Center Joint Unified School District is committed to the success and well-being of all youth in the school community. This was very apparent at Spinelli Elementary School on December 11, 2009, when students enthusiastically responded to the “Best Me” theatre production sponsored by Kaiser Permanente’s Community Benefit organization. This lively musical production engaged students in learning about and making a commitment to healthy nutrition and exercise. Students learned ways to be physically active at least 60 minutes every day, and to eat four to five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. They also learned about the importance of staying away from high fat, high sugar foods that lead to obesity and disease.
Spinelli School has consistently been a leader in promoting the health of their students. All district schools participate in an exercise and nutrition education program funded through a grant from Kaiser. Students are encouraged to run-walk during scheduled times during the week and are given awards for mileage benchmarks. Nutrition and walking clubs are held once a week after school and Power Play nutrition lessons are taught by AmeriCorps members in the 5th grade classes of all teachers who elect to participate. In spite of being the smallest school in the district, Spinelli School students have run-walked more miles than any of the other elementary schools for the past four years, and 100% of their fifth grade classes have participated in the Power Play lessons. Natalie Willock coordinates the program at Spinelli and, because so many students at Spinelli want to stay after school for the walking club, she volunteers to have the club two days per week in order to accommodate more students. Thanks to the continued support of strong families, community partners, and dedicated school staff, our children will continue to thrive.