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5210 Goes to School
September 2009 Featured School
Small School, South Portland , Maine
Fourth Graders at Small School display their completed walking cards and cool necklaces with earned walking charms. L to R: Maeve Kelley, Kaya Backman, Mrs. Hicks, Delphi Bourassa, Erica Glidden, Sophie Chase, Alivia Sobey
Small School in South Portland has made some significant policy changes that will support and enhance the health of its students. Principal Bonnie Hicks and PE teacher Phil Conley began the Let's Go! 5210 Goes to School program in 2008. Together, with the help of the newly formed 5210 team, it was decided that creating a Small School Wellness Policy was the way to make the 5210 message an integral and sustainable part of the school.
Student celebrations and rewards can be a large part of the school day. If most of these rewards and celebrations are made up of candy, cookies and cupcakes, the calories from high fat, sugary foods can really add up! Principal Hicks and her staff felt ready to tackle this issue. Now, written as part of their school policy, student birthdays at Small School will be recognized with non-food celebrations. Instead, the birthday child may be recognized by wearing a special birthday sash or by being the class leader or by getting to take a special walk around the school with the principal! Additionally, students will no longer be given lollipops or other food treats as a reward. Other rewards, such as extra recess or gym time, will be encouraged.
5210 is also reinforced through the initiative and hard work of a handful of third graders at Small School. After hearing about fun walking programs at other 5210 schools in South Portland, these young leaders set up a walking program for all students grades K-5 late last spring. In a few short months, students and staff logged in more than 870 miles! As fourth graders, these girls remain committed to healthy habits at Small by giving up their own play and eating time to supervise the rest of the students wishing to log in walking/running miles during recess three days a week. Small School is a wonderful example of a school taking action and ensuring a healthy learning environment!