Healthy Kids Program Proposal

7/30/2019 Healthy Kids Program Proposal

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Page 1Table of Contents

Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................... 1

Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................... 2

Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 3

Statement of Need ......................................................................................................................... 4

Program Narrative ........................................................................................................................ 9

Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 9

Current Efforts ........................................................................................................................... 11

Goals..........................................................................................................................................12

Feasibility/Resources ................................................................................................................ 15

Need .......................................................................................................................................... 17

Evaluation and Assessment ....................................................................................................... 18

Sustainability ............................................................................................................................. 19

Benefits ...................................................................................................................................... 20

Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 20

Works Cited ................................................................................................................................. 23

Appendices ................................................................................................................................... 25

Primary Investigator Bio ........................................................................................................... 25

Budget Spreadsheet ................................................................................................................... 26

Timeline of Program Events ..................................................................................................... 27

Info on Sponsor ......................................................................................................................... 29


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Page 2Executive Summary

Childhood obesity is a national epidemic. The scary reality is that these children arelikely to carry their obesity problems into adulthood. Recent statistics show that At least 20million children under the age of5, more than 9 million children and adolescents (ages 6-19), and about 142 million adults (age 20 and older) are considered obese (Heart Disease,2008). This is not a problem to be taken lightly, because about 400,000 deaths areattributed to inactivity and poor diet every year (Mokdad, Marks, Stroup, & Gerberding,2004). No one is immune to this problem, and while it has not traditionally been the role ofthe public school system to address the weight of its students, the current situation nowrequires it. Circumstances are much different than years prior, and it is being reflected in

the latest statistics.

There are many reasons behind increased rates of childhood obesity, however,instead of addressing the problem after it begins, it is time for a new approach. We need toeducate children early in life about leading an active, healthy lifestyle. A myriad of factors

have contributed to poor diets and sedentary lifestyles. Cut-backs on physical education,technology, and poverty are just a few. But compared to 1980, obesity rates in childrenhave risen from 5% to 12% in children ages 2-5 and from 6% to 17% in children ages 12-19(Obesity Prevalence, 2006). If one goes back even farther, into the 1960s obesity rateswere below 5% for all children ages 2-18 (Prevalence Of, 2006). However, this national

problem is just as easily seen on the local level in towns all across the United States.

The Neshaminy School District has done a fair job of handling the increasing ratesof obesity in children. In 2004, the district won a grant of $241,390 in an effort tospecifically target childhood obesity by expanding its physical education program. Then in2006, the district teamed up with local hospital, St. Marys Medical Center to create a

program called KidShape. This program saw great success, but as enthusiasm waned, it lostmomentum. In addition to these major steps, there have been some more subtle steps aswell. All in all, it is time to be more aggressive and put into place a more strategic and

dedicated program to really combat this problem.

In order to help Neshaminy School District with the childhood obesity problem,HealthyKids is a program that has been designed to target two of the most common causes;lack of physical activity and poor diet. It is designed to deal with obesity in a preventative,educational, and practical manner through four different approaches. First is a BMIscreening for every student from kindergarten until they reach 12 th grade. Second, is aninitiative to provide healthier food for students in the cafeteria, vending machines, etc.Standards will be put into place to ensure quality food is offered. Third, physical education

will be implemented daily for all students. Fourth, nutrition will be inserted into thecurriculum of health education, so students can be educated early about healthy eatinghabits. It is the hope of HealthyKids that the district takes this proposal into considerationbefore this obesity epidemic gets any more serious for our children. This comprehensiveapproach has been designed specifically for students K-12 and if executed correctly, should

see a high rate of success.


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Page 3 Executive Summary

Introduction

The obesity epidemic affects all Americans, but the most devastating it when it strikes

children. Since the 1960s, obesity rates have steadily increased in the U.S. and dont seem

to be declining anytime soon. While it has not traditionally been the role of the public

school system to address the weight of students, the situation has become dire enough to

require the assistance and support from schools. HealthyKids is a program that will allow a

school district to follow four main strategies to help its students to thrive and lead healthy

lives. While there is no miracle method that will keep all children from becoming obese,

there are proven tactics that will benefit children enormously. While there are no statistics

specifically regarding Neshaminy students and obesity rates, about 20% of children in

southeastern Pennsylvania alone are considered to be obese. This number is much too high,

which is why this proposal aims to cut this rate within the schools of the Neshaminy School

District. It is time for Neshaminy School District to take more aggressive actions to help

curb obesity within its schools. But what can schools do to help children from suffering

from obesity and its effects? It is important to realize that the practices that children learn

early on they are most likely to bring with them into adulthood. Children spend so much

time in school, which gives schools a unique opportunity in which to mold the habits of

children in a positive way. By tracking childrens weight through Body Mass Index (BMI)

Screenings, implementing physical education daily, adding nutrition education to health

classes, and providing healthy food choices in school, students will learn what it means to

be healthy early in their lives. This gives them the knowledge to lead healthy lives in the

future.


