Around the Schools
Montlake Elementary students learn about benefits of dairy products
Shannon Rodeffer, Washington State Dairy Ambassador – with Polly, a Jersey calf – visited Montlake Elementary School Feb. 16 to share the story of a dairy’s farm-to-table journey and the benefits of dairy and calcium for children’s growing bodies.
The visit is part of the Washington Grown Harvest of the Month program, designed to engage students in a variety of settings where nutrition education can have the biggest impact – the classroom, cafeteria and home.
Each month, a Washington-grown item is showcased. In February, the highlight is on dairy products.
Rodeffer and Polly, a 1-month-old calf, visited two other schools earlier this week: Roxhill and Greenwood elementary schools. Rodeffer talked to students about farming, cows, and milk production.
Each month, cafeterias are provided with materials focusing on the featured local food item. Materials are then displayed on their Harvest of the Month bulletin board located in the cafeteria.
The nutrition educator packet provides key information about the featured item as well as resources to further explore each fruit, vegetable, grain or dairy item, It incorporates hands-on activities, tools and ideas for open-ended exploration by students. The packet promotes mathematics, science, health, reading and gardening, all centered around the highlighted food. It is meant for teachers, but is appropriate for anyone teaching nutrition education to students.
Top, left photo: Vicki Furrer, a Monroe farm-owner, holds Polly the calf, while answering some questions from Montlake Elementary students. To the right is Principal Claudia Allen.
Top, right photo: Shannon Rodeffer, Washington State Dairy Ambassador, speaks to students about a farm's dairy products during lunch at the school cafeteria.
For more information: Contact Helen Walsh, Health Education specialist at (206) 252-0988 or hwalsh@seattleschools.org