoted 24/7 Let's Go! in a professional development day. Phil Cleary, vice president of the North Syracuse Education Association, recommended teachers send home a guideline on what snacks to bring in for school parties. The policy couldn't be strictly enforced, Cleary said, but it did cut down on sugary, unhealthy treats. For more information about 24/7 Let's Go!, contact NYSUT's Media Relations Department at (866) 213-6090, ext. 6313, or e-mail mediarel@nysutmail.org. |
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