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Page 4Statement of Need

Statement of Need

While childhood obesity is a global problem, it can easily be identified on the local

level as well. Three major factors contribute to obesity and they include physical activity,

dietary habits, and socio-economic status. Childhood obesity affects kids in all grades; K-

12. Many people view obesity and other weight issues as a personal one; however, schools

play a major role in influencing the behaviors and lifestyle choices of children. Kids spend

about 8 hours a day and 5 days a week in school from about ages 5-18. Thus, schools have

more than sufficient time to shape children into leading healthy lifestyles.

Lower Bucks County, a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is just one of many

examples of the obesity problem in the United States. The most recent U.S. Census from

2008 estimates the population of the area to be about 620,000, with about 23% of that

population being under the age of 18. It is a predominantly white area (91.8%), with

African-Americans as the largest minority (3.7%). The percentage of high school graduates

is fairly high, at a little over 81%. It is a largely

middle to upper-class county, with only 5% of the

population falling under the poverty level and a

median income level of about $70,000 (U.S. Census,

2008). The major public school for the Lower-

Bucks area is the Neshaminy School District. It

covers 27.6 square miles that consists of 14 schools and approximately 9,200 students

(Neshaminy, 2008). These demographic characteristics rule out low socio-economic status


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Page 5 Statement of Need

as a major problem in the Neshaminy district, as most of the population are above the

poverty level. This leaves physical activity and dietary practices as the main culprits in this

particular county. But in order to address a problem, one must first understand the root of

the problem, and often times with obesity it involves public awareness.

When lined up against surrounding counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Bucks County is

doing comparatively well. The chart below shows Bucks in comparison to other counties

and it is clearly lower than the rest, however, 19.5% of children being classified as obese is

still much too high.

Similarly, the goals set by Healthy People 2010 have still

not been met. As shown in the chart below from the Public Health

Management Corporation, the goal for childhood obesity was to

reach a 5% obesity rate, yet as of 2008 childhood obesity was still

Source: (Kotranski & Axler, 2006)

The goals set

by Healthy

People 2010

have still not

been met.


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at 19.2%. One good sign is that obesity rates are slowly coming down, but as stated before,

almost 20% of children classified as obese is still much too high.

Neshaminy has recognized obesity as a problem and taken steps to address it. In

2004, the district won a grant of $241,390 in an effort to specifically target childhood

obesity by expanding its physical education program. Charles Schmidt, the lead teacher for

health and physical education at Neshaminy, worked closely with local hospital, St. Marys

Medical Centers Terry Rivera, the hospital's community health

services department. Together, they outlined the Active, Healthy

Kids Program in an effort to teach kids about an active lifestyle and

healthy eating habits. While they did not have specific statistics on

Source: (Community Health, 2008)


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the percentage of obese children in the Neshaminy district, Schmidt estimated about 15-

20% of Neshaminy students are obese (Jenkins, 2004).

In 2006, St. Mary Medical Center launched a program called KidShape, which is an

8-week long program for children ages 6-14 whose Body Mass Index (BMI) have reached a

dangerously high level. It educates them about the health consequences of obesity and

provides facts about healthy eating through interactive workshops. The program saw the

following results (Taking Care, 2006):

Nearly 80 Neshaminy students and their families graduated from KidShape.

BMI of participating students decreased by 0.4 of a point.

Students vegetable consumption increased by 2.1 servings per week, their

weekly fruit consumption increased by four servings per week, and their added

fat and sweet consumption decreased by 5.3 servings per week.

Students spent 3.6 hours more each week being physically active, while their

time spent on inactive pastimessuch as watching television, using the

computer, or playing video gamesdecreased by 7.1 hours.

In addition to these programs, Neshaminy schools have made minor, more subtle

changes. For example, all of the vending machines selling snacks and soft drinks have been

eliminated in an effort to promote healthier eating. Karen Wychok, principal of Neshaminy

Middle School has implemented things such as a 1-mile walk around the school during fire

drills and a mountain bike riding option in gym class for children who may not enjoy


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traditional sports (The Challenge, 2008). While these small techniques will not solve the

problem, they do promote healthier lifestyles while children are at school.

