NEISD and H-E-B Launch Health and Wellness Project in 10 Schools

To combat the rising prevalence of childhood obesity and diabetes in Texas schools, North East ISD and H-E-B partnered to launch a pilot program in 10 schools aimed at teaching students about the importance of health and wellness.

The project — Better Choices for Better Health — was created to teach students at the 10 participating NEISD schools how to make better food choices, the benefits of healthy eating and the importance of daily physical activity. The project will also get parents and school staff involved in making healthy choices and changes.

Each participating school kicked off the celebration by welcoming H-E-Buddy and beat drums to a high-energy performance by Drumming with Nina, a percussion group who has developed a musical program aimed at getting children physically active. Former San Antonio Spurs player Bruce Bowen encouraged the students at Castle Hills and Nimitz Middle School to eat healthy and stay active!

The 10 schools participating in the “Better Choices for Better Health” pilot project included Castle Hills, Dellview, Ridgeview, Colonial Hills, West Avenue, Jackson Keller, and Olmos elementary schools, Jackson and Nimitz Middle Schools and Lee High School. Students were also given a green wrist band to remind them of their pledge "to make better food choices and incorporate physical activity into their daily routines."

“We are excited to partner with H-E-B in this pilot program. A student’s good health is a critical factor in the success of their education,” said Dr. Richard A. Middleton, superintendent. “For the past decade, NEISD has sharpened its focus on wellness initiatives to help our students achieve healthy minds and bodies. This new initiative will be one more positive step in that direction.”

In September, Dr. Middleton was recognized for his leadership in tackling the challenging issues of health and wellness within the district, and was awarded the 2010 Texas Health Champion Award, presented by the Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living and Live Smart Texas.

“Dr. Middleton has demonstrated a strong commitment to instituting wellness programs that truly make a different within his district. H-E-B shares his passion for improving the health and wellbeing of our children and the communities we serve and, therefore, NEISD was our top choice for this type of partnership,” said Kate Rogers, H-E-B director of Partner Communications and Culture. “We are looking forward to measuring the project’s results and seeing the impact made on the 10 campuses with the goal being to expand the program and key learnings to other schools throughout the state.”

Throughout the year-long pilot program, the health of students, parents and school staff will be assessed and measured. As an added incentive for participating fully in the project, H-E-B will award the school that demonstrates the best results a financial gift of $5,000. It will also recognize an additional school campus that goes above and beyond to get its school community involved with a $5,000 gift.

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