Two San Benito CISD elementary campuses – Landrum and Rangerville – have earned the 2015 Bronze National Healthy Schools Award, thanks to a year-long coordination of efforts between the district’s Child Nutrition Program and staff members at each respective campus.
Director of the Child Nutrition Program Jana Landrum explained that this marked the first year of the district’s four-year commitment to receive free guidance and training from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation Healthy Schools Program. The program is designed to create sustainable changes in school environments for the health and well being of both students and staff.
“It is certainly an honor that both Landrum Elementary and Rangerville Elementary achieved this recognition in the first year,” Landrum said.
Landrum praised the efforts of the district’s Child Nutrition Program Assistant Director Jackie Rendon, a registered dietitian, Landrum Elementary Physical Education teacher/Healthy Schools leader Gabriel Gonzalez, and Rangerville Elementary school nurse/Healthy Schools leader Laura Sanchez for their commitment to the project and the completion of the lengthy application process.
She noted that Landrum Elementary Principal Eva Bisaillon and Rangerville Elementary Principal Linda Molina have committed time and effort to support this important initiative for the well being of their students and staff and have their sights on going for the “gold” in the future.
“This award was achieved through the collaboration of people wanting to improve the health of our students and community,” said Gonzalez.
Gonzalez added that it was imperative for the school principal to work closely with their Physical Education teacher in making the small, yet important changes within the school environment.
The schools will receive an exclusive invitation to the Alliance for a Healthier Generation Leaders’ Summit in Washington, D.C. in October.
“The hard work certainly paid off,” Landrum said. “We look forward to having more campuses recognized in the future.”
The campuses earned the awards by implementing various changes in their daily routines.
At Landrum Elementary, the change in the routine included a 20-minute recess and much-needed physical activities before school and during Physical Education classes.
“Essentially, these are brain breaks. These activities enable the brain and body to be more receptive to academic learning by releasing the muscular tension, as well as producing neural endorphins,” Bisaillon said. “This approach is a whole-child and whole-body perspective.”
At Rangerville Elementary, Molina said the school formed a Fitness Club.
“We are excited about the healthy benefits and habits that our students have learned through this campus initiative,” Molina said. “A positive healthy influence in the lives of our students is the biggest reward.”
San Benito CISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marc A. Puig commended the campuses and the district’s Child Nutrition staff for their efforts.
“It is comforting to know that our students and staff are dedicated to taking steps to become healthier individuals by participating in these programs,” Puig said. “They are making a commitment to improve their overall health by making the necessary lifestyle changes that will only serve to benefit them in the long run.”
Dana Roberts, National Award Manager with the Healthy Schools Program, said, “We enjoyed reading about the healthy changes taking place at your schools, and appreciate the time you’ve committed to complete the application on behalf of your school community.”
