Start Small
CREATING A CULTURE OF HEALTH THROUGH SUPERINTENDENT LEADERSHIP
AASA works directly with school districts, large and small, to develop and facilitate local policy changes that reduce or eliminate junk food in school meals and snacks, increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables, encourage physical activity and promote overall student wellness. We provide technical assistance to school districts as they implement related federal and state policies crafted with the intent to do the same. This four-part series profiles eight of the thousands of school districts making positive changes, and tells the story of how superintendents have led the way on implementing healthier policies, improving education and health outcomes for children and creating a culture of health throughout the community.
Start Small While the two school districts highlighted in this issue are leaders in creating a culture of health for their students, this success did not happen overnight. Their policies and practices were built gradually, one step at a time. They have produced positive effects on student health, well-being, and academic achievement and have received warm acceptance from the community. Start small.
Supportive State Policy MERCER COUNTY SCHOOLS
Mercer County Schools, which is located in the southeast corner of West Virginia, has a lot to be proud of. With strong state policy on its side, the district addresses wellness through three major categories: nutrition, physical activity and mental health. Its strong wellness policy provides structure and guidance for teachers, administrators and families. Superintendent Deborah Akers is proud of the district’s nutrition journey, which has culminated in a dis-
Mercer elementary students enjoying the climbing wall
trictwide school breakfast program that is served to all students in their classrooms. In addition to making Mercer County Schools PRINCETON, WEST VIRGINIA
Deborah Akers, Ed.D. 9,000 NUMBER OF SCHOOLS: 27 FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEAL RATE: 60% boe.merc.k12.wv.us SUPERINTENDENT: ENROLLMENT:
I S S U E # 4 C R E A T I N G A C U L T U R E O F H E A L T H 1
breakfast more accessible, the district participated in the Community Eligibility Provision the first year it was offered in West Virginia, a program that provides free breakfast and lunch for all students regardless of income. “We doubled breakfast participation in our first year,” said Akers. The district complements its meal programs with additional instructional time. “You can count Breakfast in the Classroom as instructional time in West Virginia,” explained Akers. “In our elementary schools, teachers read to the students. The reading component is a wonderful way for teachers and students to enjoy literature and the art of reading without the trappings of skill development.” In middle schools, some schools do the reading and others take that time to advise students. High school students have a bagged Grab’n’Go breakfast that they take to their classrooms.
Tap Into National Programs The district and its students benefit from participation in national physical education initiatives like Girls on the Run, a transformational learning program for 8- to 13-year-old girls; the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart; and First Lady
Mercer middle school students getting exercise by walking a “safe route to school”
Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Active Schools. The district recognizes that taking time to be active during the school day facilitates both health and academic achievement. The wellness policy encourages teachers to seek opportunities to incorporate physical activity into core subject areas. To that end, each teacher receives a binder with ideas for incorporating physical activity into lesson plans. For the district wellness plan that is submitted to the state, each school is required to report its health and wellness efforts. “We set goals and standards as a district, and ask each person at the building level how they can contribute to those goals,” said Akers.
