News and Events

Etiwanda district gets award from state because of its focus on children's fitness

Fontana Herald News

Published: Thursday, October 8, 2009 1:44 PM CDT

http://www.fontanaheraldnews.com/articles/2009/10/08/news/doc4ace1107d51f7920140940.txt

The Etiwanda School District was one of only 11 districts in California to be named “School District of the Year” as an honoree as a result of its efforts in support of children’s fitness.

Etiwanda Superintendent Dr. Shawn Judson attended an awards ceremony on Sept. 16 at the Capitol Area East End Complex Auditorium in Sacramento, where the recipients of the 2009 Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Spotlight Awards, presented by the Anthem Blue Cross Foundation, were announced by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Council Chairman Jake Steinfeld.

The Spotlight Awards recognize the efforts of principals, teachers, non-profit organizations, events, park programs, parent associations and schools that positively impact the physical activity, fitness levels and well being of California children.

The grand prize winning schools and other Spotlight Award gold medalists were selected from over 700 nominees based on their use of innovation, inspiration and initiative to positively impact the physical activity, fitness levels and well being of California children and youth.

The EtiwandaSchool District promotes student fitness and nutrition as part of its Wellness Program. As part of the Wellness Program, during 2008-09, teachers, administrators, support staff and students and family members worked together to increase student wellness. Highlights of the many activities include:

• Family fitness programs: Nine schools conducted family fitness evenings for parents and students to participate in fitness activities together.

• Fitness programs for students outside the regular P.E. period for a six-week period: Twelve schools participated in activities including walking programs where students and parents earned incentives for miles walked.

• Health awareness programs or fundraisers: Thirteen schools participated in various activities included collecting pull-tabs for the Ronald McDonald House, Walk-a-thons for Loma Linda’s Children’s Hospital and Jump Rope for Heart.

In addition, the district funded a program in which teachers in grades 4 and 5 worked with a local company, EM Speed and Power Training Foundation, to provide supplemental P.E. instruction. Pre and post fitness test results showed gains on the state designated Fitnessgram test for all schools participating in the program.

The Etiwanda Excellence in Education Foundation (E3) sponsored an annual 2K/5K Family Fun Run and boasted of a 100 percent increase in participation from previous years. The event is scheduled to be held again in March of 2010.

In the area of student nutrition, the district has increased the number of days that fresh fruit is available on the student lunch menu and states that fresh fruit is now available at least four days during the week.