Over the years, Neshaminy has tried several programs and initiatives to deal with

childhood obesity. While they have been mildly successful, further programs need to be

implemented to more aggressively attend to the obesity problems of its students. According

to the Neshaminy website, elementary school students receive only one physical education

class per week, middle school students have class two or three times a week, and high

school students have class twice a week (Neshaminy, 2008). Furthermore, a look at their

Board Minutes from the past 3 years yields no evidence of discussion about the obesity

problem in the District. With major renovations taking place at Neshaminy High School for

these past 3 years, it seems that the vigor in which administration was addressing obesity in

previous years has fallen to the wayside in favor of funding and managing the renovations.

Neshaminy should be looking into some policy changes as other schools have done in order

to raise awareness of obesity and motivate parents and

children to do something about it.

The programs that have been run so far have

provided a good springboard for Neshaminy to build off

of, but the problem of childhood obesity is a major

problem that deserves more aggressive tactics.

Recently, Massachusetts decided to adopt a plan like that of

Arkansas. It consists of a BMI (Body Mass Index) screening

Childhood obesity is a major prob-

lem that deserves more aggressive

tactics.


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program for children to detect rates of obesity. It is the most ambitious campaign in the

country in taking on childhood obesity. April Rodgers, a mother of two young boys.

When I saw that my sons were considered obese, it was a shock, said Rodgers, who,

armed with the weight score sheet, returned to the pediatrician and got a referral to a child

weight specialist. Since enrolling at the specialty clinic, the boys have nudged closer to

normal weight (Smith, 2009). The screenings are held at intervals in the first, fourth,

seventh, and 10th grades, which allows parents to track their children and evaluate whether

they are on a healthy track. While these states follow this practice under government

mandated legislation, Neshaminy could simply use this procedure as a private method of

tracking obesity as part of its health evaluations.

School administrators should combine the efforts of the many individuals. By

maintaining the relationship with local hospital St. Marys Medical Center, and combining

that support with the roles of physical education teachers, health teachers, and school

nurses, a higher level of awareness could be achieved. Only then, when the district has

secured the motivation and sense of urgency from its students and parents, can they begin to

implement programs of physical education and dietary. Because at the moment, many

children do not understand the harm they are inflicting on their bodies, and until they do,

their ignorance will prevent them from taking any school-initiated programs seriously.

PROGRAM NARRATIVE

Introduction

To be planned in the summer of 2009 and implemented in September 2009 at the start of the


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Page 10Program Narrative

new school year. It will go into effect for all elementary schools, middle schools, and the

high school in the Neshaminy School District. This pilot program will be evaluated

throughout the school year culminating in a final evaluation upon the end of the school year

in June. Appropriate changes will be implemented during and after the year as deemed

necessary. Combined efforts of school administrators, faculty, parents, students, and

healthcare professionals will be critical for the success of this program.

Childhood obesity is a national epidemic that can be felt in counties all over the

United States, and Bucks County is no different. It is time that a tangible plan is put into

place with the specific purpose of keeping the roughly 9,000 students in the Neshaminy

School District at a healthy weight. It is time for the School Board to take into

consideration,HealthyKids, a multi-approach program that would address childhood obesity

in Neshaminy schools. Neshaminys mission statement reads, The Neshaminy community

empowers students to become productive citizens and lifelong learners. Neshaminy - We

build futures! (Neshaminy, 2009). Assuming that the district really is committed to these

goals, this program would

help in their efforts. In order

for children to grow and

become empowered and

productive, many basic needs

should first be met. In

Maslows famous Hierarchy


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Page 11 Program Narrative

of Needs, he illustrates the levels of needs that people must fulfill in order to develop, and

the very first set of needs that need to be met he defined as physiological. These needs

include sleep, food, and breathing to name a few. All in all, they include basic needs to

ensure health. These basic needs for survival must be met before we can begin to advance to

a high self-esteem, confidence, or self-actualization. So in essence, obesity can prohibit

children from experiencing the very ideals that Neshaminy strives to instill in its students.

Current Efforts

Neshaminy schools are doing a relatively good job with their programs directed at leading a

healthy lifestyle. In the district, elementary school students receive only one physical

education class per week, middle school students have class two or three times a week, and

high school students have class twice a week (Neshaminy, 2009). Gym classes are 50

minutes each, so children are receiving 50 minutes in elementary school, 100150 minutes

in middle school, and 100 minutes of physical education in high school per week.

However, the Center for Disease Control recommends at least60 minutes of physical

activity each day for children and adolescents (How much, 2009). Topics like diet and

nutrition are notcurrently in the curriculum for health classes at all from grades K-12.

