FSUS PTSA

Health & Safety Committee

GARDEN CLUB - The FALL Garden Club members just completed Phase 2 harvest last week! In October the garden was prepared and the kids planted a variety or winter, root vegetables to grow through the cold season. We also planted some lettuces which were harvested before the winter break. At the first harvest, the kids also picked radishes and onions and we prepared salads which they tested and proudly ate. It was enriching to see the kids discover that their hard work paid off in a delicious and healthy treat. In the second harvest, we picked more ripe vegetables and herbs that we donated to The Shelter Kitchen, a local homeless shelter in downtown Tallahassee that serves dinner to the homeless community seven nights a week. This is our contribution to our local metro community.

There will be one more harvest in a couple weeks when our cabbages are ripe. Each child will be able to take home a green or red cabbage that their family can prepare together. A recipe list will accompany their harvest so the family can work together to make a delicious side or main dish. Our hope is the kids will partake in this recipe because they actually planted and cared for it.

We will be opening registration for the Spring Garden Club in the coming month. The Spring Garden club will produce another bounty of vegetables that our kids can test. However, our intent is to start a new tradition in that on the Friday of each harvest week the Garden Club members will be gathering vegetables for our own needful student families to distribute through our new FSUS Food Pantry. We will work in conjunction with the Student Outreach committee to see that our families can be offered these fresh vegetables along with the available staple items. This is our contribution to our own school community.

Come one, come all to the Annual Bike Rodeo!  The Bike Rodeo will take place on Thursday, October 22nd  from 3:00-5:00 pm, on the outdoor basketball courts (behind the gym.)

This event is open to all students. Refreshments will be provided and giveaways for all participants. The FSUS Police Department and the FSUS Varsity Track Team will be assisting students through obstacles courses where they will learn to recognize and avoid road hazards. 

No pre-registration necessary.  Just come on Thursday with your bike and helmet, or use our convenient bike drop-off on the October 21st.  Kids can have fun while also learning about bike safety.

Questions? Volunteers? Donations?
Contact Miss Robin (robinspillias@embarqmail.com).

Signup for the Fall Garden Club starts today through October 2nd, 2009, for kids kindergarten through fifth grade. Middle School students may register as “Garden Buddies” to mentor the kids and assist the adult volunteers. On Friday, October 2nd,  3-4 p.m., join us for a Garden Club Kick-Off Meeting at the garden for those who have signed up or are interested to learn about the Garden Club.

Kids, parents and teachers can meet fellow gardeners and Garden Buddies, and give input on plans for the Fall garden. Planting will begin Monday October 5th, weather permitting.  This project will allow about 20 children to learn how to grow fruits and vegetables from the ground up.  Parents confirmed last year, that the project led their kids to eat and love vegetables they otherwise would have never tried, and also acquaints them with biology, nutrition, math, pest management and other science concepts. Fall crops may include lettuces, herbs, peas, kale, and broccoli. 

Parent and grandparent volunteers are always needed.  Anyone who is able to spend about an hour a week after school from 3:00 - 3:45 pm, helping the kids with gardening are encouraged to “roll up their sleeves!” Your commitment is to fulfill at least four of the eight weeks of the fall garden session.  

Everyone sign-up here!. Questions? Input? Please e-mail Robin Spillias (robinspillias@embarqmail.com)

Come one, come all to the Annual Bike Rodeo!  The long awaited rescheduled Bike Rodeo will take place on Thursday, February 26th from 3:00-5:00 pm, on the outdoor basketball courts (behind the gym.)

This event is open to all students.  No pre-registration necessary.  Just come on Thursday with your bikes and have fun while also learning about bike safety.  Refreshments will be provided.

If you would like to help out with the rodeo, sign up here to volunteer.  If you have further questions, you may contact Pro Hruda for more information.

In addition, an encore performance has been scheduled for Monday, February 2nd at 6:30 pm. