Fueling Bright Futures: Celebrating National Staying Healthy Month!
January is National Staying Healthy Month. How are you establishing healthy habits?
Happy National Staying Healthy Month! We know that healthy habits started today lead to a lifetime of success for our students.
From the cafeteria to the classroom and the living room, here is how we are working together to keep our kids thriving.
From Farm to Fork: Better Fuel for Better Learning
Our Child Nutrition Services team promotes that "brain food" should be delicious and wholesome. We are proudly moving away from pre-packaged meals toward more scratch cooking.
By preparing meals in our own kitchens, we ensure our students receive:
- Farm-Fresh Ingredients: We partner with local growers to bring seasonal fruits and vegetables directly to our salad bars.
- Organic Options: We prioritize organic choices whenever possible to reduce exposure to pesticides.
- Whole Flavors: Less sodium and sugar, more real herbs and spices!
The Power of the 20-Second Scrub
Staying healthy also means keeping germs at bay. Our teachers are reinforcing the "Gold Standard" of hygiene: Handwashing.
We encourage students to wash their hands before eating, after recess, and after every sneeze.
At home, we encourage you to reinforce the handwashing practice by having your student sing "Happy Birthday" twice or the "ABCs" once while scrubbing with soap. It’s the perfect timer for a thorough clean!
Power Down to Power Up
In a digital world, balance is key. In honor of National Staying Healthy Month, we are challenging families to limit screen time outside of school hours. Reducing time on tablets and TVs helps:
- Improve Focus: Less "digital noise" helps children concentrate on reading and creative play.
- Encourage Movement: More time away from the couch means more time playing outside!
- Protect Eye Health: Giving young eyes a break from blue light prevents strain.
The Magic of a Bedtime Routine
A great school day actually starts the night before. Consistent bedtime routines are essential for school-aged children, who typically need 9–12 hours of sleep.
Try this simple "3-2-1" Routine:
- 3 hours before bed: Finish a healthy dinner.
- 2 hours before bed: Stop homework or high-energy play.
- 1 hour before bed: All screens go off. Use this time for a warm bath or reading a book together.
Every Step Counts!
Whether it's a family walk after dinner, a weekend bike ride, or simply dancing in the kitchen, physical activity is the best way to boost moods and immunity.
Thank you for being our partners in health.