Topics in elementary school include violence prevention, alcohol and drugs, and AIDS;

topics in middle school and high school include sexuality, alcohol and drugs, CPR and First

Aid, HIV, and conflict resolution. While these topics are important in and of themselves, it

is important that healthy eating practices and nutrition education be taught to children.

Additionally, health classes are only held during fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and tenth


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Page 12Program Narrative

grades all three times per week. Lastly, Neshaminy has already taken steps to improve its

food service. It has completely eliminated soft drinks from all schools. Vending machines

and cafeterias have replaced soft drinks with Gatorade and Snapple products. However, a

majority of the lunches and snacks offered are high-fat, with very few to no healthy options.

A glance at one week of lunch options in March 2009 includes stuffed crust pizza, tacos,

chicken nuggets, corn dogs, and mozzarella sticks. Marie Wallace, the Director of Food

Services says that a goal is to provide nutritious and appealing meals to

students (Neshaminy, 2009). With this goal in mind, it is time to revamp the lunches that

are served by Neshaminy schools. These three categories; physical education, health class,

and school lunches must be held to higher standards in order to really crack down on

childhood obesity.

Proposed Plan: HealthyKids

Goals

A combination of preventative, educational, and practical approaches have been constructed

to address obesity through four main objectives which include the following:

We want to obtain obesity rates for students in the Neshaminy School District

and track their Body Rate Index from kindergarten to 12th grade.

We want to increase awareness and knowledge of nutrition and healthy lifestyles

through education in health classes.

We want to back up the nutrition education by offering healthy food options for


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Page 13 Program Narrative: Proposed Plan

lunches and snacks in all schools.

We want to increase physical activity every day to provide students with the

CDC recommended hours of daily physical activity.

Objective 1

The first and most crucial element to the program is a Body Mass Index (BMI) screening at

the beginning of every school year starting when students enter kindergarten. This

preventative approach will be the job of school nurses to collect the height and weight of

each student enter it into a database in order to calculate their BMI. These screenings will

allow a monitoring of each students BMI in order to identify any problems early. Protocols

will be developed to ensure discretion, confidentiality, and comfort are put into practice

when dealing with this sensitive and often embarrassing issue. Additionally, letters will be

sent home to every parent, informing them of their childs height, weight, and calculated

BMI (see Appendix A). Within this letter will include a list of resources, including

recommended local health professional to contact if the childs BMI is deemed concerning.

It is not the role of schools to supply diagnostic services, it is simply to serve as a catalyst

for further assessment, not a diagnosis, nor a solution (Johnson, 2006).

Objective 2

As far as the educational aspect of the program, health classes will need to be much more

comprehensive by including nutrition and wellness education into the curriculum. By

eliminating portions of other subject areas already being discussed, such as alcohol and


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Page 14Program Narrative: Proposed Plan

drugs, it will allow for time to be spent on nutrition and healthy-living. Also, portions of

science curriculums in elementary, middle, and high school classes will be required to touch

on nutrition education. By learning about the guidelines established by U.S. Department of

Agriculture, students will be better prepared to make healthy choices when it comes to diet.

Objective 3

Going hand in hand with this curriculum addition will be a noticeable difference in the

cafeteria. Regulations and standards will be set to filter out foods with inappropriate levels

of fat, sugar, cholesterol, etc. These foods will be phased out and replaced with healthier

options, much in the way soft drinks were a few years ago. With only

healthy foods in front of them, the idea is that kids will develop a healthier

image of food and be more inclined to make good choices when outside of

the school setting.

Objective 4

The last segment of the HealthyKids program is a more intensive physical

education program. As previously noted, the CDC recommends at least 60

minutes per day (or 300 minutes per a 5-day school week) for children and

adolescents. While it is not wholly the responsibility of a childs school to fulfill its

physical activity requirements, Neshaminy Schools are, on average, only fulfilling 30% at

the moment. HealthyKids would like to see that percentage increase. In order to implement

These changes

would fulfill

94% of eachstudents

recommended

300 weekly

hours of

physical

activity.


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daily physical education classes, it is proposed that 5 minutes be taken from every class (8

classes in one day), making classes only 45 minutes instead of 50 minutes (see Appendix

B). This would create an additional 40 minutes in which physical education could be 5 days

a week, creating an additional 200 minutes of physical education per week. These changes

would fulfill 94% of each students' recommended 300 weekly hours of physical activity.

