Kraemer Middle School and Valadez Middle School Academy students had the opportunity to celebrate the installation of new hydration stations at “Rethink Your Drink” assemblies in early September.
This wellness event was made possible through a strong collaboration between PYLUSD, St. Jude Medical Center, Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) and the “Move More, Eat Healthy” campaign. A grant from St. Jude funded hydration stations and water bottles with the Kraemer and Valadez logos for students and staff. During their physical education (PE) time, over 1,000 students cycled through stations related to wellness.
Peter Hernandez, “Move More, Eat Healthy” program coordinator, demonstrated the amount of sugar that’s in a sweetened beverage. Kari Tuggle and Gina Simoes, OCDE project managers, facilitated an opportunity for students to taste water infused with fruits and vegetables. Tracy Bryars, St. Jude Medical Center manager, led students to select personal health-related goals, and sign a pledge to drink more water. Finally, students received their refillable water bottle and put their name on it. Students were also reminded of the impact plastic bottles have on our environment, and the benefits of refilling their water bottle rather than using disposable bottles.
The stations were supported by college interns in health sciences or public health from California State University, Long Beach; California State University, Los Angeles; University of California, Irvine; and California State University, Fullerton. “Rethink Your Drink” assemblies were provided as part of a comprehensive effort to promote health and wellness among PYLUSD students.
Click here for our Facebook album titled “‘Rethink Your Drink’ at Kraemer and Valadez.”
I want these water fountains for Esperanza. Great idea!
Great idea! Let’s get the hydration stations in all our PYLSD schools!
It would be nice if they will be installed at all schools in PYLUSD.
This is awesome! Kids need to keep hydrated during then day! What a great idea!