Let’s Move! Active Schools, a sub-initiative of first lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! program, has honored Manorhaven Elementary School with the 2015 Let’s Move! Active Schools National Award for its outstanding efforts in creating an active school environment.
The award celebrates a school’s commitment to integrating at least 60 minutes of physical activity before, during and after the school day. Only 525 schools across the country achieved this prestigious honor, including just 12 in New York Sate. Manorhaven is the only Long Island school to receive the award.
“Our students have so many opportunities during the day, and many special events occur, that focus on staying fit and leading a healthy, active lifestyle,” said Manorhaven Principal Bonni Cohen. “I am so proud of the Manorhaven faculty and staff for working together to create this exceptional active school environment.”
Manorhaven physical education teachers Megaera Regan and Lauren Bishar led the school’s Active Schools movement, spearheading a comprehensive effort to help students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to be physically active for a lifetime. Manorhaven School has increased physical activity through the Mighty Milers Program, the Early Birds (a before-school activity program), classroom movement breaks, including GoNoodle, and active options for indoor recess.
“Mrs. Regan and Ms. Bishar, along with the wonderful students of Manorhaven have showed all of us the importance and the fun of exercise in and out of the classroom,” said Stephanie Joannon, director of health, physical education and athletics. “The staff and families have played a wonderfully supportive role in this and we are so grateful to be able to continue this program.”
To earn a Let’s Move! Active Schools National Award, a school must meet significant benchmarks in five areas: physical education, physical activity before and after school, physical activity during school, staff involvement, and family and community engagement. Manorhaven Elementary School was provided with a banner, certificate and congratulatory letter from the first lady to proudly display their dedication to improving children’s health and academic performance.
“The Let’s Move! Active Schools National Award is the nation’s top physical activity and physical education distinction for schools,” said Charlene Burgeson, Let’s Move! Active Schools executive director. “We commend Manorhaven Elementary School’s exemplary commitment to active learning environments. Manorhaven’s faculty, staff and students are paving the way to a healthier, higher-performing and more successful generation of youth.”
Studies show that active students perform better academically. Physical activity not only helps students stay healthy and strong, but can also lead to higher test scores, improved attendance, better behavior in class and enhanced leadership and interpersonal skills. The Let’s Move! Active Schools collaborative streamlines a selection of programs, resources, professional development and funding opportunities to deliver each school a customized plan of action.
