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Anne Frank Elementary receives national healthy school award

Earlier this month, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation recognized the school’s efforts with a National Healthy Schools Bronze Award.

When Principal Mickey Komins says Anne Frank Elementary School is a "healthy school," he really means it. Several years ago, Komins and his staff began placing an emphasis on teaching its students lifelong healthy habits.

Earlier this month, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation recognized the school's efforts with a National Healthy Schools Bronze Award. The Alliance, a childhood health organization founded by American Heart Association and the Clinton Foundation, awarded schools that met its Healthy Schools Program's standards for healthy school food, physical activity, employee wellness, and wellness policies.

With about 1,200 students, Anne Frank is the highest ranked elementary school in the Philadelphia School District, according to the district's 2013-14 School Progress Report (the most recent available). The report evaluates, scores, and ranked 291 district and charter schools based on standardized test scores, student progress, and school climate. The school received a score of 100 percent for school climate.

Here's a sample of what Anne Frank has been doing: There's a before school walking club in the schoolyard and after school yoga and kickboxing classes for parents, students, and teachers. The school put in place a no cupcake rule for celebrating birthdays, encouraging parents to send in healthier treats. Teachers keep kids active in the classroom with a program called Activity Works.

Recently, I spoke with Komins about why it's important to make the school a healthier place for students and staff. Here are some excerpts from our conversation:

How did the school get on board?

The Alliance came to one of our leadership meetings. They showed us data where students were performing better because they were eating better in school and they laid out the framework to show how we could do this. Someone showed us what we were missing.  We've been involved since the 2010-11 school year. This is third bronze award that we've received since we can apply every other year.

What are some of the changes that have taken place?

One of the first things was student exercise. We have a push for "10 a day" this year – 10 minutes more a day. All of our classes has physical education once a week, and we've incorporated Activity Work, an exercise program in the classroom. It gives a student a break during the day. It gets them up and moving. The more they exercise, the more it will stimulate their brains. It reenergizes and gets them back into learning.

We've incorporated after school activities like yoga and kick boxing. We have a walking club. We started a 5K color run last year. We're also going to do something in the winter called the Anne Frank Warrior Challenge. It will be similar to American Ninja Warrior.

Another component is staff and parent awareness. There's a program to help them eat healthier. The EAT. RIGHT.NOW program teaches students, teachers, staff, administrators and caregivers about health. We do taste tasting items for the kids like smoothies. On back-to-school night, we'll hand out recipe cards. We'll send messages home to parents such as, try a fruit salad to celebrate a birthday.

Why the no cupcake rule for birthdays?

On a Friday before a holiday weekend, parents of students in one classroom sent five sets of cupcakes for birthdays that fell over the long weekend. I believe in everything in moderation, and these treats could really add up. We sent parents a list suggested foods or non-food items to celebrate a birthday.

The following year, we began the no cupcake rule. Most parents were supportive of our efforts and some were upset. I was prepared for the cupcake fight and we never got one. About four or five years ago, all the articles you saw were parents were fighting against it. Now we're seeing a positive effect. This identity we have is good for our students.

On Halloween it was a child's birthday, and the first grader brought in broccoli slaw. Some of the students had never had it before. While not everyone liked it, it's good to expose them to these things.

What other changes have you seen?

In 2010 and 2011, 28 percent was our average body mass index, we've reduced our number each year by 1 or 2 points. Recent years had us at 23 percent and 25 percent. All studies show that the more they move, the better they learn.

Anything else to add about the school's efforts?

We're a healthy school and we're the best school in Philadelphia. I believe every school should believe their school is their best. My message is if we can do something successful for the betterment of children, I want more schools in Philadelphia to get involved.

Learn more about Anne Frank Elementary School's participation in the Alliance's Healthy Schools Program here.

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