So what is the Healthy Schools Act?

The Healthy Schools Act was passed unanimously by the D.C. Council in 2010. It is a comprehensive measure to improve the health, wellness and nutrition for the District's students. It also confronts the problem of hunger that affects 1 in 5 children in the DC Metropolitan Area (2010 Capital Area Food Bank Statistics). The Act provides public and public charter schools funding to ensure that all students receive a free, nutritious breakfast, thus trying to eliminate the stigma surrounding "free and reduced" meals at school.

In a push to reduce the number of over weight and obese children in the district, the act also sets goals for the amount of quality physical education and health education minutes taught to students each week. The following guidelines have been set:

Physical Education for school years 2010-2013/14
K-5  30 minutes per week
6-8  45 minutes per week

Physical Education for school year 2014/15
K-5  150 minutes per week
6-8  225 minutes per week
High schools are working with OSSE and the State Board of Education to expand physical education.

Health Education for school years 2010-2013/14
K-8  15 minutes per week

Health Education for school years 2014/15
K-8  75 minutes per week


The Healthy Schools Act isn't just about physical and health education, it also covers environmental factors- i.e. regular drinking water testing, school gardens programs, etc.- and pushes for stronger school wellness policies. For more information please check out http://dchealthyschools.org/.

This is an exciting time to be in DC! This is the most comprehensive plan of any school district nation wide. We are literally leading the way in health and wellness education, which, in my opinion, is a fabulous thing! 


Here's to the health of the future generations of DC!

Less than two weeks until Summer Vacation...

Hello Maury Families,

With less than two weeks to go until we say goodbye for the summer, I wanted to create a way to stay connected during our vacation time. This blog will be used in the future to update friends and families about the happenings of Physical Education and Health classes, fitness related events at school, and fun activities to get you and your family up and moving!

Stay tuned for healthy recipes to try and tips on how to stay active during the upcoming, scorching summer months.

Here's to health!
Ms. Hunt