Wellness Committee
Nutritional Education
McKinney Academy recognizes a link between nutrition education, the food served in schools, physical activity, environmental education, and that wellness is affected by all of these. The Academy also recognizes the important connection between a healthy diet and a student's ability to learn effectively and achieve high standards in school. Studies repeatedly link good nutrition to learning readiness, academic achievement, and decreased discipline and emotional problems. It has been known for decades and research has shown that the scholastic years are a critical period for development of obesity. The Center for Disease Control estimates that one in three American children born in 2000 will develop Type 2 diabetes. They also identify diet as a "known risk" for the development of the three leading causes of death: hearth disease, cancer and stroke, as well as for diabetes, high blood pressure and osteoporosis, among others. Disease prevention through education is vital if we are to reverse these trends. If we can educate parents and their children on the morbid effects of poor nutrition and obesity, then we will begin a movement towards wellness and disease avoidance. A public health crisis of this magnitude calls on school leaders to have the courage to be different. Set the bar high for our children while provoking the rest of the community to follow.