Elk Meadow Elementary honored for wellness efforts

Robert Gray Middle School (Portland Public Schools), Lent Elementary (Portland Public Schools), and Elk Meadow Elementary (Bend-La Pine Schools) have been awarded the 2015 Oregon School Wellness Awards.

This award, now in its eighth year, recognizes outstanding school wellness programs that creatively and effectively promote healthy student and staff behavior.

“We know student health and student learning are inextricably linked,” said Deputy Superintendent Rob Saxton. “By creating an environment fostering health and wellness through good nutrition and physical activity, these schools are setting their students up for success both in school and in life.”

These schools have implemented programs to encourage student and staff health and wellness from physical fitness challenges to classroom movement breaks, school gardens, Harvest of the Month clubs, and healthy cooking programs for families.

Elk Meadow offers a “Toys for Treats Halloween Candy Exchange,” where students exchange non-nutritious treats for jump ropes and other fun fitness items.

“Robert Gray Middle School fosters wellness as part of our mission in raising happy students taught and managed by positive and caring staff. We have fun!” said Principal Beth Madison.

The Oregon Department of Education is joined in recognizing these schools by the Nutrition Education Services/Oregon Dairy Council which serves as the Title Sponsor for these awards. Each award recipient receives a $2,500 cash prize, a banner, and a certificate of recognition to be presented at local school celebrations later this spring.

“Healthy students are better students,” said Anne Goetze, Director of Nutrition Education Services/Oregon Dairy Council. “These schools are shining examples of what is possible when our students, staff, and communities truly embrace health and wellness as a tool to support student success.”

Wellness Policies set goals for school-based activities that promote healthy eating, daily physical activity, and other healthy behaviors. All districts are required to have wellness policies in place, but schools can choose to implement additional programs to further support student and staff wellness.