Russell-McDowell Focuses on Health

1. Physical Activity/Physical Education Russell-McDowell Focuses on Health Melissa Clarke and Jalina Wheeler, teachers at the school are focusing on student and community health. In the fall of 2011, they are implementing The 7 Habit’s of Happy Kids program to inform students and parents of better health choices and exercise programs. The kickoff to the program began with the “Fall Into Fitness Family Night” at the school. About 75 participants were allowed to go to a variety of stations, which included obstacle courses, yoga, kickboxing, Zumba, and karate. Healthy snacks and food ideas were shared with all participants. The school will focus on this program the entire year. Competencies that will be utilized are cardio, flexibility, agility, nutrition, upper body strength, and abdominal strength. The school also utilizes the Jammin’ Minutes program on a daily basis. Each teacher receives information on five exercises for the week. Monthly, each teacher receives a newsletter providing information for healthy eating tips. Each teacher participates with the student during the “Jammin’ Minutes” time, which can be repeated throughout the day. The program is intended to promote physical activity and to increase student focus during the day. More information on Jammin’ Minutes can be found at www.jamschoolprogram.com. Russell Independent Wellness Report Card 2011-2012 KIP Survey 2010 The KIP Survey is conducted for 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th grade students in Kentucky. It evaluates the use of drugs, tobacco and alcohol among those surveyed. It also assesses school safety. For example, the survey questioned if any of these students have ever used methamphetamines. The result was below 1.3% for our students. Our smokeless tobacco use is below state and region averages. For additional information, please go to the KIP website at http://www.reachoflouisville.com/kip/ The Russell Independent Board of Education is committed to providing our students with nutritious meals and multiple physical activity opportunities. Dr. Susan E. Compton, Superintendent Jenny Bates, District Health Coordinator Dennis Chambers, Food Service Director Becky Roark, Wellness Coordinator .

2. School Lunch Program The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) was conceived in 1946 as a “measure of national security to safeguard the health and well-being of the Nation’s children.” School districts receive federal reimbursement for each school lunch served that meets the United States Department of Agriculture nutrition guidelines. Our menu cycle provides for variety and allows us to make the most efficient use of donated commodities, especially seasonal fresh fruits. The Healthy Hungry-Free Kids Act established new requirements this year for each cafeteria to offer potable water. Also, the Act requires flavored milk to be fat free and white milk can only be offered in 1% and skim. Further nutritional requirements are currently subject to review, but include sweeping changes to nutrient requirements and vegetable/fruit offerings. The approved changes will be implemented in the 2012-2013 year. You can read about the proposed changes at www.schoolnutrition.org. The table below provides a synopsis of the lunch program, including participation, for the 2010 and 2011 school years: School Breakfast Program The School Breakfast Program (SBP) was established in 1966. School districts receive federal reimbursement for each school breakfast served that meets the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s nutrition guidelines. Studies show that children who participate in the School Breakfast Program have significantly higher standardized achievement test scores than non-participants. Children with access to school breakfast also had significantly reduced absence and tardiness rates. The table below provides a synopsis of the breakfast program, including participation, for the 2010 and 2011 school years: Nutrient Analysis The Russell Independent Schools Food Service Program follows the Traditional Meal Service program. The program requires minimum serving amounts for protein, breads, dairy, fruit and vegetables. The program must also meet federal guidelines for calories from fat and saturated fat percentages for an average five day meal cycle. The nutritional analysis for each school is available on-line at www.russellind.kyschools.us. The Program also participates in the Kentucky Educational Development Corporation bidding process. Gordon Food Service is the selected vendor for food distribution. Nutritional analysis of all available food bids are on the KEDC website at www.kedc.org. School Foods While we do contract with retail establishments to provide entrée items, such as pizza, those items are available to students only one day each week. A list of all food and beverage items available to students during the day can be downloaded from our web site at www.russellind.kyschools.us under “Programs”. Food and beverage items that are sold as extras on the cafeteria lines or through vending machines or school stores must meet the minimum nutritional standards adopted by the Kentucky Board of Education. These standards are designed to limit access to items with little or no nutrient density. No sales from machines or school stores take place until after the close of the school day. In accordance with Federal law, and US Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”