Union 106 Union 106
WALKING TOWARD WELLNESS WINNERS
Congratulations to Julie Berry at CHS and to Julie Murray at the Superintendent’s Office! They are the October and November Walking Toward Wellness Winners and have received a Nature’s Pantry gift certificate for their efforts.
All staff members reaching their fitness goals in the Walking Toward Wellness program will have their names placed in a monthly drawing. To comply with program rules, staff must exercise at least three times a week for more than 30 minutes each time. Activities could include washing your windows or even shoveling your walkway! Please contact your school’s wellness team member to participate in this challenge.
More than 100 Union 106 staff members have participated in the Union 106 Walking Toward Wellness physical activity program every school year.
WELLNESS TEAM ENCOURAGES HEALTHY BEHAVIORS FOR 2009/20010 
This year’s action plan will also include working on the implementation of a Coordinated School Health Program, writing grants, coordinating physical activity programs and nutrition programs, school climate policy work, coordinating the annual March staff wellness workshop, and more.
This exciting Maine Schoolsite Health Promotion Conference is a unique professional development experience that provides a forum for representatives of all segments of a school union to discuss and respond to issues related to health promotion, health education, and the maintenance of a healthy learning environment.
At this annual conference, the team creates an action plan for Union 106 schools that is filled with activities that benefit all Union 106 staff and students. To offer input on Union 106 wellness needs, please contact your school’s Wellness Team member.
UNION 106 WELLNESS TEAM/SCHOOL HEALTH ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Sue Clark – School Nurse- Calais Elementary School
Jay Skriletz – TAG Team Coordinator, Alcohol and Drug Prevention Coordinator, Service Learning Coordinator
Nancy LeClair – Maine Cooperative Extension – Nutrition Educator
Paul Stuart – St. Croix Valley Healthy Communities- Project Director
Paula Lumbert – St. Croix Valley Healthy Communities- Project Assistant
Angela Foggia – Food Service Director – Calais
Steve McGinley – Phys Ed Instructor- Calais Elementary, Calais Middle School
Sue Olson – RGS Food Service Director
BJ Wallace – AES Food Service Director
Janet Proulx – Phys Ed / Health Teacher Calais High School
Kate Dawson –Counselor Union 106
Heather Henry – School Health Coordinator
BULLYING PREVENTION ASSEMBLIES SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY IN UNION 106
Brandon Baldwin, Civil Rights Team Director for the Maine Attorney General’s Office, will be in the area on February 4th and 5th . His presentation at CMS/CHS.SCRTC will cover cyber-bullying and will be held during the first period of the day on Friday.
Brandon will also travel to the outlying schools; Alexander, Robbinston, and Calais Elementary, to discuss bullying issues and prevention methods for students in grades K-8.
CALAIS MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL STARTS MORNING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF
CHS teacher Randy McCormick coordinates a morning physical activity program for all CMS/CHS and SCRTC students and staff in the school’s gymnasium.
Activities include Wii games, ping pong, basketball contests, Dance Dance Revolution and more.
The activities begin at 6:45 a.m. and end at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays starting on December 1st and concluding on Feb. 11, just prior to February vacation. Wednesdays will be for Calais Middle Schools only.
The activities will take place in the gym and the exercise room and will be monitored by Mr. McCormick.
The Union 106 wellness Team and School Health Advisory Council initiated the plan in an effort to provide daily physical activity opportunities for the school. Studies prove that students who are physically active before class, are more easily educated; they can retain information better and have longer attention spans.
CALAIS ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL RECEIVE FLU SHOTS
Ann Skriletz, school nurse and director of the Blue Devil Health Center, and Sue Clark, Calais Elementary School Nurse, coordinated the H1N1 and seasonal flu shot clinics this year for CES, and CMS/CHS. More than 400 seasonal flu shots were provided to students in grades K-12 and over 400 H1N1 vaccinations to students in K-12. Faculty and staff of the Calais Elementary, Middle and High Schools were also given the opportunity to receive the flu and H1N1 vaccinations.
School Based Health Center Celebrates 6th Anniversary
Students attending grades 7-12 at Calais Middle/High School have never been in school when there hasn’t been the Blue Devil Health Center. One of only 27 school-based health centers in Maine and the only one in Washington County, students and parents have come to rely on the convenience, efficiency and economy of having a health center right on campus. Opening in January 2004, the center serves 75% of the students and logs over 900 visits annually.
The Blue Devil Health Center provides medical care, counseling services and dental screenings. Students receive care when they’re ill, have a sports injury, need a physical or immunization, or when they are dealing with emotional concerns. Dr. Ann Simmons has served as medical director since its inception. Other medical care is provided by Dr. Larry Newman, Dr. Antonaela Zaharia, and Chris Scalabrin, NP. Counseling services are provided by Annie Beckham, LCSW. Ann Skriletz, R.N. serves as nurse manager and Dawn Knights as administrative assistant.
