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Local school achieves success in healthly schools program For the second year, West Babylon High School has continued to make progress in becoming a model for other schools looking to create a healthier environment for students and staff as part of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation Healthy Schools Program. The Alliance for a Healthier Generation is a joint initiative of the William J. Clinton Foundation and the American Heart Association. The goal of the Alliance is to stop the nationwide increase in childhood obesity by 2010, and to empower kids nationwide to make healthy lifestyle choices. The Healthy Schools Program is intended to make schools healthier places for staff and students by increasing opportunities for students to exercise, ensuring that healthy foods and beverages are available during and after the school day, and increasing resources for teachers and staff to practice healthy behaviors. West Babylon High School has achieved the following results since they joined the program in September 2006. The School Wellness Committee, consisting of students, staff and community members, continues to meet on a regular basis to brainstorm new goals and celebrate successes. The meetings are an integral part of the school culture, and they help everyone stay motivated and on track. The cafeteria staff brings healthy items that they have introduced to the menu to many School Wellness Committee meetings. And there is a standing agenda item that gives student committee members the opportunity to share their thoughts on what works and what needs adjustment. These contributions are invaluable when it comes to knowing what kind of options students want in the cafeteria. In addition to holding regular meetings, the committee distributes surveys to school staff asking for their input about how they would like to improve their personal health. For example, recent survey results showed that the staff wanted a nutritionist to speak at the school to offer practical suggestions for adopting a healthy, balanced diet. The School Wellness Committee met this request and arranged for the session to take place during an after school faculty meeting so it would be easier for all staff members to participate. The high school staff members are also making an effort to get more physical activity during the school day-some staff members have started a lunchtime walking club. The School is making a huge effort to take care of the well being of their employees. West Babylon High School has offered them a flu clinic, stress management workshops, employee wellness programs, Weight Watchers and they will soon have access to a new fitness center.
"West Babylon High School has found that continued success must be based on open communication, a willingness to change, and-above all-having fun". said Dom Palma, Assistant Superintendent.
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