Wilmington schools sweep national healthy habits awards program
When it comes to healthy habits, Wilmington schools are acing the test.
Of the seven Los Angeles Unified schools selected for national recognition for their efforts to help children develop healthy and lifelong habits, six were Wilmington campuses: Harry Bridges Span School, Broad Avenue Elementary, Fries Avenue Elementary, Gulf Avenue Elementary, Hawaiian Avenue Elementary and Wilmington Park Elementary.
Bronze awards were given to those schools, in addition to Young Oak Kim Academy of Los Angeles, by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, an organization founded by the American Heart Association and the Clinton Foundation. Altogether, the alliance recognized 328 schools in 29 states and the District of Columbia with awards this year.
Los Angeles school board member Richard Vladovic praised the schools’ teachers and administrators for the work it took to earn the honor.
“Too often, we hear about the bad in L.A. Unified, but this recognition demonstrates the quality schools and programming we have to offer our communities,” he said in a written statement.
PROVIDENCE GRANT CREDITED
Gulf Avenue Principal David Kooper credited a grant the six Wilmington schools received from Providence Little Sisters of Mary, a charitable arm of Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center in San Pedro. The program, called Creating Opportunities for Physical Activity, provided two years of specialists and coaches to work with teachers and students.
The check list, he said, included such changes as eliminating cupcakes for birthday parties and food being used as incentives.
“We just need to make better choices and we’ve been having discussions on how to incentivize without food,” Kooper said. “So instead of having a popcorn or pizza party, we’ll have favorite physical activities.”
To win gold, silver and bronze awards, the schools must meet or exceed stringent standards set by the alliance in the categories of:
• Serving healthier meals and snacks
• Providing more exercise programs for students
• Offering high-quality physical and health education
• Recruiting school leaders to become role models
The award-winning schools also had been recognized earlier by the “Let’s Move!” program, initiated by first lady Michelle Obama.
“We got the bronze (award) this time around, now our goal is the silver,” Kooper said. “The gold might be harder to attain because the school has to be open to the community and the public for a certain number of hours and offer salad bars.”
