FEBRUARY HEALTH CHAMPION
By Peggy Linton, Community Development
Director
Community Foundation of Northwest
Mississippi
The newly announced
Administrator of the Year, Dr. Janice
Barton, principal of Oak Grove Central
Elementary School, also became the
Health Champion for February as
recognized by the DeSoto County
Community Health Council. This Council
(monthly) recognizes one individual,
group, business or organization that has
made a difference in the area of
nutrition and/or physical fitness.
“The Community Health Council proudly
recognizes Dr Barton for her efforts
and, moreover, for her leadership
example to the children at Oak Grove
Elementary. She truly is a Health
Champion!”, stated
Mellany Evans, Chair of the Community
Health Council.
Why is
Dr. Barton being recognized? The list
is long in the ways she is providing
leadership and promoting healthy
lifestyles for her students and staff.
Grant funds have provided convotherm
ovens for the cafeteria to eliminate
fried foods, and fast-foods can not be
brought into the lunchroom. Teachers
and staff promote healthy snacks with
concessions only selling healthy snacks
and water; in fact, water bottles can be
taken into the classroom. Students are
encouraged to bring fruit, veggies and
fruit juices for snacks from home.
Classroom parties are still held but
only with healthy foods served.
Oak
Grove received a Project Fit America
grant through Blue Cross & Blue Shield
of Mississippi Foundation providing
equipment and curriculum. Students
receive 25 minutes per day on Project
Fit (weather permitting) in addition to
55 minutes of physical education each
week. Students’ progress on Project Fit
is recorded on the Wall of Fame in the
school hallway. The PTO built a walking
trail around the outdoor gym and
students challenge Dr. Barton in the
Mileage Club. Power Walks are also a
daily routine for Dr. Barton and her
students
Dr.
Barton led the way as a School Health
Council was established along with a
School Wellness Policy. The Council
meets a minimum of four times per year
and is representative of the community.
“The
Oak Grove Central Elementary School
students and staff are to be commended
for their commitment towards school
health. Dr. Barton is providing the
leadership to ensure that the students
at Oak Grove Central Elementary School
are Fit, Healthy, and Ready to learn”,
Regina Ginn, Special Assistant to the
Deputy Superintendent, Office of Healthy
Schools, Department of Education
Grant
funds (The Bower Foundation) allowed the
school to establish a fitness room for
the faculty and staff. After school
aerobic class are offered. A Homer
Skelton Charitable Foundation grant has
provided outdoor classroom stations
providing movement for the students.
Entergy and other grantors have
provided funds for an outdoor garden and
a can recycling program. Good
stewardship and healthy lifestyles go
hand-in-hand.
A
partnership with the Hernando Parks and
Recreation Department has brought
basketball and soccer programs to the
students from grades three through
eight. Basketball camps and leagues are
held at the school. Oak Gove Central is
not only serving the academic needs of
the community, but is also providing
leadership skills and healthy choices.
. “It
is our goal at Oak Grove to educate the
"whole child"...that includes physical
fitness and nutrition education. I am
honored to accept this award in behalf
of Oak Grove Central Elementary staff
and students...home of the champions!”,
said Dr. Janice Barton, principal.
The
DeSoto County Community Health Council
is a component of
GET
A LIFE!,
a
health initiative of the Community
Foundation of Northwest Mississippi.
Submit your nomination for a Monthly
Health Champion to Peggy Linton at
plinton@cfnm.org or fax to
662.449.5006. State the nominee’s name,
contact information, and what the
nominee has accomplished in the area of
physical fitness and/or nutrition. To
learn more about
GET
A LIFE!
call
662.298.0027.
The students applaud
their Principal, Dr. Janice Barton, for
her efforts in making a difference!
