JW Webb Elementary School Wins National Healthy Schools Silver Award

Webb Elementary School has introduced a number of new and exciting ways for students and staff to get moving at school. Once a month, the gymnasium opens up for students to play freely with their peers and participate in fitness activities; students can also head out to the blacktop for basketball, four-square, and soccer during this time. Many students have also joined the school’s basketball and volleyball teams. Teachers are also finding ways to increase their activity during school. Many participated in a 3-month fitness competition and took part in free workouts four days a week in the school gym. Healthy eating has also become a priority at Webb Elementary. The school garden provides students with a chance to learn the value of fresh produce, and students can try new fruits and vegetables on “Taste It Tuesday.” To reduce the availability of unhealthy food options, the school eliminated vending machines and unhealthy after-school snacks and has aligned its cafeteria offerings with federal nutrition standards. These changes culminated in the school’s first annual health and fitness night, where outside vendors presented healthy recipes and shared fun summer fitness ideas with the students. “I am so proud of everything Webb has accomplished this year,” said Lisa Collins, school nurse. She added, “The Healthy Schools Program guidelines helped me realize how much Webb was already doing. I also loved hearing stories about other schools and events and activities that they were doing to promote physical activities.”