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            Contact:   Dr. Janice Barton  662.429.4180

                                                                                        Mellany Evans 901-762-7612

                                                                                        Peggy Linton  662.449.5002

FEBRUARY HEALTH CHAMPION

By Peggy Linton, Community Development Director

Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi

The newly announced Administrator of the Year, Dr. Janice Barton, principal of Oak Grove Central Elementary School, also became the Health Champion for February as recognized by the DeSoto County Community Health Council.  This Council (monthly) recognizes one individual, group, business or organization that has made a difference in the area of nutrition and/or physical fitness.  “The Community Health Council proudly recognizes Dr Barton for her efforts and, moreover, for her leadership example to the children at Oak Grove Elementary.  She truly is a Health Champion!”, stated Mellany Evans, Chair of the Community Health Council. 

Why is Dr. Barton being recognized?  The list is long in the ways she is providing leadership and promoting healthy lifestyles for her students and staff.  Grant funds have provided convotherm ovens for the cafeteria to eliminate fried foods, and fast-foods can not be brought into the lunchroom.  Teachers and staff promote healthy snacks with concessions only selling healthy snacks and water; in fact, water bottles can be taken into the classroom.   Students are encouraged to bring fruit, veggies and fruit juices for snacks from home.   Classroom parties are still held but only with healthy foods served.

 Oak Grove received a Project Fit America grant through Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation providing equipment and curriculum.  Students receive 25 minutes per day on Project Fit (weather permitting) in addition to 55 minutes of physical education each week.  Students’ progress on Project Fit is recorded on the Wall of Fame in the school hallway.  The PTO built a walking trail around the outdoor gym and students challenge Dr. Barton in the Mileage Club.  Power Walks are also a daily routine for Dr. Barton and her students

 Dr. Barton led the way as a School Health Council was established along with a School Wellness Policy.  The Council meets a minimum of four times per year and is representative of the community.    “The Oak Grove Central Elementary School students and staff are to be commended for their commitment towards school health.  Dr. Barton is providing the leadership to ensure that the students at Oak Grove Central Elementary School are Fit, Healthy, and Ready to learn”,  Regina Ginn, Special Assistant to the Deputy Superintendent, Office of Healthy Schools, Department of Education 

Grant funds (The Bower Foundation) allowed the school to establish a fitness room for the faculty and staff.  After school aerobic class are offered.   A Homer Skelton Charitable Foundation grant has provided outdoor classroom stations providing movement for the students.  Entergy and other grantors have provided funds for an outdoor garden and a can recycling program.  Good stewardship and healthy lifestyles go hand-in-hand.

 A partnership with the Hernando Parks and Recreation Department has brought basketball and soccer programs to the students from grades three through eight.  Basketball camps and leagues are held at the school.  Oak Gove Central is not only serving the academic needs of the community, but is also providing leadership skills and healthy choices.   .  “It is our goal at Oak Grove to educate the "whole child"...that includes physical fitness and nutrition education.  I am honored to accept this award in behalf of Oak Grove Central Elementary staff and students...home of the champions!”, said Dr. Janice Barton, principal.

The DeSoto County Community Health Council is a component of GET A LIFE!, a health initiative of the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi.   Submit your nomination for a Monthly Health Champion to Peggy Linton at plinton@cfnm.org or fax to 662.449.5006.  State the nominee’s name, contact information, and what the nominee has accomplished in the area of physical fitness and/or nutrition.  To learn more about GET A LIFE! visit www.kidsgetalife.org or call 662.298.0027.

Dr. Janice Barton, principal of Oak Grove Central Elementary School in Hernando, (second from right back row) is presented a Certificate of Recognition by Mellany Evans, GET A LIFE! DeSoto County Community Health Council Chair, for being an advocate for healthy lifestyles in DeSoto County.  Taking part in the presentation are members of the Council, Mayor Chip Johnson and the Parks & Recreation staff along with staff of Oak Grove Central Elementary and several of the students ready to take a 'power walk' with Dr. Barton.