Nova Elementary School Wins National Healthy Schools Silver Award

The healthy choice is becoming the easy choice at Nova Elementary School, where students and staff are learning the importance of physical activity and healthy eating. Every morning, the school offers fresh, whole fruit to help students fuel up for a full day of learning. Students are encouraged to taste new healthy meal options during lunch in the cafeteria, and staff are introduced to nutritious recipes during monthly healthy luncheons for the whole faculty. The food service staff visit students in their classrooms to discuss their role in creating a healthy cafeteria, allowing students to ask questions and gain insight into the importance of nutritious school meals. The school is also working to ensure that all foods sold outside of the school meals program align with the USDA’s Smart Snacks in School standards. Physical activity is also a top priority at Nova Elementary School; teachers use GoNoodle’s online activities to incorporate movement breaks into their lesson plans. Staff participate in a school fitness challenge, and students attend a popular afterschool Zumba activity. “Both our students and staff are aware of the goals and importance of being active and healthy,” said Aimee Evans, school counselor. She continued, “One of the best results has been the cooperative relationship between students and their teachers. Many parents have also noticed their student’s knowledge and awareness of good health and its effect on their bodies and brains.”