By

Jena Graham,   Hudson Elementary School

Play:

Breakfast For Everyone — First Meal Matters

Topics:

Access to Healthy Foods, Physical Activity Participation, Student Leadership,  Teamwork

As a team this year we chose Breakfast for Everyone-First Meal Matters. We purchased a blender with an extra pitcher and wand. We worked with food services to incorporate smoothies as a breakfast option. Our Student Ambassadors tested out recipes and came up with their favorites. We want all students to have the opportunity to try some new smoothies, a breakfast option they may have never had before. Our team will also have smoothies available during Winter Conferences. For the physical activity Play we chose Walk this Way-Start a Walking Club. We currently have a walking club that meets Mondays and Fridays before school. We are working to expand the club and offer it at recess, and offer it more days before school. We are working to have a better tracking system and improve the student participation rate.

What improvements have you seen at your school?

This is our fifth year being a part of the program and we have seen many improvements in our school and students. Students are eating better and being active. They have really stepped up as leaders and are encouraging all students, staff, parents, and community members to eat right and get moving. They have had wonderful ideas and have worked together to make sure our Plays are being met and that our school is making improvements for the better.

How did you accomplish your goals?

Our Student Ambassadors have made this a successful program for our school. They are more dedicated and have more leadership skills. They work well together. They meet every week and are always working on our Plays and trying to make our school a healthier, more active place. They go into classrooms to share information. These Ambassadors have great rapport with teachers and students and work together to get the job done.

What improvements have you seen at your school?

Our school and community believe in this program and in our Student Ambassadors and Staff Advisors. We have shown them the great things that can come from this program. We have their support and it has been easy to keep working on our Plays. They are always willing to hear about our new ideas and do the things we want to try. Each year, we are able to build on our previous success and ideas from the year before.