Taking pop out of schools is an amazing move forward. Reducing the size of snacks is good. Parent agrees that

there should be no coffee at CHS - it is sending a mixed message.

Could nutrition bars be offered? Where does trail mix fall?

Patti Banks reviewed the requirements for the physical education portion of the policy. She pointed out that the

need to review curriculum to more directly address fitness would be addressed in the district's normal

curriculum review cycle. She also indicated that the district is currently not able to be in compliance with the

requirement for 100 minutes per week of p.e., exclusive of recess, at the primary level. To meet this

requirement increased p.e. teacher staffing would be needed (minimum of 2 fte, $120,000); but even if staffing

were added, the buildings do not have any available gym space for extra p.e. classes. Further, time would need

to be reduced from core academics (i.e., reading and math), at a time when we have just increased our

expectations for those subjects. Michelle Jacobson pointed out that the reason most adults give for failing to

exercise is a lack of time, and that we should not use that same old excuse to not offer adequate p.e. at the

primary grades. She stressed how important the primary grades are for developing good health habits, and that

passing the WASL wouldn't do any good if the student isn't healthy. The group discussed ways to increase

parent awareness about fitness, and try to get them to take some responsibility at home, too.

Bob Lucey said he recently read an article about students over doing physical activities. Students start playing

sports at early ages - and have lots of activity after school. He is concerned about fitness for those who sit in

front of computers and aren't involved in any physical activity.

There should be a partnership between the schools and the community/families regarding the seriousness of

obesity in America. Parents need to be models of good habits in the homer.

Both parents and students need more physical activity. We should communicate to parents that the "whole

student" is important to us.

If we have incentives on reading minutes - i.e. sign a form saying that you read with your child 20 minutes

every day - could we do something similar regarding physical activity? An extra bonus would be in the parent

did the activity with the child.

Drum Intermediate is trying to add a track to their campus - it could be a good incentive for more physical

activity.