District 47 Elementary Schools Meet Healthier U.S. Schools Challenge

The percentage of obese children in the United States aged 6-11 years increased from 7 percent in 1980 to nearly 18 percent in 2012. This growing trend has caused concern among health professionals, parents and educators alike.

Recognizing the connection between good health and nutrition and increased student academic performance and attendance, Crystal Lake Elementary District 47 made the decision several years ago to take on the Healthier U.S. Schools Challenge (HUSSC). The challenge, which involves creating a healthier school environment through the promotion of good nutrition and physical activity, is a voluntary national certification initiative for schools participating in the National School Lunch Program and National School Breakfast Program. The program supports First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign by recognizing schools who meet the criteria with the HUSSC award.

Sponsored by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), the initiative encourages all schools to take a leadership role in helping students make healthier choices with regard to nutrition and exercise. District 47’s Husmann Elementary served as a pilot school for the district several years ago acquiring HUSSC status in 2011. The district’s other eight elementary schools that have now met the HUSSC challenge criteria include: Canterbury, Coventry, Glacier Ridge, Indian Prairie, North, South, West and Woods Creek.

D47 schools that champion the HUSSC have worked hard to make changes to their school environment that include improving the quality of the foods served, teaching about the importance of good nutrition and physical fitness, and providing opportunities for physical activity.

The HUSSC application process was spearheaded by West elementary STEM teacher Teresa Wolf (pictured, left) and Arbor Management food service director Allison Brown (pictured, right). “It was an intensive process but so well worth it,” states Wolf. “After Husmann received the recognition, we worked hard to get the rest of our elementary buildings awarded.” Wolf explained that the USDA stiffened its requirements a few years ago, which involved making more rigorous changes. All nine elementary schools have now earned bronze status, one of four levels of recognized superior performance. The bronze award entitles each school to receive $500 along with an award plaque signed by a USDA official, a banner to display in each school, and an opportunity to have the school’s name listed on the Team Nutrition web site.

To qualify for an award, a school must submit a formal application and meet basic criteria set forth by the FNS. The criteria for the bronze-level award includes teaching nutrition education, serving only food that has met USDA-approved nutrition standards, meeting participation thresholds for breakfast and lunch programs, and offering an average of 45 minutes of weekly physical activity throughout the school year. In addition, HealthierUS Schools must meet other specific criteria demonstrating their commitment to a healthy school environment and implement a local school wellness policy as mandated by Congress. Schools receiving a HUSSC award commit to meeting the criteria throughout their four-year certification period.

“We are so pleased that the federal and state agriculture departments have recognized the work our staff has been doing over the past three years to improve the school lunch menus,” says Brown. “We have increased the variety of fruits and vegetables offered daily; incorporated 100 percent whole-grain products; changed our milk offering to only hormone free, low-fat and fat-free milks; and focused on leaner proteins and products with less sodium, fat and sugar. It has been very rewarding going through the process of approval and I am proud of all who were involved.”

Others who deserve special recognition for their role in supporting and advocating for a healthier school environment include all elementary administrators, teachers and staff, as well as Superintendent Dr. Kathy Hinz, Assistant Superintendent of Student Learning Jean Bevevino, and Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations Kevin Werner. A special thanks also goes to the elementary school nutrition staff for their efforts in executing the proposed changes associated with obtaining HUSSC status.

Besides the HUSSC challenge, District 47 has taken other steps toward improving the health of its students and school environment. It has applied for and received grants from community partners like Advocate Good Shepherd and the McHenry County Department of Health, which have provided significant funding for other health-related programs, such as Coordinated Approach to Child’s Health (CATCH), the Cooper Institute’s Fitnessgram (a comprehensive tool used to assess student physical fitness and activity levels), physical education equipment, and many other wonderful items and programs.

“We are so lucky to have the community’s support in helping us with this and other health-related initiatives as it has enabled us to help our students make healthier lifestyle choices,” says Wolf. According to Wolf, the community resources have also enriched family evening events, such as the district’s health fair, CATCH programs and open houses, all of which have helped spread the healthier message to families. “Without the continued support of community partners and families,” notes Wolf, “this award would not have been possible.”