KC Wolf Makes a Visit to Elementary to Kick Off Their "Fuel Up to Play 60" Program
For over a week the Diller-Odell Elementary students had been patiently waiting forWednesday Oct. 22 to arrive so they could find out whotheir “size 22 shoe wearing surprise guest speaker” wouldbe. This guest was arriving to help the school cooks, teachers, and students kick of their Fuel Up to Play 60 program. This program is a nationwide movement focused on fighting childhood obesity by empowering kids to take control of their own health. The Midwest Dairy Council, along with Americas Dairy Farmers, Farm Credit Services of America and our local Classic Dairy, have teamed up to bring the Fuel Up program to Diller-Odell. Ronda Duis & Jen Wendland work in our elementary cafeteria and strive daily to make available nutrient-rich foods for the kids. One way this is done is on the new salad bar that was brought in last year. This new addition is thanks to Kayla Colgrove, extension agent and dietician. Kayla also won a dietician contest last year, which enabled her to bring KC Wolf to our school as her prize for winning. Along with the nutrient- rich foods, kids are also encouraged to partake in AT LEAST 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Beth Upton of the Midwest Dairy Council presented certificates to the following for their assistance in getting this program to our school: Ann & Brooke Engelman of Classic Dairy, Ronda Duis, Jen Wendland, Dusty Duis (School Nurse), & Rita Becker (Guidance Counselor). After the award presentation, KC Wolf, removed his costume and became Dan Meers. Dan has worn the wolf costume since 1989 and is also a motivational speaker. He spoke to the kids about exercising, eating well and his time as a mascot. Here are some facts that Dan provided the students with:
7 Benefits to Exercise:
*Improves your mood.
*Fights sickness and disease.
*Gives you healthy bones and muscles.
*Strengthens your heart and lungs.
*Helps you sleep better.
*Givesyou more energy.
*and can be FUN!
Meers stressed that eating well means following the MyPlate template. Daily intake of the food
groups should be:
*3-4 servings of low or no-fat DAIRY.
*2-3 servings PROTEIN.
*2-4 servings VEGGIES.
*2-4 servings FRUIT.
*6-11 servings GRAINS (preferably whole grain).
The school CAN’T be alone in this! You, as a parent, need to talk to your children daily. Ask them about lunch, encourage them to think about what they are putting in their body and making the best choices for taking care of it!
Fuel Up Quarterbacks
Each classroom have a "Quarterback" for the Fuel Up to Play 60 Program. These quarterbacs work with Ronda and Jen in making sure their class is making good eating choices. Last year's quarterbacks were: Elecea Saathoff, Madeline Swanson, Tori Smith, TJ Vitosh, Erin Gegg and Madeline Parde. This year's quarterbacks are: Aidan McKinney, Turner Faxon, Lily Swanson, Cooper Ebeling, Draydin Lichty, Myleigh Weers and tavy Hicks.