WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From Gail Epstein, Mamaroneck Avenue School. May 14, 2007: Beginning this morning at Mamaroneck Avenue School, to kick off Wellness Month at MAS, a new improved healthy lunch menu will be in effect. On Friday, May 18,MAS will produce its annual Health Fair; on May 22, the final PTA meeting will feature a program on how foods effect learning and behavior, wrapping up May 29 with a program on designing a healthy lifestyle concluding with a school musical on May 31, A Better Me, a Better You.

As many children start the day without a healthy breakfast and eat unhealthy snacks throughout the day, the focus on health and wellness is a priority throughout the year at Mamaroneck Avenue School. 

Because research shows that when children eat well and exercise, they perform better in school, Mamaroneck Avenue School stresses a healthy diet and physical fitness in a variety of ways.  The school has devoted the month of May to this effort.  Events will feature the following;

• Walking Club.  Over 230 students in grades 2 through 5, as well as many staff members, are taking part in the recess Walking Club, held daily throughout the month.  Four laps around the perimeter of the school field is one mile and students earn recognition for participation as well as tiny “feet charms” on a chain for every mile they walk.
• MAS Marathon.  In grades 3, 4, and 5 students are participating in an incremental mini- MAS marathon.  They have a fitness log that they fill in each day using the Walking Club miles or walking at home with their parents. Their goal is to complete 26.2 miles by the end of May.  At the end of the month we will have a “last mile run” at school with all three grades together.
• Revised Lunch Menu.  During the week of May 14, we have revised our lunch menu to only offer the healthiest of food choices, including whole wheat pizza and healthy snacks.
• Annual Health Fair.  Our fifth health fair will take place on May 18.  Our 612 students in grades K through 5 will move from classroom to classroom throughout the day to hear thirty-minute presentations on various matters affecting health.  The students will learn from physicians, nurses, yoga instructors, nutritionists, fitness specialists, a dentist, and other professionals on topics ranging from personal hygiene to bicycle safety to first aid to smart eating choices. 
• PTA Meeting.  On May 22 at 7:30 pm the final PTA meeting will highlight the District Wellness Policy and feature a video presentation entitled Impact of Fresh, Healthy Foods on Learning and Behavior.
• Parent Wellness Night.  A Parent Wellness Night on May 29 at 7:00 pm will engage parents in a workshop about how to make healthy lifestyle choices for the family.  It will include recipes and menu development for meals and healthy snack choices for children.  The workshop will also focus on the importance of being role models for their children by participating themselves in some kind of daily fitness and by encouraging children to exercise at least 60 minutes daily.   We will also share information about recreational activities offered in White Plains.  All those who attend will receive one free week pass to the New York Sports Club, coupons to health stores, and bags of healthy snacks.
• Musical Program.  May will end with a musical program on May 31, called, “A Better Me, A Better You” performed by ten of our classes.

Other Wellness initiatives at MAS during the course of the year include:

• A once-a-month health and fitness program.
• Staff workshop on incorporating health and fitness into the curriculum. 
• “Wellness Wednesdays” with a Salad Bar featured in the cafeteria and a health-related “question of the day.”