Pictured above:  NAES 4th Graders Hannah Azlin, Abby Prather, and Santiago Aguirre enjoy lunch.  NAES recently received the HealthierUS School Challenge Silver Award.

When it comes to meeting the strict criteria for awards in the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) HealthierUS School Challenge, nineteen Mississippi schools have scored at the top of the class.  New Albany Elementary School (NAES) is among the top schools in the state that is excelling at creating healthier environments for students.  NAES received the HealthierUS School Challenge Silver Award.

In February 2010, when the HealthierUS School Challenge became part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign, USDA set an ambitious goal of 1250 schools nationwide by June 2011.  “We are very proud that so many of our schools have achieved excellence in both nutrition and physical activity,” says Shane McNeill, Director, Office of Healthy Schools, Mississippi Department of Education.  “Nineteen schools from sixteen different districts have already received Gold, Silver, or Bronze awards and twenty-five additional schools currently have applications in the review process. This is a prestigious honor, since only 790 schools in 32 states have met the national criteria thus far.”

According to Amy Olson, MS, RD (Registered Dietitian), Director of Training for Child Nutrition Programs in the Office of Healthy Schools, qualifying for a HealthierUS School Challenge award shows a strong commitment to serve healthful food in the cafeteria and throughout the campus, while enhancing the role of both nutrition and physical education in the classroom. “These awards demonstrate that our schools have made sustainable changes to ensure that Mississippi students are fit, well-nourished, and ready to succeed academically. Submitting one of these applications requires a team of administrators, physical education (PE) teachers, child nutrition staff, and others involved in school wellness,” notes Olson. “It’s a great way to get everyone on board to promote the connections between overall children’s health and their academic success.”

Thanks to a bill passed last spring in the state Legislature, Mississippi schools also receive a significant financial boost for winning a HealthierUS School Challenge award. With a combination of USDA and state funding from House Bill 1078, incentives for the four exceptional performance awards are $2,000 for Bronze, $4,000 for Silver, $6,000 for Gold, and $8,000 Gold of Distinction.

“These incentives are a positive way to recognize Mississippi schools that implement programs to help improve eating habits, increase activity levels, and reduce childhood obesity,” explains Shane McNeill. “Schools can then use the additional funding to make further enhancements in nutrition and physical activity programs for their students.”

The Canton Public School District recently sponsored an annual family
fitness day in celebration of the district's on-going efforts to
connect with family and the community. The day-long event was
co-sponsored by the Mississippi State University Extension Service and
the Mississippi State Department of Health. The day included workshops,
physical activities and presentations from school partners. Healthy
snacks were provided by school adopters, One Hundred Black Men. Games
and activities that promoted physical activity included step movements,
space jumps, walking and running.

More than two hundred people recently attended Family Fitness
Together: Helping Ourselves and Helping Others which was held at New
Albany Elementary School. The Family Fitness Night included a health
fair, family fitness activities, a baked chicken strip dinner and a
silent auction. The health fair was sponsored by Baptist Memorial
Hospital - Union County, Baptist HealthPlex, Mississippi State
University Extension Service, Anytime Fitness and Mississippi State
Department of Health.

Fitness activities were held in the physical education building to
showcase equipment and supplies that were purchased with funds from the
John D. Bower, M.D. School Health Network and USDOE, Carol M. White
Physical Education Grants. Students and their families enjoyed Dance
Dance Revolution, ping-pong, basketball, jump ropes and hoola hoop
activities. In order to promote family togetherness, meals were
available for purchase in the school cafeteria. Funds were raised to
support the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

"Family and community involvement is extremely important in the
success of our schools," said Lecia Stubblefield, Director of
Curriculum & Federal Programs in the New Albany School District. "That
is why we continue to provide various ways for families and communities
to be involved in promoting academic success, good health and physical
fitness."

Webster Elementary in Yazoo City School District recently celebrated a
fun-filled Family Fitness Day and Night event. Students participated in
field day activities in the morning, then family and community
participants came to an Evening of Fitness, sponsored by the school.
Games included: balloon pop, basketball, jump rope and line dancing.
Health-related exhibits including topics of Know Your Numbers, Hidden
Salt and Sugar, Diabetes Awareness and Dental Hygiene were presented by
community partners.

Another outstanding family and community involvement program was held
by the Clinton Public School District. The Arrow Meltdown highlighted
the district's Biggest Loser Competition for parents and teachers. The
culminating event of the Meltdown was Healthy Family Day, when schools
brought together community partners, parents and their children for a
day to celebrate program successes.

The community-wide health fair held on the Clinton High School campus
featured forty exhibitors, healthy food vendors, free health screenings
and a number of physical activity stations where parents and
children could exercise together. In addition, the winner of the Biggest
Loser Contest was announced. Each school in the district had the
opportunity to share successes of faculty and staff members who
participated in school weight loss contests. This event was coordinated
and presented by the district health council with the help of Healthplex
Fitness Center, Mississippi College, WLBT and area businesses.

