b'The Advocates forCity of Keene LEARN Healthy Youthand Keene (AFHY) coalition School DistrictHEALTHY The Magic Numbers for Healthy Schools Safe Routes to SchoolThere are four special numbers that many students in our localWhat better way to start your day than with a nice walk? Many schools have memorized. They wont be tested on them, but they areneighborhood schools in our region are within walking distance Schools are places where many early health habitsusing these numbers - 5-2-1-0 - to understand and appreciate whatof the communities they serve. Walking your kids to school is a are formed. In addition to providing the best possibleit takes to stay healthy every day. good way for you - and your kids - to start the day with exercise. education, many schools are focusing greater attentionFive fruits and vegetables, two hours or less of recreational screenLocal proponents ofSafe Routes to School (SRTS) a nationwide on developing healthy habits in studentshabits thattime, at least one hour of physical activity and zero sugary drinks,program with federal funding, have been working this year to a growing body of research says increase academicsays Kelsey Plifka, program coordinator for the regions 5-2-1-0encourage more kids to walk to school.achievement and reduce the percentage of children whoHealthiest Schools Pilot Program and a member of the Advocates forYet, there are certain neighborhoods in Keene, with walking engage in risky behaviors (substance abuse, bulleying,Healthy Youth Coalition. The program is modeled after Maines highlyAFHY is a coalition of concerned individuals and organizations dedicated to improvingdistance schools, that have a staggering percentage of parents sexual harassment, etc). successful Lets Go 5-2-1-0 which is now in 400 schools throughoutthe health of children in the Monadnock Region. We continue to support programs indriving their kids to school, even when the school is just one-that state. schools and the community that promote healthy eating and active living. For morequarter of a mile away, notes Michele Chalice, planner for the City Of course, parents are primary role models and can helpinformation about AFHY or to get involved with the coalition please contact us atof Keene and a member of the citys SRTS Committee.their kids academic success through limiting media time,Four local schools participated in the pilot between September 2012354-5454 ext 2130. Champion, Lauren Bressett, AFHY Coalition Coordinatorproviding healthy breakfasts and dinners, supervising afterand June of 2013: Jonathan Daniels School in Keene, Mt. CaesarIn photo: AFHY coalition members from left to right: Eileen Fernandes, Linda Rubin,The committee is working to address why kids are being driven school activities and homework, and making sure kids getSchool in Swanzey, Monadnock Waldorf School in Keene, and SurryRudy Fedrizzi, Alyssa Smith, Libby McCann, Joel Feldmann, Peter Sebert, Karento school - and taking steps to make it safe, easy, and even fun, to enough rest and sleep. Village Charter School in Surry. Each school met with a designatedBalnis, Lauren Bressett walk and bike to school.Together, parents, schools and local government can pave5-2-1-0 champion, completed an initial assessment, then plannedThe committee has been awarded two start-up grants to the way for healthy habits that begin first thing in theand implemented at least three changes to increase fruit andimplement a variety of programs to encourage kids to walk to morning with a brisk walk (or bike ride) to a neighborhoodvegetable consumption and physical activity amongst their students. school.At Symonds School in Keene, there is a Walk and Roll school and extend throughout the school day by ensuringParticipating schools initiated a variety of creative and fun actions:Friday program, where once a week throughout the fall and spring children have adequate recess time, nutritious snacksfrom creating a snowshoeing club at Jonathan Daniels School, to athe school bus drops kids off one-quarter of a mile away from the and meals, physical education that meets best practiceTV Turn Off Week and snack labeling system at Mt. Caesar School, toschool, and the students walk to school together.standards, and safe after school activities. a change in pizza vendors at the Monadnock Waldorf School (crustsThe kids have a fabulous time with that, says Chalice. School are now whole grain and organic), to a Surry Village Charter schoolbuses dont have to drop kids right at the school . they can policy that supports instant recess breaks throughout the school day. walk together in a walking school bus. which gives them the While the final survey results are yet to be tallied, Plifka notes thatopportunity to walk, exercise and socialize.shes heard plenty of positive comments from teachers, kids and even parents:Teachers see that snacks from home have been healthier, she says. And there have been significant changes in the way families . not just the kids . are eating and moving.Over the past seven years at Symonds Elementary School, we have made it a priority to encourage students and families to make healthy choices, including increasing their physical activity levels. The past two years we have focused on active commuting toAt Monadnock Waldorf School (MWS), we are passionate about encouraging One of our biggest 5-2-1-0initiatives has been the Veggie of the Month, whereschool through the SRTS program. It is great to see how much more physical activityour students and families to make healthy lifestyle choices. Our involvement with each month a different class highlights fun facts and nutrition information about aour students are getting and how active living has become a part of our schoolsthe SRTS program and the 5-2-1-0 Healthiest Schools pilot program contributed seasonal vegetable or fruit and serves the whole school a dish theyve made withAt Mt. Caesar School, we have made it a priority to support and encourage ourculture here at Symonds.Champion, Beth Corwin, PE Teacher, Symondsto creating a daily culture of good health and regular physical activity, whether it. We have also incorporated physical activity breaks (like yoga!) into the classroomstudents, their families, and our staff to make healthy choices in and outside theElementary School that is walking the last leg of the trip to and from school, enjoying a healthy and participated in the Kids DeMar. The latter has been a great springboard forclassroom. As a result of becoming aVision 2020 Champion School,both ourlunch option with our new healthier and organic pizza vendor, or supporting parents and kids to do more physical activity together.Champion Sharonstudents and staff are more aware of how to eat better, move more andlive aIn photo: Symonds Elementary School students walking to school at their remoteour families to be active together.It all fits our picture of the healthy, happy, Koshar, Curriculum Coordinator, Surry Village Charter School 5-2-1-0 life.Champion, Judy Lundahl, Art Educator and Wellnessdrop off at the Yankee Lanes of Keene. well-balanced young person.Champion and MWS School Administrator, In photo: Yoga enthusiasts from left to right (front row): Alex Stover, ShyanneCommittee Member, Mt. Caesar School Lisa MaharCarrera (back row): Nate Sherman, Barbara Smart In photo: Mt. Caesar Wellness Committee members from left to right: JudyIn photo: Monadnock Waldorf SchoolLundahl, Melissa Alexander, Kelly Smith, Gina Sullivan8 9'