By

Ashley Blake,   Milford Middle School

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Topics:

Access to Healthy Foods, Community Involvement, Physical Activity Participation, Student Leadership, Success with Funds,  Teamwork

As a team, we fundraise for programs and equipment that make our school a healthier place. We’ve put on dances, healthy bake sales, open gym, and various raffles for fun sports-related memorabilia. Over the past two years, we were able to purchase an extension for the salad bar, a grab-n-go cooler, gaga pits for the playground, a rock wall for the gym, recess equipment for all grade levels, a titan mascot for school spirit, and the stability balls we use as chairs every day in our health classroom. FUTP 60 also provides students with positive life-changing leadership opportunities. In recent years, we have taken groups to Gillette Stadium to play like the pros, we have brought our student Ambassador team to Charlotte, Dallas, and Chicago, where we developed strategies and new ideas for how to improve our school. Additionally, last year we brought Pat Patriot to our school to help us kick off a healthy school year. In recognition of our hard work, we were highlighted on the Fox 25 Zip Trip and the Nashua Telegraph as an outstanding example of school leadership in health promotion. A popular morning activity here is open gym. Starting soon, students will have the opportunity to come in one morning a week and use the gym to get in 15 minutes of the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity. FUTP 60 has changed our school and we thank the National Dairy Council and the NFL for all they have done to help make that happen! We love FUTP 60!

How did students and adults work together as a team?

Students were able to come up with great ideas regarding new ways to change our school climate. They then came to me and asked if I could discuss these changes with administration. I then addressed the needs of the students and school with administration.

How did you accomplish your goals?

We accomplished our goals by working with students, staff, administration, parents, and our community members. We were persistent and challenged others to make healthy improvements in their own lives.

What improvements have you seen at your school?

We have seen an increase in student activity levels and nutritious options for our school community. We cannot be prouder and happier about the improvements our school has made!