IT’S TIME TO START THE FIT KIDS PROGRAM !

This year, Ossining Elementary Schools will be participating in the Westchester Department of Health’s FIT KIDS program. The program was designed to educate and encourage children to eat healthier and be more active.

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

During the 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, they will receive a worksheet which will provide a fun activity to further re-inforce the message.

As a kick-off event, an inter-active assembly called FOODPLAY is planned in January to excite the children and set the stage for this wonderful program. Another event is planned for June.

Ossining Schools are taking the initiative in addressing the need to make healthy choices early in life. This program strives to help teach children and their caregivers the many benefits of eating well and engaging in regular physical activity.

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

Remember, “A CHILD MUST BE HEALTHY TO LEARN, SO A CHILD MUST LEARN TO BE HEALTHY!” *

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