DECEMBER 2023

• East's and Callaway Hill's Girls on the Run participants and teachers met twice weekly since the beginning of the school year in preparation for the November 18th, 5K! The girls aimed to increase their number of laps around the playground by running, walking, skipping, hopping, or being active in whatever way they choose. Each week came with a new lesson on how the girls could better understand themselves, develop their relationships and friendships, and help the world around them.

• We are proud of each and every one of these girls for how far they've come! Please contact dawn.crader@jcschools.us if you have interest in hosting a GOTR at your school! There will be a Spring session as well and Belair and Lawson have already signed up!

• Girls on the Run is an organization that strengthens girls' social, emotional, physical and behavioral skills to successfully navigate life experiences. JC Healthy Schools champions this program at several of our elementary schools throughout the year!

• Healthy kids learn better: Research shows that good nutrition is linked to better behavior and academic performance for students.
• Consistent messaging promotes a healthy school environment: Shows students the benefits of positive lifestyles and aligns with classroom lessons on being healthy.
• Parties create excitement about nutrition: Allows students to try new things in a fun environment.
• Planning protects children with food allergies: Non-food celebrations eliminate the threat of allergic reactions from foods brought in by students. And, healthy food sign-up sheets help control items entering the classroom for snacks when food is involved

• List only healthy items on the party sign-up sheets for parents, to ensure that unhealthy options are limited or eliminated.
• Involve students in choosing food for the celebration – vote on options, explain why certain things are healthy and others are not.
• Focus on only one party, per month, and limit any unhealthy foods to one item per party.
• Use ChooseMyPlate.gov to include foods from all food groups in your party.
• Make sure students have eaten a healthy meal before the celebration or party, so they don’t overeat when it comes to party snacks.
• Schedule parties in the afternoon, after lunch.
• Give students water, 100% fruit juice or low-fat milk to quench their thirst.
• Taste test healthy foods/fruits/veggies and let kids vote on the best ones. You can even make it a blind taste test, where students are blindfolded and have to guess what they are tasting (be sure there are no food allergies before the taste test). The winner receives a non-food prize.

• Indoor physical activity (Cold weather recess fun)
• Check out or borrow speed ladders from your Building Champion
• Return your speed ladders to your Building Champion in May 2024

CLICK HERE to workout on the speed ladder with Belair students!

Fun fact #1

I was born and raised in Jefferson City, Missouri.

I have one daughter and she loves the holidays!

Fun fact #2

Walking outdoors and reading are my hobbies!

Favorite Quote of the week

"You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching, love like you'll never be hurt, sing like there's nobody listening. And live like it's heaven on earth." -Dr. William W. Purkey