This 5-minute cut would not have to occur every day of the week, seeing as 1-3 physical

education days are already built into the school week. Thus, elementary schools would

have to cut classes 4 times a week, middle schools 2-3 times, and high school 3 times. On

days where physical education is already a part of the day, classes will maintain their 50

minutes. In reality, asking for 5 minutes from each class is not much to ask, especially

when the results will be beneficial. It has been proven that students do better academically

and behave better when they

Feasibility / Resources

The most exciting thing about HealthyKids is that it is very easy to implement, using

little to no extra resources. The BMI screening only requires a software package in order to

create a database. But no new personnel, no experience/training, nor any new equipment

will be necessary. The nurses at each individual school will continue to do what they have

been doing for years; recording the height and weight of the students with a traditional

scale. The only difference now is that they will enter these figures into a database that will

then calculate BMI. It is a quick, efficient, and organized method of tracking the BMI of all

Neshaminy students.


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As far as the additional material regarding diet and nutrition in health and science

classes, a meeting of all the health instructors will be necessary. Together, they will put

together a standard curriculum to ensure consistency, which will be taught in all schools.

Using the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a guide and a valuable resource, material will

be very easy to create. With the exception of time, no new resources, personnel, or

equipment will be necessary. Changing the dietary options in the cafeteria will be relatively

easy. Food services staff will have to organize a focus group to set standards for calories,

fat, and sugars in the food they serve. They will have to eliminate foods that exceed these

regulations and replace them with foods that meet them. School lunches may have to see a

price increase because healthy foods tend to be more expensive then junk food, but since the

district will be purchasing from suppliers in bulk, the prices should not go up too much.

The most controversial element of HealthyKids is the implementation of daily physical

education classes. It is indeed the most intricate part, yet completely possible. This portion

will require creativity, sacrifice, and ingenuity. Using

student teachers from local colleges and universities,

which there are many of, could alleviate salary additions

to the budget and still create new teacher positions.

Where will these gym classes take place? When the

weather is pleasant, many classes may be held outside.

When conditions arent as favorable, classes can be held

in the gymnasiums, pools, cafeterias, and auditoriums. Daily physical education classes

will ensure physical activity

every day for all students.


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Physical education does not have to consist of intricately planned activities everyday; the

main focus is to get kids physically active every day and learning to incorporate activity into

their lives every day, not just once or twice a week. Focus groups should be held at each

school to brainstorm and identify the best plan of action for each school depending on their

given resources.

Need

HealthyKids is greatly needed in the Neshaminy School District because at the moment

there is very little knowledge about the students and how much obesity is affecting them.

There are very few statistics regarding obesity rates in this district. This program is a

unique approach because it combines various initiatives that have been put into place all

across the United States. With obesity being such a complex problem, it requires a multi-

faceted approach. In a school setting, childhood obesity should be a top priority because it

can have an effect on academic performance. Children who are obese or overweight often

have a low self-esteem stemming from a low body image. Children who dont have enough

physical activity and eat poorly are often sluggish and unmotivated, which can be reflected

in their work. Schools can only see the benefits of a comprehensive program such as

HealthyKids. So it is important that this program be adopted and put into place in order to

begin to address childhood obesity as soon as possible. With an estimated 15-20% student

obesity rate, it is a problem that must be taken on before it gets any worse. There are many

problems that people do not have control over, but childhood obesity is not one of them.


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We can prevent Neshaminy students from dealing with obesity by offering them this

strategic program designed to attack all of the vulnerabilities that obesity feeds off of.

Evaluation & Assessment

Several methods need to be put into place in order to evaluate the success of this program in

both a formative and summative fashion. The first year of implementation will inevitably

have kinks that need to be worked out as the program progresses. Thus, each of the

program elements will be evaluated as follows:

1. BMI screening

Pre and post tests will be used to determine BMI at the start of each year

and evaluate differences.

2. Healthier lunches

Focus groups to decide on what standards should be adopted and which

foods to include.

Observation will take place to evaluate how popular the lunches were and

how satisfied students are with them.

3. Daily physical education

Surveys

One survey before, during, and after the program will be used to


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evaluate the popularity of physical education every day and also

its effectiveness.

4. Nutrition classes in curriculum

Pre and post tests will be used to evaluate how much kids learned over the

course of the class.

After all the data has been collected, the members of the focus groups will compile reports

to organize the data. This will take place during the school year and again upon completion

of the school year in June. BMI screenings will be easy because the computer database will

organize all of the data. Nutrition tests will also be easy because they will simply be

scantron tests which are practically self-graded. The surveys for attitudes surrounding

physical education and the observation about popularity of the new lunches will be a bit

more time consuming, but by utilizing online survey sites, the data will already be

somewhat organized.

