The North Carolina PTA and NC Action for Healthy Kids co-hosted a third Team Up for Healthy Learning event on March 14. Ahoskie Elementary hosted families and educators for an evening focused on improving school wellness environments. Approximately 75 people attended the workshop which included information on the national school breakfast program and Fuel Up to Play 60.
“It was a real collaborative effort, and it was great to see some parents show up with their children,” said Sarah Martin, state coordinator for NC Action for Healthy Kids and NCPTA board member. “We were able to spend time discussing the benefits of participating in the national school breakfast program with a wonderful presentation by Tracey Bates from NC DPI.”
Roseann Liberatore from Southeast United Dairy Industry Associates shared information about Fuel Up to the Play 60. Additionally, Principal Warren from Ahoskie Elementary shared the benefits that his school has realized since implementing a grab and go, alternative breakfast model for the current school year. He highlighted decreases in disciplinary referrals, absenteeism, and school nurse visits. According to Martin, He also spoke of academic gains that they have reached this year, which he partially attributes to the expanded school breakfast program.
“One of the workshop participants was actually from a local school that had just begun a Fuel Up to Play 60 program this year,” said Martin. “She was able to share her successes, and she remarked that she really enjoyed our physical activity and nutrition stations and that she hoped to implement similar programs at her school.”
At the end of the evening, participants had the chance to win kits from Fuel Up to Play 60, classroom recess kits, gift cards and other great prizes.
Thanks to the following community groups that helped make the event a success:
- NCPTA
- NCAFHK
- SUDIA
- NC Dept of Public Instruction – Child Nutrition
- NC Cooperative Extension – Hertford County
- Hertford County Schools
- Ahoskie Elementary School
- Bearfield Elementary Physical Education Department
- Vidant Wellness Center (Ahoskie)
- Mak’s Playhouse