The vision of the Alexander Local Health Committee is to optimize the health and wellness of our students and staff through coordinated school health programming in order to insure quality academic achievement.

Focus

In order to accomplish this vision, the Alexander Local School District will focus on Health Education, Physical Education, other physical activity, and health promotion for staff.

Goal

The goal of the Alexander Local Health Committee is to improve student and staff health by implementing and evaluating the school wellness policy.

Objective #1

Increase opportunities for healthy decision-making by providing four initiatives to sixth through tenth graders by May 2008.

Strategies

* 10^thgrade students will have completed a teen dating violence program. In order to accomplish this strategy, the committee will review teen violence programs, purchase teen violence programs, and integrate teen violence topics into the high school health curriculum.

* Middle School students will be offered bullying and self-mutilation prevention instruction. This will be accomplished through continuation of previously purchased program. In addition, a schedule will be created to accommodate more students.

* Middle School students will start programs on the risks of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. DARE program will continue for 6^th graders through science classes and other programs will be offered to middle school students.

* High School students will have yearly reviews of the risks of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. There will be monthly activities scheduled on the prevention of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use. Periodically, there will be guest speakers on these topics.

Objective #2

Staff members will be offered at least three (3) information and/or training opportunities in wellness areas by June, 2008.

Strategies

* There will be staff orientation on School Health Team and Wellness Policy.

Inform and Train staff on new fitness trail equipment and use. This will be accomplished by scheduling training with optional on-site hands-on introduction. There will also be practice sessions offered.

* Inform and train staff on how to identify, report, and refer at-risk students. The committee will investigate possible presenters for these topics, schedule training sessions, and create a list of websites and other available resources.

I * Inform and train staff on health emergency plans and actions. We will create a training on food as well as emergency plans. A list of topics to be covered will be generated.

Elementary teachers will be surveyed regarding integration of current health curriculum. The Health Committee will create and conduct the survey. Upon completion we will analyze the data.

* At least 4 staff members will attend the health conference.

Objective #3

Increase the opportunities for student physical activity during and/or after school by at least two (2) opportunities.

Strategies

* Increase lunch time walking opportunities for elementary and middle school students. Lunch time walking will be offered to both middle school and elementary students. Lunch times will be changed so that one group can walk before lunch and one group can walk after.

* Increase after-school physical activity opportunities for all Alexander families. 2 Fitness Camps will be offered with one being in the fall and the other offered in the spring. Kids on Campus recreation will be offered. Creation of Fitness Trail activity sessions will be made.

* Host a family fun/fitness celebration for the entire district upon completion of Fitness Trail. This event will include Fitness Trail demonstrations, health screenings, health fair information, and a middle school dance with Rockin’ Reggie.

Fitness Trail Grand Opening

Get Off Your Tail and Hit the Trail

On October 19^th the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Grand Opening of the Alexander Fitness Trail were held marking the official opening of the trail. Located just east of the football field, the 1/3 mile trail sports 11 fitness stations with 19 pieces of fitness equipment. Aside from the obvious benefits of walking the trail, users are able to take advantage of the equipment designed to improve flexibility, endurance, strength, and stamina. Equipment includes:

1) Multi Bars

2) Two Person Rotator

3) Integrated Fitness

Chain Web

Vertical Ladder

Rings

Chin Up Bars

4) Seated Chest Press

Roll Drum

5) Shoulder Wheel

Shoulder Press

Knee Extension

6) Seated Lap Pull

Rowing Machine

7) Double Elliptical Cross-Trainer

Sit-Up Board

Knee Raises

8) Leg Press

3 Air Walkers

9) Horizontal Bars

Air Skier

10) Weight Lift

Treadmill

11) 2 Air Walkers

Double Elliptical Cross-Trainer

Seated Lap Pull

The trail is open to the community and the public is encouraged to take advantage of this wonderful facility. The trail was made possible due to the efforts of the Alexander Health Team. This team, comprised of parents, community members, Alexander staff and board members, secured funding through health grants to construct the trail. In the future, the Health Team hopes to secure additional funding to upgrade the walking path. As you can see from the pictures, there is plenty to do for all ages. Come on out and enjoy the healthy benefits of the new Alexander Fitness Trail.