Wellness Team Spotlight: Robinson Elementary School

August 20, 2012 | Written By: Healthy Schools Campaign

Although he is retired, South side resident and Parents United for Healthy Schools member Lorenzo Young volunteers in his community and also serves as a Local School Council community engagement representative for Jackie Robinson Elementary School. Through his work with the community partner Centers for New Horizons, Young became involved with Parents United for Healthy Schools.

Earlier this summer, the Bronzeville native attended the coalition’s Parent Leadership Summit with fellow parents and Robinson principal Sonja Spiller. There, he expressed his excitement to build a healthy school community.

Robinson Elementary's wellness team plans health-promoting activities throughout the school year. Here, the team is recognized at the annual Parents United for Healthy Schools summit.

Jackie Robinson Elementary School is a K-3 school with about 125 students. The smaller school community allows parents, school administrators, and community partners to have a hands-on approach, he said. Mr. Young serves on the school’s wellness team, which includes three parents as well as the principal, dining manager and teaching staff. The team plans health and wellness activities throughout the school year.

“Health and wellness activities and education are a priority here, because we want our children to live long, healthy lives physically and emotionally,” said Mr. Young. “We are starting now to give them the knowledge to live healthy lifestyles with healthy eating and physical habits which they will demonstrate and share with their families, friends and community.”

The school recently implemented a “No Junk Food” policy to encourage parents and students to seek out healthy options for classroom celebrations. The school also creates workshops to encourage healthy lifestyle choices.

Jackie Robinson Elementary School was one of 37 schools recognized for meeting the high standards of the HealthierUS School Challenge in 2012. Robinson received the Gold award.

Kudos to the Robinson wellness team!