An open house to celebrate the anniversary will be held from 5:30-8:00 on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 to coincide with the Lady Blue Devils home games against Washington Academy. Advisory board members and Teen Advocacy Group members will be on hand to guide visitors and provide information. All are invited to meet staff, tour the facility, enjoy light refreshments, and enter to win a door prize. For further information, call 454-8262.
GUIDANCE GRANT RECEIVED
Members of your Union 106 Wellness Team worked to write the recently received Department of Education Guidance Counselor Grant. The 1.2 million grant was eventually reduced to $900,000 and will cover salaries and trainings related to guidance and counselor positions for the next three years.
The grant was written by Heather Henry, Peter Harvey, Linda Renaud and Brenda McDonough. As a result 4 positions were created for 11 schools: 2 guidance counselors, a social worker and a psychologist for schools in East Range, Woodland, Princeton, Calais, Robbinston, Alexander, Perry, Charlotte, and Eastport. Thank Calais Elementary School’s Ed Murphy for constantly pushing for the grant to be written and the positions to be filled!
LOCAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OPTIONS:
Calais City Councilor and Red Beach resident Marianne Moore is the owner of Curves in Calais and claims that this woman’s exercise experience promises a different approach to fitness and amazing results for members.
The Calais Curves is located on North Street and offers a supportive environment with a thirty-minute fitness solution along with a common sense weight loss program that helps break the weight loss cycle.
With the average person gaining three pounds a year, a reasonable workout regime that can fit into today's busy lifestyle of work and family is critical to help combat diabetes, osteoporosis, hypertension and other health risks that women can face.
For a free figure analysis and tour of the new facility, contact Moore at 454-CRVS (454-2787).
VENUS AND APOLLO
A contract with the Venus and Apollo fitness center at their Lower Barker Street location in Calais has been signed again this year. All school staff, school board members, and students in grades 9-12 have the opportunity to attend the gym. Staffs have to pay a one time annual fee of $50. Please take advantage of this great physical activity opportunity.
Calais Elementary School, Calais Middle School and Robbinston Grade School were all recipients of the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program grant. The grants were written by School Health Coordinator Heather Henry.
As a result, all students and staff will receive free fresh fruit and veggies every day for the entire school year. Coordinators of the program are Dorothy Gardner at Calais Middle School, Kim McCadden at Calais Elementary School and Sue Olson at Robbinston Grade School.
NANCY LECLAIR – UNIVERSITY OF MAINE COOPERATIVE EXTENSION NUTRITION EDUCATOR
Nancy LeClair works union-wide promoting healthy eating habits among students in grades K-8 at all Union 10-6 schools. As UMaine Extension Eat Well Nutrition Associate, Nancy has been providing nutrition education to individuals, families, schools and community groups in Union 106. Nancy hosts fruit and vegetable tastings, assists health educators with nutrition education lessons and encourages healthy eating habits among Union 106 students.
FARM TO SCHOOL PROGRAM STARTS IN UNION 106
Food Service Directors Sue Olson, BJ Wallace and Angela Foggia have all taken part in a Farm to School Workshop and have integrated local produce in their kitchens as a result.
Potatoes, carrots, cranberries, squash, pumpkins and blueberries have been served up as a result of collaborations with local farmers in Robbinston, Alexander and Charlotte.
The next Food Service Farm to School workshop is scheduled for Monday, Feb 22, 2-5 pm. “We anticipate that it will be a great time to forge new relationships between farmers and school cooks, to provide all of you with resources and to hear how we can improve the resources we offer,” said Farm to School Coordinator Regina Grabrovac.
DAILY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY POLICY - This school-wide initiative is intended to address the obesity epidemic currently facing Maine youth. The intent of this project is to create additional opportunities for physical activity during the day that would support and compliment the existing physical education program.
By participating, schools will improve the environment for learning by reaping the benefits of daily physical activity on both the mental and physical health of students.
A growing body of evidence exists that proves that physical activity enhances academic performance, self-concept and mental health.
The Union 106 policy mandates daily physical activity in the classroom. There have been several opportunities for training. If you need additional resources or more ideas for implementation, please contact School Health Coordinator Heather Henry at 454-7787.
FEDERAL WELLNESS POLICY – This is a reminder: The following mandates are included in the federal wellness policy passed two years ago by all Union 106 school committees:
Policy changes include, but are not limited to:
“Through its effects on mental health, physical activity may help increase students’ capacity for learning. Studies have found participation in physical activity increases adolescents’ self-esteem and reduces anxiety and stress.”
Promoting Better Health For Young People Through Physical Activity and Sports, Fall 2000
ROBBINSTON STAFF ATTEND AGRICULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM CONFERENCE
Robbinston Grade School Teachers Terri Taylor, Yvonne Morrill and Brenda Donovan attended a summer teacher’s institute coordinated to provide educators with an array of resources to encourage agriculture education in the classroom.
Staff at RGS are working to create compost bins at the school as a result of their attendance at this annual 4-day conference.
