Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Structured Activity - Multi-vitamins - Water Bottles - Lunch in the Classroom - General Information

Structured Activity

1. Why change recess to "Structured Activity time"?

Recess had a negative connotation with staff and students. Providing a new name allowed new expectations and a smoother transition.

 

2. Are Structured Activity plans available?

Yes. The Structured Activity plans are provided in the Structured Activity Plans booklet. This booklet is divided into eight sections and has both indoor and outdoor activities for all grade levels.

 

3. Do you allow Structured Activity to be used as a consequence for improper behavior?

No. Teachers are not allowed to keep students from attending Structured Activity time.

 

4. Can students choose not to participate in Structured Activity time?

We encourage all students to participate. However, if the student chooses not to participate because of an injury or illness, we have an "On the Sidelines" worksheet for them to fill out. If a student misbehaves during Structured Activity time, we ask the student to "Walk the Line" and calm down. After a set amount of time the student is allowed to return to the activities. If a student's behavior is completely inappropriate, the student fills out a "Responsibility Report" and then walks the line.

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Multi-vitamins

1. When do parents sign consent for the multi-vitamins?

Parents sign a consent when they enroll their child. The EEE program is explained at that time as well.

 

2. Do students take the multi-vitamins home for the weekend?

No. To limit any liability we do not send any multi-vitamins home with students to take on weekends.

 

3. What if a parent changes his/her mind about their child taking the multi-vitamin?

Parents can add or withdraw their child from the multi-vitamin component at any time by providing a request in writing.

 

4. How are the multi-vitamins distributed?

At lunch time the students are handed their multi-vitamin (after they have washed their hands). The multi-vitamins are stored out of reach and out of sight in each classroom.

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Water Bottles

1. Who is responsible for cleaning the water bottles?

The school is responsible for cleaning the water bottles. They are either cleaned by a dishwasher or by hand then placed on a drying rack. Each bottle is individualized with a permanent marker (bottle and cap).

 

2. How often are the water bottles cleaned?

We recommend that the water bottles are cleaned at least every other day.

 

3. Who fills the water bottles each day?

Students fill their own water bottles at the beginning of each day and refill them as needed throughout the day.

 

4. Are students allowed to take their water bottles home?

It is recommended that the water bottles be made available to the students through the school day, but remain at the school. This ensures that each student will have his/her water bottle available each day.

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Lunch in the Classroom

1. Do teachers still receive their 30-minute daily duty-free lunch?

The teacher's 30-minute duty-free lunch is exchanged for a different 30-minute time during the day (usually during Structured Activity time).

 

2. Do teachers stand at the board when providing nutrition education information during lunch?

No, the teachers sit and eat lunch with their class. Teachers talk about the foods the students are served for lunch and its nutritional value.

 

3. How are meals served?

Food is prepared in the kitchen and boxed in either Styrofoam or reusable containers. The lunches are boxed individually and placed in carts. The carts are either taken to the classroom by a staff member or students pick up the carts and transport them to the classrooms. Teachers distribute the individualized lunches to the students.

 

4. How is the lunch count taken each day?

Teachers take a lunch count each morning. Students are given a hot or cold lunch option and their choice of milk. The sheet is sent to the cafeteria and returned with the cart at lunch so teachers can distribute the correct lunch to each student.

 

5. Is there a lot of mess in the classroom?

The number of spills is few compared to what used to occur in the cafeteria. When a spill occurs in the classroom, students are asked to clean up their own mess. The custodians are called to help clean up larger spills. Children also know that where they are eating will be their workspace the rest of the day and they prefer it to be clean.

 

6. How do you handle trash removal after lunch?

Large trash barrels are placed in the hallway or in the classroom at lunch time.

 

7. How long do teachers allow for lunch?

There is no set time for the length of the lunch period. This is determined by the teacher. Some days may take longer than others due to what is served that day. Teachers also ask when students finish eating that they talk quietly or read a book. This allows for a smoother transition from lunch to learning.

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General Information

1. What makes EEE work?

EEE works because it is based on doing what is best for the whole child. It is a holistic approach to educating students. We try to meet the needs of the child's body, mind, and soul. The body is better prepared to learn due to improved nutrition and hydration. The mind is better prepared to learn due to the physical activity. The soul is better prepared for learning because students feel safe and have built positive relationships with fellow students and their teacher.

 

2. How did you convince teachers to buy into EEE?

Education! Teachers were provided with research showing the connection between vitamins and improved nutrition and learning, a correlation between vitamins and improved hunger, the need to keep the body hydrated throughout the day to eliminate drowsiness in the afternoon, and a correlation between physical activity and increased memory.
At Anthony they also read Ruby Payne's book A Framework for Understanding Poverty, which states relationships are extremely important for children living in poverty.

 

3. Which component of EEE is the most important?

We believe that every component of EEE is crucial to the ultimate success and goals of EEE. Each component meets a specific student need for optimal learning and improved social behavior.

 

4. Did you make changes in the curriculum?

No. The basic curriculum is still the same. The difference is that teacher grade level plan time improved instruction and increased student on-task time has improved the amount of content we are able to cover.

 

5. Did you make changes to the school lunch menu?

The only change to the menu was the elimination of high sugared cereals for breakfast and only serving 1% white milk.

 

6. How much does EEE cost?

The yearly cost per student at Anthony is approximately $120. The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) has information about the cost in three other schools that are replicating the program. Contact KSDE for details.

 

7. Why should educators be concerned about student health issues and obesity? Is that not the responsibility of parents?

We all need to be concerned about the health of our students because it will eventually impact our entire society.
#1: Obese children and youth are stigmatized and subject to negative stereotyping and discrimination by their peers (Schwartz and Puhl, 2003: Strauss and Pollack, 2003). This sort of treatment is hypothesized to produce adverse emotional consequences such as low self-esteem, negative body image, and depressive symptoms (Struass et. all., 1985).
#2: Overweight children and youth with decreased levels of self-esteem reported increased rates of loneliness, sadness, and nervousness (Strauss, 2001).
#3: The health effects associated with overweight are: asthma, diabetes (type II), hypertension, orthopedic complications (bowing and overgrowth of leg bones, hip pain, decreased movement), sleep apnea, and adverse psychosocial effects.
#4: Children with health issues are absent more often than those who are healthy.
#5: Children who are overweight by age 11 are more likely to be overweight adults.
#6: Minority and low-socioeconomic status students have increased risk of becoming overweight.

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