|
|
|
Devils Lake, ND —
The Adams-Edmore High School has set a new precedence for the state of North Dakota: They are the only Class A or B High School in North Dakota to have received the prestigious Silver Award from the National Healthier US Schools Challenge.
Adams-Edmore High School is making national news by working to support and improve the health of the children and community. As part of their effort, healthy items are featured on their menus and physical education and activity emphasized. All of their efforts are part of the Healthier US School Challenge.
The Healthier US School Challenge (HUSSC) is a voluntary national certification initiative for schools participating in the National School Lunch Program. It supports First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move‟ campaign by recognizing schools that are creating healthier school environments through their promotion of good nutrition and physical activity. Sponsored by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), the initiative encourages all schools take a leadership role in helping students to make healthier eating and physical activity choices that will last a lifetime. Schools, such as Adams-Edmore High School, that champion the HUSSC, work hard to make changes to their school nutrition environment in order to (1) improve the quality of the foods served, (2) provide students with nutrition education, and (3) provide students with physical education and opportunities for physical activity.
Ultimately, FNS would like to see all schools receive a HUSSC award at any one of the four levels of superior performance: Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Gold Award of Distinction. Schools awarded receive a monetary incentive (Bronze $500, Silver $1000, Gold $1500, and Gold Award of Distinction $2000), an award plaque signed by a USDA official, a banner to display in their school, and their name listed on the Team Nutrition Web site.
To qualify for an award, a school must submit a formal application and meet basic criteria set forth by the FNS. The HUSSC criteria reflect the recommendations of the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) published recommendations (April 2007) for foods that should be served in schools, outside of the organized school lunch meals. Healthier US Schools must also have a local school wellness policy, as mandated by Congress. Schools receiving a HUSSC award commit to meeting the criteria throughout their four year certification period.
The Adams-Edmore High School qualified for the Silver Award. Adams-Edmore High School was presented with their plaque and banner at a school wide ceremony on the morning of January 27. The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction Food Services Division sent two representatives (Deb Egeland and Becky King) to present the award to the team that submitted the application and the school as a whole. The 8th grade Lego League Robotics Team presented an original skit and song about “Food Coppers”. After the presentations, everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch of soup and salad bar prepared by Doreen Skytland and Mayvis Troftgruben, school nutrition personnel.
The Adams-Edmore High School has set a new precedence for the state of North Dakota: They are the only Class A or B High School in North Dakota to have received the prestigious Silver Award from the National Healthier US Schools Challenge.
Adams-Edmore High School is making national news by working to support and improve the health of the children and community. As part of their effort, healthy items are featured on their menus and physical education and activity emphasized. All of their efforts are part of the Healthier US School Challenge.
The Healthier US School Challenge (HUSSC) is a voluntary national certification initiative for schools participating in the National School Lunch Program. It supports First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move‟ campaign by recognizing schools that are creating healthier school environments through their promotion of good nutrition and physical activity. Sponsored by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), the initiative encourages all schools take a leadership role in helping students to make healthier eating and physical activity choices that will last a lifetime. Schools, such as Adams-Edmore High School, that champion the HUSSC, work hard to make changes to their school nutrition environment in order to (1) improve the quality of the foods served, (2) provide students with nutrition education, and (3) provide students with physical education and opportunities for physical activity.
Ultimately, FNS would like to see all schools receive a HUSSC award at any one of the four levels of superior performance: Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Gold Award of Distinction. Schools awarded receive a monetary incentive (Bronze $500, Silver $1000, Gold $1500, and Gold Award of Distinction $2000), an award plaque signed by a USDA official, a banner to display in their school, and their name listed on the Team Nutrition Web site.
To qualify for an award, a school must submit a formal application and meet basic criteria set forth by the FNS. The HUSSC criteria reflect the recommendations of the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) published recommendations (April 2007) for foods that should be served in schools, outside of the organized school lunch meals. Healthier US Schools must also have a local school wellness policy, as mandated by Congress. Schools receiving a HUSSC award commit to meeting the criteria throughout their four year certification period.
The Adams-Edmore High School qualified for the Silver Award. Adams-Edmore High School was presented with their plaque and banner at a school wide ceremony on the morning of January 27. The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction Food Services Division sent two representatives (Deb Egeland and Becky King) to present the award to the team that submitted the application and the school as a whole. The 8th grade Lego League Robotics Team presented an original skit and song about “Food Coppers”. After the presentations, everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch of soup and salad bar prepared by Doreen Skytland and Mayvis Troftgruben, school nutrition personnel.
The HUSSC application process was led by Christa Brodina, High School Principal, Doreen Skytland, School Lunch Professional, and Katie Henry, Family & Consumer Sciences and Health Instructor. Through their joint efforts of over an estimated time of 80+ hours of work to accomplish the changes needed, the team of three submitted the application to the state, who in turn, submitted it to the national level. Special recognition is due to the administration for encouraging full time physical education options for the students, and also to the school nutrition staff for their efforts in achieving school lunch menu changes leading to a HUSSC Silver award, such as providing a well rounded salad bar, healthier vegetable options during hot lunch, whole grain breads and noodles, and more dried beans. Without the joint effort of the team and school, the Silver Award would not have been accomplished. The team plans on the continuation of implementing the healthier options, and will apply for the Gold Award by fall.
