SAD 22 touts federal school health program

HAMPDEN – SAD 22 has created a more healthful environment for the schools and for the community thanks to the Coordinated School Health Program funded through a $350,000 federal grant received four years ago. The district consists of Hampden, Winterport and Newburgh.

Courtney Lehnhard, school health coordinator, told the SAD 22 board of directors on Wednesday that a number of programs and initiatives have been put into place supported by the five-year Funds for Healthy Maine Grant created by the tobacco settlement.

They include:

. Developing a comprehensive health and physical education curriculum aligned with the Maine Learning Results standards.

. Increasing the number of positions and time for health teachers and nurses.

. Incorporating smoking cessation classes in the high school.

In addition, the district has partnered with Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor to provide exercise programs and health screenings for employees. It also has worked with the University of Maine Center for Student Aspirations to administer a program in which high school students volunteer to promote physical activity in the community.

The district also has worked with the Hampden Recreation Department to provide before- and after-school programs, and with the Hampden Town Council to repair bike lanes around the elementary schools and install a walking light on Route 1A between the high school and the building that houses the alternative education program.

This year, among other things, the Coordinated School Health Program plans to provide courses and lectures on wellness topics through the adult education program, and to develop an obesity intervention program to help children and their families, Lehnhard said.

Chris Greenier, school nutrition director and wellness team co-leader, told the board that a fitness center for employees recently was set up in the old fire station on Route 1A.

A treadmill, recumbent bicycle, exercise ball and free weights are available for district employees to use 24 hours a day, seven days a week for a one-time $10 fee, Greenier said.

Superintendent Rick Lyons praised the health program for enabling the district to strengthen curriculum and create a positive linkage with the community. Businesspeople and local physicians sit on the council that oversees the grant, he said.