West Virginia Executive Winter 2018 | Page 51

America’ s Healthiest Schools

Southern West Virginia
Elementary
School Leads the Nation in Wellness Initiatives
SARAH GOODRICH
At Crescent Elementary School, located in Beckley, WV, brain breaks, healthy meals and participation in the school’ s garden are important elements of the elementary education experience. These subtle, daily contributions help fuel success and learning among children. They also led to this Southern West Virginia school being recognized as one of America’ s Healthiest Schools and receiving a bronze HealthierUS School Challenge( HUSSC): Smarter Lunchrooms award in October 2017.
Awarded by the U. S. Department of Agriculture( USDA), the Smarter Lunchrooms award is given to only about 7 percent of schools throughout the U. S. and acknowledges schools that promote and provide nutritious food and quality nutrition to students. Physical education is a key component as well. Principal Theresa Lewis, who has been at Crescent Elementary for eight years, says Jane Sutphin, the physical education teacher, is the true catalyst for the school receiving this national recognition.
“ She has always taught our students about healthy lifestyles and works diligently to ensure these lessons are carried over into the personal lifestyles of our children,” says Lewis.
Along with daily recess, students have the option of participating in a multitude of activities and programs, including the First Tee of West Virginia golf initiative, Operation Tone-Up, National Walk to School Day and afterschool programs such as archery, sports and the school’ s garden. Over the years, the school’ s garden, cultivated with a variety of greens and fruits, has become the definitive piece in teaching healthy eating habits.
“ Parents help plant, and then students and teachers harvest the produce,” says Lewis.“ The school cooks use the produce in salads, smoothies and other tasty treats served to the children.”
With Teresa Baker, Raleigh County Schools’ director of nutrition services, enforcing USDA guidelines, the meals and beverages sold or served within Raleigh County Schools meet state and federal requirements based on USDA dietary guidelines and are served by qualified child nutrition professionals. Though all students in the county school system are served the same health-conscious menu, it is what Crescent Elementary School does to promote active lifestyles and educate its students on the importance of exercise and healthy choices that earned this recognition.
“ The school works hard to provide the breakfast and lunch meals to every student by offering bright and healthy meals and educating the students about food and how things are grown and processed,” says Baker.
With more than 60 percent of students participating in the school’ s hot lunch program and nearly 100 percent partaking in the breakfast programs, many students are satisfied with the healthy options available for meals. Garden-fresh fruits and vegetables are served daily for breakfast and lunch. During recess, students can be found snacking on sunflower seeds, tomatoes and strawberries— all products from the school’ s garden. For sporting events, healthy alternatives to sugary drinks and sweets can be found in the concession stand.
Along with carrying the title of one of the healthiest schools in America, Crescent Elementary was provided a HUSSC banner and plaque from the Food and Nutrition Service to be displayed in celebration of this achievement. The school will also receive $ 500 for the school food service account, which will go to the lunch program for items needed to promote wellness.
While West Virginia has been criticized as an unhealthy state with a high prevalence of diabetes and obesity for several years, Lewis is proud of the school’ s national recognition.
“ I am very proud to lead our great school, which is consistently recognized for academics and health,” says Lewis.“ In our state, where so much bad is reported, it is nice to be a beacon of hope for our future.”
With more than adequate physical education and healthy sustainable meals approved by students, Crescent Elementary School is an example in healthy living. Not only are fruits and vegetables growing in the school’ s garden, but healthy individuals are developing in the classroom thanks to the faculty and staff. •
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