Andersen Elementary Receives Donation from Thermos
Hans Christian Andersen Open School is located in southern Minneapolis, serving approximately 700 children from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Andersen Open has been a leader in student and staff wellness:
· As part of their involvement with Steps to a Healthier Minneapolis, staff initiated a Wellness Team. A needs assessment conducted by the Wellness Team led to two successful interventions around physical activity for the students:
o Recess Revival, a program structured around group activities that are meant to increase active participation and decrease negative behaviors on the playground.
o Take 10!, an academic-based 10 minute daily physical activity program.
· Andersen has adopted policies around healthy food as treats and appropriate food for team meetings, family events and other building events. They have also adopted a 100% healthy fundraising policy.
· They were a gold metal recipient for the Hennepin County Wellness by Design School Award in 2007, an award that recognizes schools that go above and beyond in creating healthy environments for students and staff.
Due to their efforts surrounding these important issues and because the school has a strong record in support of environmentally-friendly initiatives, Andersen Open was recommended by Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak to receive a donation of FUNtainer™ beverage bottles courtesy of Thermos. Thermos is making strides in support of waste reduction in America’s schools. This initiative exists as part of a larger campaign by the company to reduce the environmental impact of packaging waste. This fall, every student at Hans Christian Andersen Open School will receive a reusable, stainless steel bottle.
Assistant Principal Diane Schmitz stated “we will continue to embrace the school district’s Wellness Policy through additional structured physical activity, focus on healthy eating standards, and organized sports. Thanks to the Thermos donation, we are also looking forward to making our recycling and environmental programs a focus for the 2007/2008 school year.”
Movement in the Classroom at Andersen Elementary and Andersen Open Schools
These two adjoining schools are located in the heart of Minneapolis’ midtown district embodying the high diversity of the region. Combined, they serve children up to the 8th grade.
In the fall of 2006, Andersen Elementary incorporated the Take 10! curriculum for grades K-5 designed to get kids active in the classroom. With fun and interactive 10 minute action breaks, kids are practicing their spelling, math, geography, abc’s, parts of the body etc…all while moving!
Read more about movement in the classroom and some simple ideas to get kids moving.
Read an article featuring one school’s vision of a moving classroom.
Also in the fall of 2006, Andersen Elementary and Andersen Open implemented Recess Revival!, new recess guidelines and activities for students and staff that encourage kids to be active during their recess!
Click for more information about active recess and for recommendations for your school.
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