The Cairo-Durham District Wellness Committee is responsible for evaluating the implementation of the district's wellness policy. In addition, this committee will identify areas of concern while also providing solutions for any improvements deemed necessary.

Members of the Committee include: the Board of Education, administrators, teachers, parents, PTA, students, local businesses, community organizations, school food service staff, school nurse, and health teacher(s).

The committee will address many areas, some may include:

1. A commitment to nutrition and physical activity.
2. Quality school meals including nutritional guidelines
3. Other healthy food options (vending machines, school functions, birthday parties)
4. Tobacco School Policy and Implementation
5. Pleasant eating experiences
6. Nutrition education
7. Marketing
8. Health education and alignment to NYS standards
9. Staff Wellness
10. School parties and celebrations
11. Fundraisers

Last year, the committee completed the School Health Index, a tool used to evaluate the district policy and identify areas in need of improvement. The focus this year has been analyzing the results from the SHI, creating a needs assessment, and providing ideas to promote student and staff wellness and improve areas in need. The team has also worked diligently on reviewing and revising the district's tobacco policy in collaboration with the Tobacco Free Schools Initiative. There will be a kick off in September to roll out the new policy district-wide.

In addition, the Wellness Committee has promoted many events and initiatives including the After School Food Program at the middle and high schools, Eat Local Campaign, Wellness Week, Battle of the Bulge competition for staff, MDA Hop a Thon, Mammogram Van, Dental Van, Numerous Blood Drives and an evening Walking Club opened to the community during the winter. Here is some additional information on some of these events:

• The American Red Cross held two blood drives @ the Middle School this year. Students 16 years old and older participated along with staff members. November 16, 2009 & March 18th, 2010. On March 18, 2010 , they had 55 donors and 9 double red donors.
• The Second Annual Walking with our neighbors for our neighbors walk/run was a great success again this year. Saturday, May 15th 2010 about 30 staff and students from Cairo Durham participated in this Greene County fundraiser at Dutchman's Landing. Donations totalled $10,356 for the Greene County Cancer Fund. The purpose of this fund is to Provide Financial Assistance to Greene County Residents with No Health insurance and faced with hardships related to a cancer diagnosis. Mrs. Seymour helped organize a group walk which encouraged the staff and students to get involved. Mrs. Criswell and students made our banner. Mrs. Jason was in charge of handing out T-Shirts to all who participated at the walk/run event. It is amazing how much Greene County cares about their residents and community.
• All grades in the Cairo Elem. receive a staying healthy talk in the beginning of the year. Teaching importance of hand washing and healthy habits. All grades (including Pre K) had an assembly about poison control, poison safety. Third grade dental program has the hygenist talk to all of the third grades about oral hygiene.

The committee meets the first Tuesday of each month at the middle school at 3:30. All are welcome to attend. If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Palmer, assistant principal at Cairo Elementary at 622-3231.

Helpful websites for Educators, Parents and Students include:

Learn to be Healthy
www.learntobehealthy.org/

New York State Education Department: Child Nutrition Knowledge Center
http://portal.nysed.gov/portal/page/pref/CNKC

New York State Department of Health
www.nyhealth.gov

Action for Healthy Kids
www.actionforhealthykids.org/

Date updated: May 19, 2010