Courtesy of Mississippi Department of Education

Lance Evans replaces Jay Foster as Principal of NAHS.  Foster recently resigned his position to become Principal of South Panola High School in Batesville.  Evans has been in the district since 2006.  He first served at NAHS as assistant principal for the 2006-2007 school year and has served as Principal at NAES since 2007.  Prior to coming to New Albany, he served as Elementary School Principal and High School Athletic Director at Tremont School in Itawamba County.  Evans began his career in education at Oxford High School where he taught social studies and coached football and powerlifting.  He received his Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Education from Mississippi State University and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Mississippi.

NAES Assistant Principal Jamey Wright, will replace Evans as Principal of New Albany Elementary School.  Wright has served NAES as Assistant Principal for the past year.  Before serving in an administrative capacity, Wright was an elementary school teacher at West Union Attendance Center and NAES.  Wright is a graduate of Blue Mountain College with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and holds a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Mississippi. 

Talina Knight will serve as Principal Intern at NAES for the first semester and NAHS for the second semester.  Knight holds a Bachelor of Science in English Education from Mississippi State University, is a National Board Certified Teacher, and is currently a part of the University of Mississippi’s Principal Corps.  She has taught language arts at Tupelo Middle School for the past fourteen years.  Knight has also served as a statewide educational consultant for the Mississippi’s Department of Transportation’s RIDES (Roadways Into Developing Elementary Students) program. 

“We are pleased to be able to fill these positions with these outstanding educators and administrators,” said Charles Garrett, Superintendent of New Albany Schools.  “We are confident that the administrative changes we have made will allow our school district to continue leading the way for excellence in education.”

Students should pick up a registration packet at their respective school site and return the following documents to that school:
· Completed Registration Packet
· Withdrawal Form and transcript from previous school
· Copy of Social Security Card
· Copy of Birth Certificate
· Mississippi Immunization Form (Form 121)
· Two Proofs of Residency

One proof of residency must be a current light bill and the other may be utility bill, water bill, trash bill, rental agreement/payment receipt, mortgage document, driver’s license, or proof of insurance.  All proofs must have current dates, include the student’s current physical address, and have the legal parent/guardian’s name listed. 

All registration information must be complete and returned to the school office before a student can receive a schedule or teacher assignment.

For further information, please contact NAES at 534-1840; NAMS at 534-1820; or NAHS at 534-1805.

Letters have been mailed to parents of New Albany Middle School and New Albany High School students explaining the summer reading program and requirements.  A list of reading requirements and assignments have been posted on the school district’s website since May.

Books should be available at the local public library and area bookstores.  In addition, books that are selections for students at New Albany Middle School can be purchased at the school.

Summer reading assignments are available on the school’s website at www.newalbanyschools.us or may be picked up at your child’s school.  For more information, call New Albany Elementary School at 534-1840, New Albany Middle School at 534-1820, or New Albany High School at 534-1805.

Pictured above:  Madeline Blackburn and Katie Evans enjoy eating dinner together at Family Fitness Fun Night at NAES.

More than two hundred people attended “Family Fitness Together:  Helping Ourselves and Helping Others” which was held at New Albany Elementary School (NAES) on Thursday, May 20.  The purpose of the Family Fitness Night was to promote health awareness, fitness ideas, proper nutrition, family togetherness, and community involvement.

The Family Fitness Night included a health fair, family fitness activities, a chicken strip dinner, and a silent auction.  The health fair was sponsored by Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union County, Baptist HealthPlex, Mississippi State University Extension Service, Anytime Fitness, and Mississippi Department of Health.

Height, weight, BMI, bone density screenings, blood pressure checks, and nutrition education was provided to participants at no cost.  Lab work for cholesterol profile and blood sugar was provided at a minimal cost.

Fitness activities were held in the Physical Education Building to showcase equipment and supplies that were purchased with funds from the John D. Bower School Health Network and Carol M. White Physical Education Grants.  Students and their families enjoyed using the Dance Dance Revolution, playing ping-pong, playing basketball, and using jump ropes and hoola hoops. 

To promote family togetherness, meals were available for purchasing in the school cafeteria and families were encouraged to eat together.  The dinner included chicken strips, cheesy potatoes, broccoli salad, fruit cup, and wheat roll.  In addition, themed baskets were available for bidding in a silent auction.  More than $2,000.00 was raised from the chicken dinner fundraiser and the silent auction.  All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. 

“Our schools have been fortunate to receive the John D. Bower School Health Network Grant and the Carol M. White Physical Education Grant,” said Tammie Reeder, School Health Coordinator.  “These two grants have been great assets to our school district in the areas of health and fitness.”
 