Mercer elementary students learning to dance
2 C R E A T I N G A C U L T U R E O F H E A L T H I S S U E
#4
During the 2011‑2012 school year, 48 percent of districts required an ongoing health advisory or wellness committee as part of their wellness policy. SOURCE: BRIDGING THE GAP RESEARCH MAY 2014 RESEARCH BRIEF, LOCAL WELLNESS POLICIES: WHERE DO THEY STAND AND WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Mental Health Student mental health is a burgeoning issue in Mercer County Schools, as it is for most schools districts. Mercer County Schools now include mental health as one of their wellness priorities. The district obtained a state grant to bring more mental health counselors into the schools. The grant emphasizes shared responsibility between schools and community providers and builds on existing school programs, services and strategies. This work was incorporated into the School Improvement Plan, and Memoranda of Understanding were developed with community agencies to ensure a solid commitment. “We didn’t start everything at once,” said Akers. “It’s a process.” ø
Supportive School Board NORRIS SCHOOL DISTRICT Norris School District FIRTH, NEBRASKA
John Skretta, Ed.D. ENROLLMENT: 2,000 NUMBER OF SCHOOLS: 3 SUPERINTENDENT:
FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEAL RATE:
12%
www.norris160.org Norris students picking up their Grab n’ Go breakfast
Similar to the work in Mercer County, the Norris School District in Nebraska also began its work slowly and built it over time. The health and wellness work began with Patty Bentzinger, the current school board president, and the previous superintendent. Current Superintendent John Skretta continues the work because he believes in the positive effects health has on student achievement. “The school board cheers us on — and we need that,” said Skretta. Since Skretta became superintendent, he has helped usher in Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Active Schools initiative in his district and has been
“Norris doesn’t do anything earth‑shattering, but we do a lot and we do it well.” SUPERINTENDENT JOHN SKRETTA
recognized by Leadership for Healthy Communities, a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, for his achievements and efforts in childhood obesity prevention. Relationships within and outside the district are deep. Norris is one of five districts that worked with the Nebraska Department of Education to adopt a Coordinated School Health (CSH) policy. CSH was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to address the health of students and staff using an eight-component model. The policy has been incorporated into the district’s School Improvement Plan and Superintendent Skretta has testified before Nebraska state legislators about the significant impact CSH has had in his district.
a Carol M. White Physical Education Program grant from the U.S. Department of Education, it provides many opportunities throughout the day for students and staff to move. In the elementary school, teachers take two 10-minute brain breaks — one at 10 a.m. and one at 2 p.m. — called “10@10” and “10@2” to provide students with short but effective bursts of activity that help them stay focused and well-behaved in the classroom. Physical activity is everywhere, both inside and outside the classroom. “You always see students moving about in the hallways. If a student needs to move, a teacher will give them a hall pass to ‘take a lap’,” said Skretta. “Even for detentions, the stuNorris students eating lunch
Opportunities for Physical Activity The district is a leader on physical activity. Between its CSH policy and I S S U E # 4 C R E A T I N G A C U L T U R E O F H E A L T H 3
How are you creating a Culture of Health?
non-competitive race course in a nearby park called the Titan Family Adventure Race. The student council volunteered and the entire community came together for a fun, district-endorsed physical activity event. Proceeds support district groups and events, including the local Parent Teacher Organization.
What is your district doing to create a culture of health? We want to hear from you! Email us at children@ aasa.org and tell us your story.
Focus on School Food
Top, Norris’ Titan Family Adventure Race; bottom, Norris salad bar
dents are still allowed recess and to take a lap,” he added. The staff-led anti-bullying committee brought the Peaceful Playgrounds Program to the district, which helps schools organize their playgrounds to reduce conflicts, bullying, and injuries. The district also utilizes Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports — a framework that assists schools in implementing positive school environments that support appropriate student behavior. The campus has a walking path that is used by students and community members. In addition, a local businessman created a
4 C R E A T I N G A C U L T U R E O F H E A L T H I S S U E
#4
Norris implemented strict nutrition standards for snacks and drinks sold at school long before USDA’s Smart Snacks in School standards took effect nationwide, and is certified “bronze” from the HealthierUS Schools Challenge. The district serves a healthy Grab’n’Go Second Chance breakfast in the elementary, intermediate, and middle schools, allowing all students a chance to eat breakfast after first period. This model works particularly well, and is paired with a morning physical activity break that allows students to both grab some needed nutrients to “refuel” and engage in some physical activity to elevate their heart rates before resuming classes for the day. Norris also participates in the Harvest of the Month program, which increases students’ access to fruits and vegetables through school meal programs, classrooms, and school gardens. “You see the younger children really eating the fruits and vegetables offered to them,” said one Norris teacher. “I empower my employees to take risks and create innovative programs,” said Skretta ø
AASA works directly with school districts, large and small, to develop and facilitate local policy changes that reduce or eliminate junk food in school meals and snacks, increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables, encourage physical activity and promote overall student wellness. We provide technical assistance to school districts as they implement related federal and state policies crafted with the intent to do the same. This four-part series profiles eight of the thousands of school districts making positive changes, and tells the story of how superintendents have led the way on implementing healthier policies, improving education and health outcomes for children and creating a culture of health throughout the community.
