JISD board approves out-of-state trip for band
Malone gives update for new wellness program in district
By GEORGIA PURDY Newsboy Correspondent

Jasper Independent School District Board of Trustees voted to allow the high school band to attend an out of state trip to Chicago at their regular meeting Monday night and heard a report from Food Service Director Kim Malone about the new wellness program.

Band members will attend a Broadway production, visit the Hancock Observatory and perform the Field Museum. The Band Booster Club will raise funds for the trip, which is scheduled for May 2-6, 2008.

Malone's report highlighted the wellness program, an initiative to promote better health and curb obesity through nutrition education and physical activity for both students and staff. It is implemented through physical education classes, classroom curriculum, activities, and the family.

Malone said that curriculum materials have been purchased to implement the Coordinated Approach To Child Health Program (CATCH) for grades K-5. Materials for grades six, seven and eight will be available in about a month.

CATCH is a coordinated school health program, which builds an alliance of parents, teachers, child nutrition personnel, school staff, and community partners to teach children and their families how to be healthy for a lifetime.

"We are really excited about this," Malone said. "The classroom curriculum will reinforce the overall program for a healthy lifestyle. In addition, we are now providing healthy alternatives at concession stands. We will also be involving staff in our Get Fit/Live Well program."

JISD staff will be provided opportunities to participate in walking and jogging on their lunch/conference time and Few Primary School will be open for walking after school. In addition, workshops in managing stress and how to balance work and school will be offered. Staff members may also receive help in setting up weight control and nutrition programs.

Non-invasive health screening for staff members will be made available through Health Screen Specialists.

School Nurse Jill Rose also announced that the district would also hold a Kids Health Fest Saturday, Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Few Primary School.

There will be activities, healthy snacks, entertainment, vision screening, and door prizes.