Healthy kids mean healthy learning at Westdale Heights Academic Magnet School, and the school is being recognized for its endeavors.  The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) and the Louisiana Department of Education have selected the school for the state annual School Health Award for school year 2008-2009.  This year’s award partners are the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, the Louisiana Action for Healthy Kids Team and the Louisiana Dietetic Association.

Carol Revel, Westdale’s Physical Education teacher, and Sharman Charles, a representative for the Louisiana State University Ag Council, have begun the Smart Bodies program at the school with support from Blue Cross and Blue Shield.  The interactive educational program designed to combat childhood obesity integrates classroom activities with hands-on learning to teach children how to build strong bodies and develop active minds – by focusing on healthy eating habits and physical exercise.  Smart Bodies is being presented to schools and the communities over a five-year period.

“You and your staff are to be commended on a job well done,” said Donna Nola-Ganey, the assistant superintendent in the state Office of School and Community Support.  “The award was created to recognize activities around the state that encourage students to develop lifelong healthful eating and physical activity habits.  We thank Westdale for sharing its innovative program that can be featured as a best practice in Louisiana.”

An awards reception will be held 8-9 a.m. Thursday, October 15, in the Claiborne Building’s Rapides Room 3-230, 1201 N. Third St.  The school will receive a certificate and cash award.  The School also will be recognized by BESE at 9 a.m. in the Louisiana Purchase Room, Claiborne Building.  For more information, contact Westdale Heights’ Revel at (225) 926-5421 or the state department’s Physical Education coordinator, Michael Comeaux, at (225) 342-7493 or Michael.comeaux@la.gov.