For Schools
Thank you for visiting this site. As you well know, this is too big a challenge for any group to tackle it on their own-fighting childhood obesity requires everyone's participation, and yours is crucial. And remember, your own school nurse is a great resource in this subject, and she's just down the hall.
Other areas of this site that may interest you:
Monthly Challenge
Competition gets us all going! Here, we'll introduce fun and interesting games and activities that you may want to incorporate in your school's activities and schedule.
Funding in Action
The MetroWest Community Health Care Foundation is committed to making an impact on childhood obesity in our region by funding the work of community organizations that are engaged in this effort at different levels.
Classroom Cookin'
You may not have a stove or sink in you classroom, but you can still cook up some healthy and delicious snacks with your students!
Wellness Solutions for Massachusetts!
Read about this policy mandate for our schools, and find out how it can favorably impact our fight against childhood obesity.
School Success Story
Let's share what worked and learn from each other! Then we can decide how to apply new ideas to our own school and make changes for the better.
Schools: Take our Monthly Challenge and set a great example for your colleagues and students!
September
We know the first month of school is hectic, and students are full of energy. Can you offer a 5minute active break to keep their minds and bodies moving?
Share your success stories with us! Tell us about the Challenge activities you have completed and you will be entered to win a free prize!
MetroWest Community Health Care Foundation: Funding in Action
Program Name: After-School Ballroom Dance program
Program Host: Framingham Education Foundation
Looking for a new twist on physical activity? Thanks to the recent film Mad Hot Ballroom, ballroom dancing is alive and well in the Framingham Elementary Schools! Jane Eyler of the Framingham Education Foundation secured grant funding for a 2007-2008 after school dance program that has engaged 4 th and 5 th graders from all 8 elementary schools.
Students start the program with a healthy snack, and then work with professional dance instructors to learn salsa, swing, fox trot, waltz and tango.
The program has enjoyed a great response, with high participation and attendance rates, and will culminate with a town-wide student performance.
Great work!
Classroom Cookin'
You may not have a stove or sink in you classroom, but you can still cook up some healthy and delicious snacks with your students! Try this special holday activity to give you students some hands-on experience with food!
Fruit Gobbler
Equipment:
- Bamboo skewers
- Toothpicks
- Serving Platter or large plate
- Doily or napkin
Ingredients:
- Bosc pear (turkey head)
- Melon, such as cantaloupe (turkey body)
- Cheese (any variety) cut into cubes ( turkey tail feathers)
- Red pepper slices (turkey snnod, side feathers and feet)
- Raisins (turkey eyes)
- Red grapes (turkey tail feathers)
Directions:
- Stabilize the melon body by cutting a shallow slice off the rind to form a flat base. Place body base on a doily or napkin. Using a section of bamboo skewer or toothpick, attach a Bosc pear head to the melon.
- Cut a cheese triangle beak and red pepper snood. Use toothpicks to attach both, along with raisin eyes, to the turkey head.
- Cut red pepper feet and set them in place. For the tail feathers, skewer cheese cubes and red grapes, then insert one skewer end into the body. Repeat to make 8-10 tail feathers.
- Pin pepper side feathers in place with toothpicks.
Wellness Solutions for Massachusetts!
Are you and your school confused about the School Wellness Policy mandate?
Are you having trouble putting the policy into action?
Wellness Solutions for Massachusetts is an online resource for school community members to establish, implement and share effective wellness policies for their schools.Wellness Solutions for Massachusetts is a collaborative effort between:
- Massachusetts Department of Education, Nutrition Health and Safety Unit
- John C. Stalker Institute of Food & Nutrition at Framingham State College
- Massachusetts Action for Healthy Kids (MAHK)
- USDA, Team Nutrition
Learn more at the John C. Stalker Institute of Food and Nutrition - Wellness Solutions for Massachusetts.
School Success Story: Fundraise Without Food!
Holiday fundraising time is here and we want help your school find alternatives to selling snack foods and desserts! Check the list below for lots of new ideas!
Activity Cards
Athletic event seats
Bath accessories
Books & calendars
Brick/stone/tile memorials
Buttons, pins & stickers
Candles
Cookbooks
Coupon books
Emergency kits for cars
First aid kits
Fruit smoothies & slushies
Gift baskets
Gift wrap, boxes, and bags
Greeting cards
Hats & Scarves
Healthy snack items
Holiday ornaments
House decorations
Jewelry
Magazine subscriptions
Mugs
Newspapers
Personalized stationary
Plants
Raffle donations
School Art Auction
School spirit gear & accessories
Stuffed animals
T-shirts & sweatshirts
Tupperware