Published: September 07, 2008 11:39 am      

Mark Twain Elementary recognized for healthy choices

Staff key in program, student success

DUNCAN — Inspiring kids to lead healthy lives begins with teachers taking the first step.

Mark Twain Elementary’s staff took the first step with several of its physical education programs and its plan for fresh fruits and vegetables for snacks. The school was named “Rookie School of the Year” by the Schools for Healthier Lifestyles program. It was one of 20 schools up for the award.

Monica Smith, Mark Twain PE teacher, said, “The rookie of the year award is given to the best all around. They look at what we do, and at community activities and involvement.”

During the 2007-08 school year, Smith introduced several activities to her PE classes. She taught her students to fish, and brought in the Nintendo Wii and Dance Dance Revolution to promote physical activity.

She said many of the teachers and staff have started eating healthier to encourage students to do the same. One of the primary goals is to reduce the probability of childhood obesity in the school.

Principal JoAnn Pierce said the award, which hangs on a wall in the school, show that the school is doing its best to make sure students will make healthy decisions for themselves. The choices they make now can have some push on what they do in the future.

“It means we are taking a step in the right direction,” Pierce said. “Childhood obesity is a real threat to our future.

“Healthy, safe children make healthy, safe citizens.”

Selection of the rookie school of the year was done by a committee. A member of the committee made trips to the school throughout the last school year to see what progress the school had made in its activities.

Smith applied for and received several grants during the 2007-08 school year. She said these grants helped the school win the award.

“They look at what you do and what you plan to do,” Smith said. “We are very excited.”

Pierce said she is not only proud of what the school has accomplished but is also impressed with Smith’s leadership skills. She said Smith’s efforts have inspired others to make smart decisions and to make lifestyle changes.

She said it’s not just impressed on the students, but also on the teachers.

“I am appreciative to Monica Smith,” Pierce said. “She lay some groundwork for change.

“Her efforts are contagious. Both staff and students are beginning to take not of their personal need to be healthy and fit.”

Despite the kudos for Smith, Smith said the award was earned by the school. She said students and staff members have made great strides to stay healthy and fit. She said it’s especially important for teachers to take an active role in healthy activities because it is a form of motivation for students.

“It’s a very big deal for the school,” Smith said. “We worked hard to bring healthy ideas to the school.

“They (students) know that we’re trying. If we’re trying, they’re going to try too.”