{Story courtesy State Department of Education]

[October 20, 2011]
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson launched the Team California for Healthy Kids campaign with partners, statewide, to promote healthy eating and physical activity throughout the day, every day, in schools, before and after school agencies, early childhood programs, and communities.

The Team California for Healthy Kids campaign will focus on making healthy choices the easy choices, with the goal of:

•        Increasing physical activity, especially moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) throughout the day, every day, in schools and communities.
•        Increasing access to water and fresh foods, particularly salad bars.

Rigorous research confirms the clear connection between health, learning, and attendance:

       Healthy children are:

       more successful in school,

       miss fewer days of school,

       are more attentive and well-behaved, and

       are more likely to graduate from high school and go to college.

       Health disparities contribute to the achievement gap

Superintendent Torlakson has long been a champion for students’ health.  He knows that healthy students not only excel academically, but also are more likely to be positively engaged in social, community and extra-curricular activities. The benefits of supporting student health are far reaching.

For more information on the Team California Activities and Resources:
Team California for Healthy Kids Resources and Upcoming Events

For more information on the Team California Launch:
Team California for Healthy Kids Talking Points for Partners

Questions:  Team California for Healthy Kids | TeamCalifornia@cde.ca.gov