Next year’s conference will be held at UMM and address wild blueberries, bio-fuels and aquaculture.
MARCH 12TH – UNION 106 STAFF WELLNESS WORKSHOP
The annual Union 106 wellness workshop for staff will be held March 12th from 11:2:30 at Calais Elementary School. The afternoon will begin with the potluck luncheon and follow with a variety of workshops including an orienteering class, bullying prevention in the classroom, the importance of laughter at work and much more. The event is being coordinated by School Health Coordinator Heather Henry and the Union 106 Wellness Team.
FREE SKI AND SNOWSHOE USE FOR UNION 106 STAFF!
Contact Kim McCadden at Calais Elementary School (454-2000), Marlene Wilbur at Robbinston Grade School (454-3694) or BJ Wallace at Alexander Elementary School (454-2623) to sign out cross country skis or snowshoes during the winter months!
The equipment purchase was part of a Union 106 lifelong physical fitness program. Monies to purchase the equipment were received through a Libra Foundation grant that was written by Heather Henry and Alexander Elementary School teacher Linda Renaud
“No knowledge is more crucial than knowledge about health. Without it, no other life goal can be successfully achieved.” Carnegie Foundation Report on Secondary Education in America
* TOBACCO MEDICATION VOUCHER PROGRAM:
Many staff members in Union 106 have taken advantage of the Partnership for a Tobacco Free Maine (PTM) medication voucher program.
The PTM offers free nicotine patches and nicotine gum for those wishing to quit smoking.
Call The Maine Tobacco Helpline at 1-800-207-1230 for more information or St. Croix Valley Healthy Communities at 454-0761.
ALEXANDER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS AND STAFF EXERCISE EVERY MORNING –
Alexander Elementary School Teacher Trevor Flood is pictured above leading an exercise class with all AES students and staff. Principal Terry Charleton asks that staff and students meet in the gym to exercise before classes start. She claims it increases students learning capacity and mandates the 20 minute exercise period for all in the building.
“Exercise and recreation are as necessary as reading. I will rather say more necessary, because health is worth more than learning.”
- Thomas Jefferson
The cafeteria lunch line at Columbus Elementary School moves quickly as students grab portions of carrots, celery, apples and oranges. French fries and hamburgers, once cafeteria staples, aren't even offered.
"I eat carrots or apples every day," said 10-year-old Alan Espino. He said he didn't notice that the bun holding his all-beef hot dog was whole wheat. Even the pizza available in the cafeteria has whole wheat crust.
The school cafeteria looks radically different from those of his parents' generation, and it appears many kids aren't turning their noses up at the new offerings. In fact, according to a survey of food service directors, french fries are decreasing in popularity and interest in carrots is skyrocketing.
As choices on the lunch line change, many children are accepting them, said Martha Conklin, an associate professor at Penn State University who conducts research about school nutrition programs and school food service.
"If you present these healthy offerings to children, they may turn them down the first time, but you can't give up," she said. "Children will adapt. Choice is important, but they can make those selections from healthy offerings."
The School Nutrition Association's annual survey given to food service directors around the country shows just that. Among students in kindergarten through 12th grade, french fries dropped in popularity from 1998 to 2006, while carrots and fresh vegetables rose in popularity.
"We are dealing with much more sophisticated audiences now, and we working hard to meet their needs in a healthier way," said Janey Thornton, the association's president.
More states are enacting nutrition standards to ensure healthy food and beverage options are available to students, said Amy Winterfeld, a health policy analyst for the National Conference of State Legislatures.
A 2004 wellness program requires school districts receiving federal reimbursements for school meal programs to develop policies that promote the health of students and address the growing problem of childhood obesity.
In 2005, at least 17 states enacted some form of school nutrition legislation and at least 11 more approved them last year.
A New Jersey law requires that, by next fall, snacks and a la carte items sold or served contain no more than 8 grams of total fat per serving and two grams of saturated fat per serving. Candy is banned and so are foods and beverages with sugar as the major ingredient.
The law is an attempt to establish a culture in which eating nutritiously is the accepted social norm, said Emma Davis-Kovacs, acting state director for the New Jersey Department of Agriculture's division of food and nutrition.
"The leading health authorities are all recommending that schools take an active role in this area of nutrition to prevent disabling chronic health conditions," she said.
Mark Vidovich, president of Pomptonian Food Service, which runs programs in 11 north and central New Jersey counties, recalled that students were turned off by whole wheat bread just five years ago.
"The children wouldn't eat it. It didn't look right to them," he said. "Now their dining preferences have changed and they're now accepting of making healthier dining options."
Pat Johnson, food service director in the Maplewood and South Orange district, said she started reforming her cafeterias before the new state law. The district is renovating its kitchens to remove fryers and add grills and ovens.
She said younger children seem more open to tasting healthier foods and are likely to continue the patterns to middle and high school. "If you put it there and make it look appealing to them, they like it," she said.