Sustainability

HealthyKids is a highly sustainable program that requires very little effort to maintain.

Highly computerized, much of the work does itself. However, someone will need to be put

in charge of the initiative overall in order to maintain consistency and organization. Then

someone will be in charge of each of the subcategories to manage them directly (BMI

screenings, lunches, nutrition education, and physical education). In addition to managing

the actual program, a focus group of parents should be formed in order for them to voice


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Page 21 Conclusion

practical approaches are utilized to counteract the current ignorance and lack of opportunity

that our children are being served.

The two biggest demerits of this program are time and money. This being said, any

quality proposal is going to require an extensive amount of time to plan and implement.

Furthermore, HealthyKids is a quality program that will require the expertise and time of

numerous individuals. This will prove to be relatively costly. While the price may seem

high, at an estimated $16,8841.00, this is mainly for its implementation. After the program

is set up and put in place, it will pay for itself in the following years. All of the costs reflect

start-up costs with little ongoing costs in years to come. Thus, HealthyKids is a long-term

solution to addressing childhood obesity that would benefit Neshaminy students for many

years in the future. It is a wise investment that may seem steep at the start, but will prove its

worth over time. That is why we strongly believe that the advantages gained would offset

this cost.

One Neshaminy administration and faculty are trained and primed for HealthyKids,

our consultants will no longer be a necessary element. We will always be available for

assistance or consults, but as far as the everyday functions of the program, Neshaminy will

be self-sufficient. It is a proven fact that healthy, active children are more focused,

confident, and happy on the whole. Therefore, healthy Neshaminy students will exhibit a

direct correlation to higher test scores, which will result in more government funding and

more success in securing grants for the district.

Thank you for giving HealthyKids the opportunity to collaborate with you in an


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Page 22Conclusion

effort to help our children. We look forward to the chance to meet and discuss how this

program could benefit you in more detail. It is our hope that you will take this proposal into

strong consideration and we can meet on June 29, 2009 to begin the implementation

process. Childhood obesity is a devastating epidemic, but this program can help to alleviate

the concern and take positive steps in curbing the problem.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions, comments, or suggestions you may

have. Call our project manager, Christie Manzo at (215) 964-7599 or e-mail her at

[email protected] for further assistance. We are dedicated to providing the utmost quality

in our service and hope to work with you in the future!


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Page 23 Appendix: Works Cited

Works Cited

1. Community Health Data Base (2008). Retrieved March 26, 2009, from http://

www.phmc.org/chdb/uploads/datareports/2008%20Slides%20v3%20-%

20For%20Distribution.pdf

2.How Much Physical Activity do Children Need? (2009). Retrieved April 1, 2009, from

http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/children.html

3. Jenkins, N. L. (2004). Grant helps Neshaminy School District fight student obesity. Bucks

County Courier Times. Retrieved March 20, 2009, from http://www.mail-

archive.com/[email protected]/msg00796.html

4. Johnson, A. (2006). School-based BMI Screening to Prevent Childhood Obesity.

Retrieved April 7, 2009, http://www.shapeup.org/about/arch_news/

nl0207.html

5. Kotranski, L., & Axler, F. (2006, November 8). Obesity Among Adolescents: What Do

We Know and Where Do We Go?. Retrieved March 26, 2009, from http://

www.phmc.org/chdb/uploads/datareports/APHAPHMCobesity.pdf

6.Letters to Parents Regarding Screening (n.d.). Retrieved April 7, 2009, http://doh.sd.gov/

