School–based Programs
RHENSOM partners with area school districts to provide technical assistance in creating a culture of health for the school community.
- Excellence in School Wellness Awards. These awards are offered annually to school districts who demonstrate a commitment to creating a healthier school culture. Click to download an application:
- Excellence in School Wellness 2018-2019
- School Wellness Policy technical assistance.
- School Wellness Committees: Staff members are available to attend your wellness committee meetings and provide technical assistance in facilitating new wellness coalitions
- Enrichment program sponsorships: Cardiac Upclose, Girls on the Run
Excellence in School Wellness Awards
Excellence in School Wellness Award applications are being accepted through December 8th. This award is intended to support schools in Schoharie, Otsego and Montgomery counties as they work on creating a culture of wellness in their school communities.
Applications can be downloaded at: Excellence in School Wellness 2018-2019
Creating Healthy Schools & Communities
Funded by the New York State Department of Health, the SUNY Cobleskill Research Foundation is leading a five-year (2015-2020) grant partnership of selected school districts adn their surrounding communities in Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties. The grant's goal is to implement and evaluate a series of strategic initiatives to increase access and opportunities for healthy eating and physical activity. School districts and their associated communities were identified by the New york State Department of Health as being in need due to low-income populations, greater rates of obesity, and higher eligibility for free/reduced prices meals in schools. Partner school districts include: Walton, Charlotte Valley, Sidney, Unatego and Richfield Springs. Grant work in school districts in being subcontracted to Bassett Healthcare as a result of previous success in this area from the Healthy Schools New York grant. The Laberge Group from Albany is also assisting with Complete Street Policy work with some communities.
Parents for Healthy Kids website is a great source of information on school wellness for parents, parent teacher organizations and school faculty and staff. Consider a PTO meeting to review the many useable resources on the website to build a culture of healthy eating and physical activity in your school; fundraisers, wellness policies, school food, celebrations and more. Go to the GET STARTED link and SIGN UP for more ideas in the future.
School Wellness Committees & Policies
RHENSOM staff members are available to advise and serve on school wellness committees in order to assist in updating, strengthening, and implementing their school wellness policies. Please contact us for more information.
Yoga Kids
YogaKids International, Inc. (www.yogakids.com) based in New Buffalo, MI is a pioneer and leading provider of yoga to children around the world. The organization's mission is to promote peace, healthy life-style, self-empowerment and a fun, effective way of learning to children. Unlike yoga for adults, the YogaKids program specifically supports the capacities of children of all ages. RHENSOM is fortunate to have a per diem YogaKids trainer on staff.