Wellness Initiatives Ongoing in Broward Schools
Even before the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act mandated a local Wellness Policy, the District was launching initiatives to deal with the child obesity epidemic. Schools are not the cause of the problem, yet within our school system, the District began tackling the issue. A few of the many programs and initiatives that resulted, are listed below.

• In 2002, through the collaborative efforts of the District, North Broward Hospital District, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and the Children’s Services Council, work began on the Schools of Wellness Initiative. By 2006, with funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Children’s Services Council, 50 Broward elementary schools were participating as Schools of Wellness (www.schoolsofwellness.org), promoting lifelong wellness skills by emphasizing physical activity and nutrition.
• Kidz Bite Back™ (www.kidzbiteback.com), a program through the Schools of Wellness Initiative, provides children with education about the deceptive marketing practices of fast food, soft drink and junk food industries. • North Side Elementary School gained national fame last spring when one of its students refused to participate in a candy sale fundraiser because she had been taught candy was not healthy.
• The School Board endorsed the Commit 2B Fit™ program. It has been introduced in third grade at most elementary schools. The award winning program, instituted by Elly Zanin, Physical Education Curriculum Supervisor, includes a daily agenda/planner that incorporates daily fitness and nutrition “to dos” along with school assignments.
• The Broward County School Health Advisory Committee, a joint group composed of the District, Broward County Public Health Department and children’s health stakeholders, provides recommendations to the District regarding aspects of student health.
• School nurses support and help implement many health initiatives.
• In 2006, Food and Nutrition Services eliminated baked desserts from school lunch menus. No foods are fried, and meals contain less than 30% of calories from fat. The department teaches nutrition through special events and promotions.
• Through the “Offer Versus Serve” program, students learn the importance of variety as they select from cafeteria food offerings.

Watch for regular updates regarding District wellness activities.

PreventionIs Cure For Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity is a serious, chronic medical condition. It can result in social discrimination, poor self-esteem and depression. It is also is a risk factor for heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure later in life.

Because change becomes more difficult with age, it’s important that we teach healthy behaviors – like physical activity and good nutrition – at a young age. Families and schools are the two most critical links in providing the foundation for those behaviors.

Until enrollment in school, a child’s weight reflects the eating and activity environment provided by parents and childcare providers. While in school, however, a child can be influenced by what is taught about food, what meals are served and what activities are encouraged.

Children and young people spend a large portion of their time at school, so it’s vital that we provide them with a healthy environment, including nutritious food choices and opportunities for physical activity. There is compelling evidence that an active lifestyle is beneficial and can extend to social, environmental and economic benefits for the whole community. Participation in physical activity has been shown to help young people gain self-esteem, develop social responsibility, comprehend fair play and develop a sense of discipline.

Tips to Help Prevent Childhood Obesity
• Set goals in small, easy-to-accomplish steps
• Get rid of junk food and replace it with fruits and vegetables for snacking
• Encourage “fun” exercise, like playing basketball
• Set a good example for kids by exercising and eating healthy
• Praise kids for exercising and eating healthy
• Don’t use food as a reward

Oct. 3, 2006 - The Board approved the following appointments: Maria Radinson, Director, Learning Resources & Instructional Materials.

Oct. 17, 2006 - The Board approved the following appointments: Jacqueline Ackerina, Supervisor, Instructional Staffing; Tammy Borden, Process Analyst (Personnel Development); Claudia Brites, Process Analyst (Training & Events); Kyle Dailey, Curriculum Specialist, Educational Programs; Aleeza Heeman, Process Analyst (Business Warehouse); Michelle Raden, Specialist, Multilingual Evaluation and Training Center; Deborah Peeples, Interim Principal, Oriole Elementary and Raheela Bello, Interim Assistant Principal, Bair Middle.

Nov, 12, 2006 - The Board approved the following appointments: Divine Amoah, Architect V; Sharon Gelbaum-Dolinsky, Coordinator, Guidance (BRACE) & Academic Advisement; Lucille Greene, Director, Pupil Transportation; William Milam, Basis Administrator; Lafayette Morgan, Cost Estimator/Scheduler; Charles Ricks, Project Manager III, Facilities & Construction; Gerene Starratt, Research Specialist; Kurt Wirz, Area Supervisor I, Maintenance; Donna Morrison,

Principal, Country Hills Elementary; Interim Assistant Principals: Shernette Davis, Coral Glades High; Denise dePasquale, Rickards Middle; Janette Hameister, Liberty Elementary; Khandia Pinkney, South Broward High and Vincent Schiavo, Hallandale Adult Community Center.

The Board also approved the following reassignment: Conrad Forbes, Assistant Principal, Park Lakes Elementary.

Dec. 12, 2006 - The Board approved the following appointments: Nancy Bartholomew, Curriculum Specialist, Career, Technical & Adult Community Education; Janice Jones, Process Analyst (Materials/Inventory Management); Laurie Jones, Systems Analyst IV; Yvonne Muhammad, Specialist, Testing; Simone Primus, Specialist, Media & Instructional Materials; Michael Shorter, Curriculum Specialist, Educational Programs; Michael Gleason, Interim Principal, Whispering Pines School and Thaddeus Smith, Interim Assistant Principal, Endeavor Primary Learning Center.

Jan. 16, 2007 - The Board approved the following appointments: Joseph Balchunas, Interim Principal, Chapel Trail Elementary; Thomas Campbell, Specialist, Grants; Jaime Cynamon, Project Manager II and Richard Rosa, Project Manager II.