SchoolWeight/Screeningletter.pdf

7.Neshaminy School District(2009). Retrieved April 7, 2009, http://

www.neshaminy.k12.pa.us/neshaminy/site/default.asp

8. Smith, S. (2009). Taking the measure of youth obesity; Mass. follows Ark. screening

program. Boston Globe, p. B1. Retrieved March 20, 2009, from http://

ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/login?url=http://

proquest.umi.com.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/pqdwe (1661340411).
http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/children.htmlhttp://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/msg00796.htmlhttp://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/msg00796.htmlhttp://www.shapeup.org/about/arch_news/nl0207.htmlhttp://www.shapeup.org/about/arch_news/nl0207.htmlhttp://www.phmc.org/chdb/uploads/datareports/APHAPHMCobesity.pdfhttp://www.phmc.org/chdb/uploads/datareports/APHAPHMCobesity.pdfhttp://doh.sd.gov/SchoolWeight/Screeningletter.pdfhttp://doh.sd.gov/SchoolWeight/Screeningletter.pdfhttp://www.neshaminy.k12.pa.us/neshaminy/site/default.asphttp://www.neshaminy.k12.pa.us/neshaminy/site/default.asphttp://www.neshaminy.k12.pa.us/neshaminy/site/default.asphttp://www.neshaminy.k12.pa.us/neshaminy/site/default.asphttp://doh.sd.gov/SchoolWeight/Screeningletter.pdfhttp://doh.sd.gov/SchoolWeight/Screeningletter.pdfhttp://www.phmc.org/chdb/uploads/datareports/APHAPHMCobesity.pdfhttp://www.phmc.org/chdb/uploads/datareports/APHAPHMCobesity.pdfhttp://www.shapeup.org/about/arch_news/nl0207.htmlhttp://www.shapeup.org/about/arch_news/nl0207.htmlhttp://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/msg00796.htmlhttp://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/msg00796.htmlhttp://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/children.html


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Page 24Appendix: Works Cited

9. Taking Care, Giving Back (2006). Retrieved March 20, 2009, from http://

www.stmaryhealthcare.org/documents/

Public/2006CommunityHealthAnnualReport.pdf

10. The Challenge of Childhood Obesity (2008). Retrieved March 20, 2009, from http://

www.rwjf.org/files/research/20080601healthyschoolsneshaminy.pdf

11. U.S. Census Quickfacts (2008). Retrieved March 25, 2009, from http://quickfacts.census.gov/

qfd/states/42/42017.html
http://www.rwjf.org/files/research/20080601healthyschoolsneshaminy.pdfhttp://www.rwjf.org/files/research/20080601healthyschoolsneshaminy.pdfhttp://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/42/42017.htmlhttp://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/42/42017.htmlhttp://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/42/42017.htmlhttp://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/42/42017.htmlhttp://www.rwjf.org/files/research/20080601healthyschoolsneshaminy.pdfhttp://www.rwjf.org/files/research/20080601healthyschoolsneshaminy.pdf


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Page 25 Appendix: Primary Investigator Bio

Primary Investigator Bio

My name is Christie Manzo and I am a junior The Pennsylvania State University

(University Park). As a Commercial Recreation Management major and a summer camp

counselor, this topic is particularly interesting to me. I can personally see the decline in

physical activity within todays youth compared to even my generation. Many children

would much rather be inside lying on the couch than running around outside with their

peers. This has translated into a obesity epidemic among children and with it, the

subsequent health problems. Being a Neshaminy alumnus myself, the school district has a

special place in my heart, so the fact that a little less than 20% of the students are obese is

very disturbing to me. I have done much research on the topic and am well learned on the

programs that have been launched all across the United States, so I am familiar with what

has and has not been successful. It is my belief that a program that addresses the main

factors of obesity could be effective and very successful given an adequate amount of

support from administrators. By addressing obesity in a preventative, and educational, and

a practical method, childhood obesity could be contained. Upon completion of my

undergraduate degree, I hope to continue my efforts towards curbing the childhood obesity

epidemic by consulting with schools and community organizations.


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Page 26Appendix: Budget Spreadsheet

HEALTHYKIDS 2009-2010 BUDGETCost

Project Leaders' Salary & Benefits

Mark Schmidt, director of physical education department (20 percent time) 13400

Jan King, senior physical education teacher (10 percent time) 7000

Major Participants' Salaries & Benefits

3 Training Consultants for ongoing sessions (75 hours @ $25/hour) ~5625

14 School Nurses (10 percent time) 56000

Staff and Assistants4 Secretaries (10 percent time) 10000

Physical Education Teachers (10 percent time) ~55000

10 College Interns (unpaid, given college credit) 0

Materials

BMI Software Package 450

Nutrition Literature (books, videos) 6500

Promotional Materials (pamphlets, newsletters) 1000

Additional physical education materials (equipment) 2500

Travel Expenses (for travel among district schools)Local Mileage for Consultants: 300 mi/mo @ $0.17/mi x 12 mos. 612

Local Mileage for Project Leaders: 100 mi/mo @ $0.17/mi x 12 mos. 204

Communications & Dissemination

10,000 Parent Notification Letters (150 reams of copy paper @ $3 each + 5

ink refills @ $40 each) 650

Postage 600

Evaluation

2 Evaluation Consultants for 3 consultations (20 hours @ $50/hour) 6000

Survey Materials 300Testing Materials for Nutrition Tests (scantrons, paper) 2000