Start Small While the two school districts highlighted in this issue are leaders in creating a culture of health for their students, this success did not happen overnight. Their policies and practices were built gradually, one step at a time. They have produced positive effects on student health, well-being, and academic achievement and have received warm acceptance from the community. Start small.
Supportive State Policy MERCER COUNTY SCHOOLS
Mercer County Schools, which is located in the southeast corner of West Virginia, has a lot to be proud of. With strong state policy on its side, the district addresses wellness through three major categories: nutrition, physical activity and mental health. Its strong wellness policy provides structure and guidance for teachers, administrators and families. Superintendent Deborah Akers is proud of the district’s nutrition journey, which has culminated in a dis-
Mercer elementary students enjoying the climbing wall
trictwide school breakfast program that is served to all students in their classrooms. In addition to making Mercer County Schools PRINCETON, WEST VIRGINIA
Deborah Akers, Ed.D. 9,000 NUMBER OF SCHOOLS: 27 FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEAL RATE: 60% boe.merc.k12.wv.us SUPERINTENDENT: ENROLLMENT:
I S S U E # 4 C R E A T I N G A C U L T U R E O F H E A L T H 1
breakfast more accessible, the district participated in the Community Eligibility Provision the first year it was offered in West Virginia, a program that provides free breakfast and lunch for all students regardless of income. “We doubled breakfast participation in our first year,” said Akers. The district complements its meal programs with additional instructional time. “You can count Breakfast in the Classroom as instructional time in West Virginia,” explained Akers. “In our elementary schools, teachers read to the students. The reading component is a wonderful way for teachers and students to enjoy literature and the art of reading without the trappings of skill development.” In middle schools, some schools do the reading and others take that time to advise students. High school students have a bagged Grab’n’Go breakfast that they take to their classrooms.
Tap Into National Programs The district and its students benefit from participation in national physical education initiatives like Girls on the Run, a transformational learning program for 8- to 13-year-old girls; the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart; and First Lady
Mercer middle school students getting exercise by walking a “safe route to school”
Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Active Schools. The district recognizes that taking time to be active during the school day facilitates both health and academic achievement. The wellness policy encourages teachers to seek opportunities to incorporate physical activity into core subject areas. To that end, each teacher receives a binder with ideas for incorporating physical activity into lesson plans. For the district wellness plan that is submitted to the state, each school is required to report its health and wellness efforts. “We set goals and standards as a district, and ask each person at the building level how they can contribute to those goals,” said Akers.
