Originally published Aug. 14, 2018 in the El Paso Herald-Post.
Four Socorro Independent School District campuses have been awarded the 2018 Fuel Up to Play 60 (FUTP60) grant by Dairy Max
On Tuesday, SISD officials announced that Robert R. Rojas Elementary School, Jane Hambric K-8 School, Col. John O. Ensor and Montwood middle schools will receive $4,000 each to promote healthy eating and physical activity programs at their campus.
Socorro ISD was one of eight school districts in the state, and the only one in the region, to earn the grant. Schools will receive $2,000 as part of the healthy eating play program, which will be used to upgrade kitchen equipment. The other $2,000, for the physical activity play program, will be used to purchase equipment and gear.
“We are very excited that these four campuses earned the FUTP60 grant,” said Shelley Chenausky, director of child nutrition services. “Our schools will receive commercial blenders to make smoothies and glass-front coolers to deliver them to the classrooms. This is a great way for our students to consume more dairy, fruits, and vegetables.”
The grant will increase nutritional and physical education awareness, improve academic performance, and build lifelong habits that contribute to student’s overall well-being, said Albert Hernandez, director of athletics.
“Linking child nutrition services efforts with ours has been something we have been working on proactively,” Hernandez said. “We have a common goal, to educate the whole child and improve their health through exercise and good, conscious nutrition.”
Campuses are eager to receive their new equipment and begin implementing new programs at their school.
“We are going to start an after-school flag football league for boys and girls in October,” said Miguel A. Saldaña, physical education teacher at Col. John O. Ensor. “This will provide another opportunity for students to engage in after-school activities. We also will work with our cafeteria staff to promote a healthier lifestyle, and offer even more healthy choices for our students.”
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