Harrison Park Elementary School
Grand Rapids Public Schools
Kent County
1440 Davis Avenue NW
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504-3112
Enrollment: 510
Public School
Success Story Contact:
Charlene Cline
School Nurse
Phone: 616-819-2566
Email: clinec@grps.k12.mi.us
|
Success Story Information:
Reach:
Duration: Greater than 2 years
Costs:
Factors for Success: - Coordinated School Health Team
- Administrative support
- Funding
- Community Partnerships
|
|
|
SCHOOL LUNCH
SUCCESS STORY
Our Coordinated School Health Team (CSHT) is now 2.5 years old and going strong. Even in the face of change and some adversities we have endured and forged additional partnerships. The team's accomplishments have helped to promote increased budgeting for school nurse services and a health initiative is being written into our SIT plan.
Our school is currently participating in the USDA Fruit and Vegetable Program. The students cannot wait to discover the day's selection and are not complaining about the decrease in unhealthy snacks. We have partnered with Mixed Greens and a VISTA volunteer to do the daily deliveries to the classrooms and provide a weekly "Brain Break" nutrition lesson to our 4 first grade classes. The strong commitment and passion driving our CSHT and school staff also helped to secure a unique grant opportunity for us through the YMCA. We are sending 300 2nd-5th grade students to the YMCA weekly, during school hours, for 14 weeks to do a triathlon type training program with YMCA Healthy U, focusing on improving their swimming, running, and bicycling skills. The students each received a new pair of athletic shoes and swimsuit from Spectrum Health. Some teachers are reporting good behavior and an increase in work accomplishments after they return to school.
We are also noting an increase in the number of staff members who are changing their classroom treats and rewards to include healthier items and the school has begun to try some alternative fundraisers. We are very excited because we are seeing continual small changes occur as well as new opportunities develop. That's what really counts. We believe we even helped a little in the overall increase in our students MEAP achievement scores this year!
|
|