Mercer elementary students learning to dance
2 C R E A T I N G A C U L T U R E O F H E A L T H I S S U E
#4
During the 2011‑2012 school year, 48 percent of districts required an ongoing health advisory or wellness committee as part of their wellness policy. SOURCE: BRIDGING THE GAP RESEARCH MAY 2014 RESEARCH BRIEF, LOCAL WELLNESS POLICIES: WHERE DO THEY STAND AND WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Mental Health Student mental health is a burgeoning issue in Mercer County Schools, as it is for most schools districts. Mercer County Schools now include mental health as one of their wellness priorities. The district obtained a state grant to bring more mental health counselors into the schools. The grant emphasizes shared responsibility between schools and community providers and builds on existing school programs, services and strategies. This work was incorporated into the School Improvement Plan, and Memoranda of Understanding were developed with community agencies to ensure a solid commitment. “We didn’t start everything at once,” said Akers. “It’s a process.” ø
Supportive School Board NORRIS SCHOOL DISTRICT Norris School District FIRTH, NEBRASKA
John Skretta, Ed.D. ENROLLMENT: 2,000 NUMBER OF SCHOOLS: 3 SUPERINTENDENT:
FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEAL RATE:
12%
www.norris160.org Norris students picking up their Grab n’ Go breakfast
Similar to the work in Mercer County, the Norris School District in Nebraska also began its work slowly and built it over time. The health and wellness work began with Patty Bentzinger, the current school board president, and the previous superintendent. Current Superintendent John Skretta continues the work because he believes in the positive effects health has on student achievement. “The school board cheers us on — and we need that,” said Skretta. Since Skretta became superintendent, he has helped usher in Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Active Schools initiative in his district and has been
“Norris doesn’t do anything earth‑shattering, but we do a lot and we do it well.” SUPERINTENDENT JOHN SKRETTA
recognized by Leadership for Healthy Communities, a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, for his achievements and efforts in childhood obesity prevention. Relationships within and outside the district are deep. Norris is one of five districts that worked with the Nebraska Department of Education to adopt a Coordinated School Health (CSH) policy. CSH was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to address the health of students and staff using an eight-component model. The policy has been incorporated into the district’s School Improvement Plan and Superintendent Skretta has testified before Nebraska state legislators about the significant impact CSH has had in his district.
a Carol M. White Physical Education Program grant from the U.S. Department of Education, it provides many opportunities throughout the day for students and staff to move. In the elementary school, teachers take two 10-minute brain breaks — one at 10 a.m. and one at 2 p.m. — called “10@10” and “10@2” to provide students with short but effective bursts of activity that help them stay focused and well-behaved in the classroom. Physical activity is everywhere, both inside and outside the classroom. “You always see students moving about in the hallways. If a student needs to move, a teacher will give them a hall pass to ‘take a lap’,” said Skretta. “Even for detentions, the stuNorris students eating lunch
Opportunities for Physical Activity The district is a leader on physical activity. Between its CSH policy and I S S U E # 4 C R E A T I N G A C U L T U R E O F H E A L T H 3
How are you creating a Culture of Health?
non-competitive race course in a nearby park called the Titan Family Adventure Race. The student council volunteered and the entire community came together for a fun, district-endorsed physical activity event. Proceeds support district groups and events, including the local Parent Teacher Organization.
What is your district doing to create a culture of health? We want to hear from you! Email us at children@ aasa.org and tell us your story.
Focus on School Food
Top, Norris’ Titan Family Adventure Race; bottom, Norris salad bar
dents are still allowed recess and to take a lap,” he added. The staff-led anti-bullying committee brought the Peaceful Playgrounds Program to the district, which helps schools organize their playgrounds to reduce conflicts, bullying, and injuries. The district also utilizes Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports — a framework that assists schools in implementing positive school environments that support appropriate student behavior. The campus has a walking path that is used by students and community members. In addition, a local businessman created a
4 C R E A T I N G A C U L T U R E O F H E A L T H I S S U E
#4
Norris implemented strict nutrition standards for snacks and drinks sold at school long before USDA’s Smart Snacks in School standards took effect nationwide, and is certified “bronze” from the HealthierUS Schools Challenge. The district serves a healthy Grab’n’Go Second Chance breakfast in the elementary, intermediate, and middle schools, allowing all students a chance to eat breakfast after first period. This model works particularly well, and is paired with a morning physical activity break that allows students to both grab some needed nutrients to “refuel” and engage in some physical activity to elevate their heart rates before resuming classes for the day. Norris also participates in the Harvest of the Month program, which increases students’ access to fruits and vegetables through school meal programs, classrooms, and school gardens. “You see the younger children really eating the fruits and vegetables offered to them,” said one Norris teacher. “I empower my employees to take risks and create innovative programs,” said Skretta ø
