My two children who attend Irving Park Elementary School returned home yesterday and excitedly explained that their teachers had introduced the Wellness Policy in class! "Fun Friday's" has now turned into "Fun Fruit Friday's"! They were told that there would be no more candy for rewards which sent teachers searching for a way to rid themselves of all those Skiddles and Smarties! A good thing Halloween is just around the corner.
My children were excited to hear the news, but I'm sure they will miss some of those sugary treats, just like many children around our nation. Just yesterday I saw on the local news that a school district in New Jersey was completely banning the cupcake, except on Halloween.
The Wellness Policy was created and implemented to meet the growing need to help combat the obesity epidemic that is now facing our youth. This policy will not only give them more nutritious food while they are at school but it will also teach them to make better food choices as they become more independent.
I am excited about what the Wellness Policy will mean for my children and future generations. Today's changes in the cafeteria and classroom will have a positive impact on their health, their behavior, and possibly their test scores.
10/5/06; 9:10:34 AM