About Eat, Exercise, Excel!

Eat, Exercise, Excel! (EEE) was first implemented at Anthony Elementary in Leavenworth, Kansas. It is a multi-faceted elementary school wellness program that focuses on improving nutrition and increasing physical activity. Significant benefits of the program include improved academic achievement and reductions in both obesity and anti-social behaviors. The school day is restructured to accomodate increased physical activity and students eating lunch in their classrooms with their teachers each day. Physical activity is increased through longer, Structured Activity periods which are provided in place of traditional recess. These daily sessions are supervised by Structured Activity aides. Students also receive additional minutes of physical education each week.

EEE was launched in fall 2003 with a grant from the Sunflower Foundation of Kansas. Funds were awarded for the purpose of "Promoting Physical Activity and Healthy Eating to Reduce the Prevelance of Obesity in Kansas." The program has grown and developed into an award-winning nationally recognized elementary school wellness program that is positively impacting students not only in Kansas, but Oklahoma and California as well.

EEE was developed by Ms. Janine Kempker, Principal of Anthony Elementary School. With the help of Dr. Stephen Schoenthaler, Principal Investigator, and the Sunflower Foundation, Ms. Kempker designed a program that resulted in impressive turnarounds in academics, discipline, attitude, and health. When Ms. Kempker was creating the EEE program, she listed "Eight Common Sense Goals" that she wanted Anthony Elementary School to acheive:

1. Reduce the number of office referrals.
2. Eliminate time spent and noise level in the cafeteria.
3. Transform recess to reflect the success students experienced in physical education.
4. Improve student/teacher relationships.
5. Provide grade-level teacher planning time.
6. Improve nutrition and eliminate food waste at lunch.
7. Increase physical activity time.
8. Increase hydration and eliminate standing in line at the water fountain.

To achieve these goals Ms. Kempker designed five program components, including: Structured Activity, multi-vitamins, water bottles, increased physical education time, and lunch in the classroom. The components address the needs of all students, particularly those who are minority and low-income.

EEE resulted in a transformational change at Anthony exemplified by a wide range of improvements. Among these are:

• a building climate that went from disruptive and hostile to one that is pleasant and calm;
• a 95% decrease in office referrals;
• mathematics test scores qualifying the school for the "Building Standard of Excellence" status as designated by the State of Kansas;
• designation as a "Healthy Kansas School" by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in 2006;
• selection as the third healthiest school in the United States by Health magazine in September 2008; and
• Janine Kempker's award as a Hometown Health Hero from the Governor's Council on Fitness in 2008.

A core tenant of EEE is the belief that students are capable learners and important members of society, but may not be given the opportunity to achieve to their fullest potential. The EEE program eliminates the obstacles of poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and dehydration while providing opportunities for relationship building with teachers and team-building with peers. This program has the potential to improve the lives and future outlook for students' health, wellness, academic and social achievements.

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