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Post date: Sep 6, 2013 2:11:14 PM
Students at Our Lady of Guadalupe School will have a new focus on health and wellness this school year, thanks to a partnership with the St. Louis County Department of Health. Spring Schmidt, supervisor of the County's Health Education department, says the program was developed because of a need to reach elementary school students with information and resources about health and nutrition. "We have always had programs for younger children in preschool, and older children in high school, but we need to reach out to students in elementary school as well," said Schmidt. Her department worked with Occupational Therapy students at Washington University, who did some research, needs assessment and developed the curriculum library of resources for each grade level.
Schmidt reached out to OLG principal, Ms. Peggy O'Brien, and asked if they would pilot the new program. "We are excited to have this opportunity to bring these resources to our families in support of each student's overall health and wellness," said Ms. O'Brien. OLG Teachers have been trained and together decided to name the program "BE ME" - for "Better Eating, More Exercise."
Teachers can use physical activity and movement not only in P.E. class but throughout the day in their classrooms. When a class seems lethargic, the teacher can use an "energizer" to help students get engaged. Or, when students are over-excited and need to settle, teachers have "relaxers" to use to calm the classroom. OLG also decided to make health and wellness a part of the school's theme for the year - Great Things Happen When God Mixes With Us. The "great things" include joy, peace, hope, HEALTH, and more!
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