New Changes Coming In 2013!

Healthy Start Academy is excited to announce new changes in our child nutrition program in the new year.  First, the implementation of our automated lunch system.  Students will be issued a 4-digit PIN number.  These numbers will be mailed to each household beginning the week of December 3.  Parents, please encourage your student to learn and memorize their number as it will be used for identification during breakfast and lunch service.  Second, Healthy Start Academy is pleased to announce our menus have been submitted to the State office for certification.  This means after a thorough review by state/federal child nutrition staff, our menus, once approved will meet the federal meal pattern of the National School Breakfast and Lunch programs.  We have worked extremely hard and expended many hours to research and coordinate recipes that are both in high nutritional value as well as tasteful and satisfying.  We are excited about this pending certification and will keep you updated as information is provided to us. 

In accordance with our local wellness policy, the Academy will also become a "Fast Food Free Zone" in the new year. All school-aged children need healthy well balanced meals.  Research has shown that children who consume fast food on a regular basis are at high risk of becoming obese.  Fast foods contains high fat, high sugar and more carbohydrates. Fast food is deficient in fiber and other nutrients growing children need to maintain healthy bodies.  Did you know although, inexpensive, fast food has little to no nutritional value (empty calories)?  That's why in the new year (2013), the Academy will adopt a "No Fast Food" policy.  Stay tuned for more information to come.


In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender (male or female), age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice).  Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 

#WordsofWisdom

Thanksgiving Books for Kids

Preschoolers

The Pilgrims' First Thanksgiving

Your preschoolers will love learning about the history of Thanksgiving and the journey of the pilgrims to America in this book.

The Story of the Pilgrims

This book tells the story of the pilgrims' dangerous voyage to America, first harsh winter and amazing first Thanksgiving feast.

Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks

With a message about being grateful, this book for preschoolers takes the emphasis off the pilgrims and the Thanksgiving feast, and puts it on giving thanks.

What Is Thanksgiving?

This Thanksgiving board book is written in rhyme. It's the perfect choice for teaching your little ones about giving thanks for our blessings.

Elementary schoolers

...If You Sailed on the Mayflower in 1620

This fact-filled book for elementary schoolers answers an assortment of questions about the pilgrims' journey, the Thanksgiving feast and their first year in America.

Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving

Aimed at children 5 years old and up, this Thanksgiving book tells the story of Squanto and how it came about that he learned English and was living in the exact place where the pilgrims landed.

The First Thanksgiving: Step into Reading

This is the story of how the first Thanksgiving came to be, vividly told with color illustrations and easy-to-read for Level 3 readers.

Pilgrims of Plymouth

This wonderful book shows your child just what it was like to be a pilgrim child living in 17th-century Massachusetts. Photographs of historical reenactments and lively text pull the young reader into this historical period in time.

Tweens and teens

1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving

With spectacular photographs taken during reenactments at Plymouth Plantation, this engaging book tells the Thanksgiving story from the view of both the English colonists and the Wampanoag people.

Thanksgiving: The True Story

Geared toward children ages 10 and up, this book delves into the history of Thanksgiving and discusses many of the Thanksgiving traditions that we celebrate today.

Thanksgiving: A Time to Remember

This 80-page book aims to enrich your family's awareness about the history of Thanksgiving, God's role in that history and the importance of gratitude. This Thanksgiving book is also accompanied by a music CD.

The Mayflower and the Pilgrim's New World

After a dangerous journey across the ocean, the passengers on the Mayflower were helped by the natives they encountered in the Plymouth region. For 50 years, they maintained a fragile peace, but then what happened? This book includes maps, artwork and photos to interest the older reader.

[Read More: http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/846001/best-thanksgiving-books-for-kids]

Pick Up Your Cookie Dough Tomorrow!

Cookie dough will be delivered to the school this Friday, November 16.  Pickup times will be from 12:00 noon until 5:30 p.m.  If your child submitted an order, you MUST pick up your cookie dough product on Friday, November 16.  Healthy Start Academy will not be responsible for any cookie dough not picked up.  Also, the Academy does not deliver product nor do we have room for storage.  

Should you have any questions regarding the cookie dough, please call Mrs. Hill at (919) 956-5599, ext. 1105.  Remember, pick up is tomorrow, Friday, November 16 from 12:00 noon until 5:30 p.m. Thanks and enjoy your treats!

#WordsofWisdom

Fun Election Day Sites for Kids

It's never too early to teach kids the importance of election day! To interest your child in learning more about the election process, how the government works and the history of the presidency, try the following links for games, trivia and more fun activities to celebrate this historic day:

• Fun facts about the government and simple explanations on how the election system works: [http://www.gallopade.com/client/electionsForKids/index-1.html]
• Little known facts about the presidents: [http://www.littleknownfactsshow.com/presidents.html]
• Full election coverage in simple, easy-to-understand language: [http://www.timeforkids.com/minisite/election-2012]
• Breaking election news, maps, games, polls, videos, and more! [http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/scholasticnews/index.html]
• Election day activities, including teaching resources and a history of the government: [http://www.joefoss.com/resources/155-election-day-school-activities]

Congratulations Students and Teacher of the Month!

The PBIS team is pleased to announce the November Students and Teacher of the Month:

Paris Joyner, 2nd Grade, Ms. Jeschow's class is a good role model for her fellow classmates. Ms. Jeschow writes of Paris, "She always shows a positive attitude and always completes classwork on time. She is respectful to her friends and the Healthy Start Academy staff. She always smiles and make me feel proud to be her teacher! She loves to please others." Congratulations Paris! K-5 Elementary Student of the Month!

Magale Parker, 7th Grade, Ms. Bumphus' class. Ms. Palmer writes of Magale, " Magale is a leader who stands out in a crowd. A good citizen who behaves not only in the classroom but in the hallways, cafeteria and on the basketball court." Congratulations Magale! Middle School Student of the Month!

Congratulations to Ms. Cassandra Palmer, Teacher of the Month. Ms. Palmer has been teaching middle school science at the Academy for over five years. Ms. Palmer holds two Master degrees in Educational Technology and Biology. Ms. Palmer is a team-player and a highly motivated teacher who loves technology and incorporates technology in all her classroom lessons. Her passion for teaching has resulted in an increase of science EOG test scores to over 80% during the 2011-12 school year. Congratulations Ms. Palmer! Teacher of the Month!