Reeder added that the grants promote family togetherness and community involvement.  “We understand that if our children are going to have healthy lifestyle habits it is important to get families involved in helping the schools promote the importance of proper nutrition and physical activity.”

“Family and community involvement are extremely important in the success of our schools,” said Lecia Stubblefield, Director of Curriculum & Federal Programs.  “That is why we continue to provide various ways for families and communities to be involved in promoting academic success, good health, and physical fitness.”

“Family Night was a perfect outing for my family of five,” said Eydie Pullman, whose three children attend NAES.  “We ate a yummy, healthy dinner and played family friendly games.  Who knew we could have so much fun at our local elementary school?”  Pullman added that her family enjoyed dining, exercising, and spending quality time together while raising funds for a very worthy cause.  

Pictured below:  Alison Laney plays ball with daughters Abby (left) and Emma (right) during Family Fitness Night at NAES.

Pictured below:  Tarver Reeder, a Junior at New Albany High School, teaches elementary students how to play Dance Dance Revolution.

Mississippi classroom teachers and their students have been working hard all year to prepare for the upcoming Mississippi Curriculum Test Second Edition (MCT2). During the test days in May, both schools and families can help students do well with some simple healthy
habits.

“We know that good nutrition, regular physical activity and plenty of sleep provide the foundation for student success in the classroom,” says Shane McNeill, Director, Office of Healthy Schools Mississippi Department of Education. In order to provide the healthiest possible environments for teaching and learning, our schools have been implementing important enhancements in school meals and physical education (PE) programs. Mississippi schools are becoming national leaders in nutrient-rich meals, healthy vending options, fitness assessments and innovative PE programs.”

Healthy home environments are equally important for student performance. During MCT2 testing, families play a vital role in helping children to be fit, healthy and ready to succeed. According to education experts, four simple habits can help students do their best at school,
especially during standardized assessments.

1.  Every student needs a good night’s sleep in order to concentrate and learn at school. While sleep needs vary from child to child, experts agree that a minimum of 9 to 10 hours is best for most kids. Even though teenagers like to stay up late, their need for sleep is just as important as younger children.

2.  As parents know, breakfast provides an all-important kick-start for the day. A nutrient-rich morning meal is the best way to fuel child’s brain for both learning and testing. Students can eat breakfast at home or at school. In either case, both carbohydrates for energy (whole grain
cereal, toast or fruit, like bananas) and some protein (yogurt, a cheese stick, eggs or lean meat) are important.

3.  Fluids are also critical for brain function. Students need plenty of fluids to stay well-hydrated and on-task at school. Water and low-fat or non-fat milk are the best fluid choices for growing bodies. Children need three 8-oz. glasses of milk and three to five 8-oz. glasses of water.

4.  Physical activity is not only good for physical health; it’s also good for academic performance and stress reduction as well. While students participate in physical activities at school, some after-school movement is also important, especially during MCT2 assessments. Any fun
activity fun is great. Families can take a neighborhood walk or bike ride - or shoot some hoops on a local court. 
“Student success is a partnership between schools, families and the community,” Dr. Tom Burnham, State Superintendent of Education said.  “We know that health is academic and that students do best when smart habits are reinforced at home and throughout the community.”

NAES students Alex Criswell, Dylan Stout, Da'Shya McGee, and Caden Johson enjoy their lunch in the NAES Cafeteria.  These students are in Mrs. Sandra Sumner's 3rd grade classroom.

The New Albany School District’s Office of Child Nutrition received notification this month that New Albany Elementary School has fulfilled state guidelines in being approved for the HealthierUS School Challenge’s Silver Award.  The award is sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and recognizes schools that are promoting good nutrition.

According to Margaret Floyd, Director of Child Nutrition of the New Albany Schools, the application process will need approval from USDA in Atlanta and Maryland before NAES receives the HUSSC Silver Award recognizing their achievements in this awards program.

Applying for an award through the HealthierUS School Challenge is a required component of the John D. Bower, M.D., School Health Network Grant.  NAES is currently in Year 2 of implementing a three-year grant that focuses on Coordinated School Health.

“I had known about this award for several years and was interested in applying,” Floyd said.  “This Bower component gave me the push needed to pursue the award and a support system to help complete the process.”

The process has been very lengthy beginning with training in Philadelphia, Mississippi last April for Floyd and NAES Cafeteria Manager Bonnie Raines.  Floyd and Raines had to develop menus for approval and submit recipes, product information, nutrition content labels, and cafeteria production records. 

One of the criteria for the award required the school to have a minimum average daily student lunch participation of 70%.  Floyd said that NAES averages approximately 850 students eating lunch in the cafeteria daily which is 77% of the student population at NAES.  Other criteria for the award included providing nutrition and physical education information that adheres to the Health and Physical Education State Curriculum Frameworks. 

