Healthy Schools Partnership

Hanawalt Elementary moves forward with the Healthy Schools Partnership program that allows school, staff and students to become healthier and more knowledgeable about eating right. HSP is a collaboration of Registered Dietitians through the American Dietetic Association Foundation and PE professionals that implements an Energy Balance program. They are currently funded by the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation. As part of the program, three registered dietitians work closely with the staff and students as "RD coaches".

An Energy Balance Team has been formed that includes Hanawalt staff, parents and RD coaches to conduct an environmental assessment and create an action plan regarding wellness initiatives. This will help Hanawalt move forward with the application process for a Healthier US Schools Challenge designation of bronze, silver, gold or gold with distinction. In January, a 12-week Energy Balance curriculum for 3rd-5th grade students will be implemented. Kids learn about "Energy In" while they are being active in PE through an active nutrition-related game and small group RD coaching. There will be interactive classroom presentations once a week given by the RD coaches. Cafeteria Promotion involves taking pictures of students and staff that are eating fruit and vegetables at lunch. A few tastings prepared by the dietitians and recipes will be shared. The 2nd graders will also be exposed to how fun eating healthy can be through a hands-on "E-Energize!" program. The RD coaches will provide take home materials for parents and be involved with meetings and events. The mission of HSP and the dietitians is to positively impact the students' eating and physical activity behaviors.