Fairs and healthy living normally aren’t synonymous, but North Pike Middle School officials have a unique idea to bridge the gap between the two.
The school is hosting a health fair for kids in grades 5 to 8 from 8 a.m. to noon Friday. In conjunction with the health fair, the school also is putting on a fall fest the same day from 8 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
“The idea for the health fair is part of the North Pike Middle School Health Initiative,” said principal Janice Samuels.
“The goal was to have a health fair for students,” Samuels said, adding that she hopes to make it an annual affair.
Students will be checked for blood pressure, body mass index, glucose and cholesterol. Southwest Mississippi Community College nursing students, orthodontist Dr. Dween Muse and family practitioner Dr. Jennifer Gholson will conduct the testing.
“We wanted to give our students knowledge about their health,” Samuels said. “Our research shows that if you’re healthy, you perform better and make good decisions. Educating our children is the most important thing.”
Samuels said the fair falls in line with North Pike’s goal for healthy students. The district wants all students to have the knowledge and skills necessary to make nutritious food and enjoyable physical activity choices.
School staff also are encouraged to serve as role models for healthy eating and physical activity.
Samuels predicted the fair will be popular with students.
“I think it is going to be very successful,” Samuel said. “Students are excited about the entire day. We’ve incorporated some physical activity with the fall fest. It’s going to be a day of learning.”
Mississippi public schools recently moved to healthier standards regarding cafeteria lunches.
“We want to provide information on the cafeteria standards to the adults as well as the students,” Samuels said. “It’s important that we all know what is healthy.”
She said the fair won’t put pressure on students.
“We won’t be talking about doctors at the health fair,” Samuels said. “It’s strictly to educate the children about nutrition and how to enjoy physical activity and live a long life.”
She said the school has programs to help kids live a healthier lifestyle. They include physical fitness tests for fifth-graders, physical education classes for all students, and health and nutrition discussions in science class.
The fair will be hosted by middle school faculty and staff, the Parent-Teacher Organization and Parent Involvement Committee.
Samuels said feedback from a survey will assist in gauging the fair’s success.
Fall festival activities will include an obstacle course, baseball and football throws, carnival games, arts and crafts, show choir and dance team performances, and a student art show.
“We’re going to incorporate a day of learning with fun,” Samuels said. “We want students to be aware of their health and have fun along the way. Hopefully what they take from the health fair will last them a lifetime.”
