GET READY FOR

THE FIT KIDS PROGRAM

This year, Ossining Elementary Schools will be participating in the Westchester Department of Health’s FIT KIDS program designed to educate and encourage children to eat healthier and to be more active. A Kick-Off event is scheduled for January.

From January through June, a different Wellness Message will be designated for each month. The message will be announced over the P.A. system and special signs will be placed throughout the schools to help re-inforce the message.

During the first week of each month, the physical education teachers will spend time speaking to the students about the Wellness Message. Then the students will be given a handout to take home which will provide valuable information about the Wellness Message. In addition, students will receive a worksheet with a fun activity to further re-inforce the message.

Ossining Schools are taking the initiative in helping kids learn to make healthy choices early in life. FIT KIDS strives to teach children and their caregivers the many benefits of eating well and engaging in regular physical activity.

In addition, there will be positive changes in the food selections offered in the cafeteria. For breakfast, donuts and high-sugar cereals have been replaced with yogurt and low-sugar/higher fiber cereals. Hot dogs have been eliminated as a daily alternative to the main entrée in favor of wrap sandwiches and salads at Brookside and Claremont. White bread has been replaced with whole wheat bread and whole milk has been replaced with 1% and 2% milk.

In order to ensure the success of the program, please take the time to review the informational handouts and worksheets when they come home each month. Remember, “A CHILD MUST BE HEALTHY TO LEARN, SO A CHILD MUST LEARN TO BE HEALTHY!” *

For additional information about the program, please contact:

Ms. Habina (Brookside School Nurse) 762-5780 ext. 304

Ms. Faith Lippe 762-7165

Mr. Patrick Lofaro 941-8927

* Slogan is used with permission from the NEW YORK STATE ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL NURSES (NYSASN).