“Through this in-depth application process, we realized that we were already doing the majority of the requirements for the award,” Floyd said.  “Two of the major changes we made this year were adding more whole grains and dark green, leafy vegetables to the menus.”

“We are very fortunate to have an efficient Child Nutrition Department in our school system, said Tammie Reeder, School Health Coordinator.  “I have seen first hand that so many of the goals and requirements set forth by both the Bower Grant and the Silver Award are already in place in our cafeterias.”

Pictured above:  Workshop participants complete a walking activity as part of their SPARK PE Training.

Nine physical education teachers and assistant teachers from the New Albany School District (NASD) completed SPARK Physical Education Training on February 25 at New Albany Elementary School (NAES).

The NASD chose SPARK as the curriculum for its K-8 physical education classes at NAES and New Albany Middle School.  The curriculum, equipment, and training are funded with grant monies through the district’s SHAPE Up! Carol M. White Physical Education Program Grant.

According to SPARK Project Director Kelly Bruning, SPARK is a research-based organization developed by San Diego State University and has been honored as an Exemplary Program by the U.S. Department of Education.  Over 45 publications have documented positive SPARK effects such as academic achievement, increased moderate to vigorous activity levels, improved activity levels away from school, enjoyment of PE classes, and improved teacher instruction.
 
“One of the main goals our school district is that our physical and health education programs will lead to healthy, active lifestyles for our students and their families,” said Lecia Stubblefield, SHAPE Up! Project Director.  “We are excited about implementing the SPARK curriculum into our physical education classes in grades K-8 this spring.”

“We chose SPARK for our physical education program because it is directly aligned to both the state and national physical education standards,” said Tammie Reeder, School Health Coordinator and Project Director for the J. D. Bower School Health Network Grant.  “We felt SPARK would provide more structure for our outdoor activity time and during our physical education classes.”

“We had lots of fun and learned a lot,” said Kaye Parks, an assistant teacher who serves as a recess monitor during activity time.  “The training was helpful because we learned activities that we can incorporate on the playground and during physical education classes.”

Those completing the training were:  Rolandus Cox, Joe Dan Roberts, Don Reed, Robbins Rogers, Jeanette Johnson, Kaye Parks, Tommy Spight, Hattie McKenzie, and Gail Victory.

Pictured below:  Rolandus Cox and Jeanette Johnson are partners during a SPARK PE lesson.  Workshop attendees participated in several SPARK lessons during the training session.

Pictured below:  SPARK Trainer Faith Grinder teaches a playground game to a 3rd Grade student during SPARK Training.  Grinder used student demonstrations as part of the training.

Pictured above:  Kelon Hall, a 4th grade student in Tammy Kirkland's class, uses the Mimio board to review a Shurley English lesson on nouns.

Students at New Albany Elementary School (NAES) are being reached in a new way thanks to interactive Mimio boards that were purchased with funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (AARA) of 2009. 

Thirty-five classrooms at NAES are equipped with Mimio boards.  A standard white board and a classroom computer is converted into an interactive teaching tool by adding a LCD multi-media projector and a Mimio bar.  AARA funds were used to purchase needed projectors and Mimio bars for many of these classrooms. 

“We are fortunate to have Mimio boards in all of our classrooms in 2-5th grades and many of our kindergarten and first grade teachers have them as well,” said Lance Evans, NAES Principal.  Evans hopes to have the teaching tool in all classrooms as funds become available.

“I've had a Mimio board for a year, and I use it all the time,” said Tammy Kirkland, a fourth grade teacher.  “We use it for PowerPoint presentations, vocabulary review, visiting Internet sites, and even playing jeopardy subject area games as a review.”

Stephanie Simmons, a first grade teacher, uses the board daily in her classroom for calendar math, phonics, and Shurley English.  “We view videos that are related to our social studies and science lessons,” Simmons said.  “The mimio is also used as a reinforcement of skills in game formats that really keeps the children focused.”

All of the teachers who have a Mimio board in their classroom attended a three-hour small group training session earlier in the semester.  “The training session taught us how to utilize the Mimio software,” Kirkland said.  “Since then, I've been able to create ‘interactive’ lessons based on the needs of individual students in my class.” 
 
“The boards are wonderful hands-on technology teaching tools that makes instruction more interactive,” Evans said.  “Our teachers have used the boards in so many creative ways including virtual field trips and interactive PowerPoints.

“It is an amazing tool that has changed the way I teach and how my students learn,” Kirkland said.

Pictured below:  Liam Neely uses the Mimio board to review for an upcoming Math test.  Liam is a student in Stephanie Simmons' first grade class.