Coordinated School Health (CSH) awarded four Dayton City School teachers with mini-grants to be used to address the health education needs of the students in their classroom.

DCS teachers Dorothy Montgomery, Nela Swiney, Jennifer Spengler and Rhonda Martin were each awarded $250 grants. “Activity materials purchased will be used by first or second grade students to practice and improve large motor skills,” Montgomery said.  “I plan to encourage balance activities along with cardiovascular movement that can be done in the classroom or at recess.”  

According to Dayton City School Coordinated School Health Director Kim Travis, grant requirements were that funds must be used in accordance with one of the CSH modules.  Modules include Health Education, Physical Activity/Physical Education, Nutrition, Health Services, Healthy School Environment, Family and Community Involvement, Health Promotion for Staff and Counseling, Psychological and Social Services.

Research has shown that there is a vital link between learning and health.  Physically active children achieve higher math scores, are calmer in class and are less absent in school, according to Travis.  Being sedentary is an academic issue.  Research supports a connection between being active and improved brain performance.  

Mrs. Spengler plans to increase health and safety education in her classroom with learning centers.

“I am glad I was able to use this mini-grant to provide my students with more hands-on activities that cover health topics,” Spengler said.  “My students are excited to have new books to read in our classroom, and they always love to have new activities and games for learning centers.”

Adults are aware how important education is for success and the main focus of Coordinated School Health is to improve the lives of youth by recognizing that children must be healthy to be educated and educated to be healthy.  

One of Mrs. Martin’s student said, “I am very thankful and we really like the stuff to play with.”  While another student said, “Thank you, that was very nice of you.  We will have fun with them.”

According to Travis, by encouraging students to enjoy learning while connecting health with education, everyone wins.