Hawkeye Happenings
Photos courtesy Talon (Ankeny HS newspaper) staff photographer Tory Anderson
October 13, 2005-- As part of his NGA "Healthy America" chairman's initiative Gov. Mike Huckabee (R-AR) toured Ankeny High School with Gov. Tom Vilsack (D-IA).  Ankeny High School has introduced a number of wellness programs.
The Wellness PE program is different from traditional PE in that students set goals and work on personal fitness.  Students have access to cardio workouts (treadmills, ellipticals, steppers, bikes), strength training, stability balls, exercise bands, Pilates, Yoga, TaeBo…a wide variety of workouts that enable them to work toward achieving their personal fitness goals. 

PEOPEL (Physical Education Opportunities for Exceptional Learners) PE is a physical education class that teams special needs students with peer helpers to assist them in participating in physical education activities and games.  Students are put through a 2-week sensitivity training program that enables them to be successful while working with the special needs students.
The lunch program is called Pay School.  Parents  can deposit money on line for their children's accounts and at the same time monitor what they are choosing for their meals.  At any time a parent can block certain options such as a la carte, where students can choose snack-type foods, cookies, ice cream , etc.  The program gives families the capability of choosing healthy options for their children. 
Links
Ankeny High School
NGA's "Healthy America" Initiative

Copyright © 2005  Eric M. Appleman/Democracy in Action.