Indirect Costs 1000

TOTAL COSTS 168841


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Page 27 Appendix: Timeline of Events

06/29/2009 Introduction of Program to the Boardand Faculty Members

08/24/2009 Outline of Program for the 09/10 SchoolYear to Faculty

09/01/2009 Implementation of Program

12/14/2009 Forum for Mid-Year Evaluation of Pro-gram

06/28/2010 Forum for End-Year Evaluation of Pro-gram

07/05/2010

Committee Meeting to Devise NecessaryChanges

08/23/2010 Outline of Changes to Program

09/01/2010 Implementation of Revised Program

Timeline of Program Events


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Page 28Appendix: Sponsor Info

Sponsor Information: Neshaminy School District

COMPANY INFO: The Neshaminy School District covers 27.6 square miles in historicBucks County, PA (northeast of Philadelphia). Neshaminy is an Indian name, a reminder ofthe Lenape Indians who lived along the Neshaminy Creek. Primarily a residential district,Neshaminy has 14 schools servicing 9,200 students from the boroughs of Hulmeville,Langhorne, Langhorne Manor, and Penndel, and the townships of Lower Southampton and

Middletown.

MISSION STATEMENT: The Neshaminy community empowers students to become

productive citizens and lifelong learners. Neshaminy - We build futures!

VISION:The Eight to Remain Great

Student-Success Centered

The overarching understanding of the Neshaminy School District is that District success is

tied to student success. Each decision that the District makes should be benchmarked with

how it can contribute to student success.

1. Observe and take initiative

2. Understand what success is for students

3. Recognize and validate diversity and equity

4. Seek measurable outcomes and results

5. Believe that all can learn and be successful

Continuous Learning Organization

A continuous learning organization reflects on its practices to determine if what it is doingremains the best practice for success. Innovative and out-of-the-box thinking is

considered along with traditional thinking.

1. Embrace reflection (challenge assumptions)

2. Willing to share and listen actively

3. Maintain a safe environment to take risks and be creative


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Page 29 Appendix: Sponsor Info

4. Collaborative decision making

5. Be prepared

Informed Communication

Information is a source of power in any organization. The Neshaminy School District

recognizes that long term success is more likely when all are active participants. Accurate

and available information is necessary to empower all to strengthen the District.

1. Research based actions

2. Gather accurate and comprehensive information (understanding impact of laws,

regulations or policies)

3. Communicate to strengthen, empower, and foster respect and trust4. Utilize process driven methods

5. Share information continuously

Efficient ExcellenceSchool districts are challenged to appropriately balance the conflicting forces of

maximizing student achievement while minimizing the impact on taxes.

1. Plan thoroughly and clearly (including an understanding of sustainability)

2. Focus on excellence, then efficiency

3. Plan for respectful transitions when change is necessary

4. Understand the nature of costs and seek the best return on investment

5. Define priorities clearly

Committed and Engaged Staff

The Neshaminy School District is a service organization in which people play the most

important part for long term success. It is critical to hire the best people and to develop

their strengths . Staff members contribute by strengthening themselves and strengthening

the District.


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Page 30Appendix: Sponsor Info

1. Establish and maintain clear job expectations

2. Look for top talent and hire the best people

3. Seek out diversity

4. Engage proactively in the strengthening of the culture 5. Commit to strengthening

oneself, others, and the District

Support and Professional Development

In addition to individual staff members showing their commitment to the vision, the

Neshaminy School District needs to show their commitment to staff through investment andencouragement. By making available resources, robust training, and constant support, staff

will best be able to bring students to desired successes.

1. Establish clear goals for growth

2. Differentiate support

3. Provide clear and comprehensive communication

4. Strengthen the workforce

5. Focus on quality, not quantity

Community SupportThe Neshaminy School District is the largest part of the larger community. The SchoolDistrict contributes to the climate and value of the community, and the community

contributes to the success of the School District.1. Support financially and culturally

2. Encourage Board participation in the vision

3. Support students

4. Maintain and model high expectations

5. Actively listen and resolve issues through defined channels

Parental Support

Students are dramatically influenced by peers, culture, the Neshaminy School District, and

their families. A collaborative partnership between the District and the parents increases

the likelihood for students to make good decisions in an increasingly competitive and

challenging period of time.

1. Develop partnership in supporting students


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Page 31 Appendix: Sponsor Info

2. Maintain an active interest in students lives

3. Support the efforts of the District to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment

4. Maintain and model high expectations

5. Actively listen and resolve issues through defined channels

Healthy Kids Program Proposal

Documents

Transcript of Healthy Kids Program Proposal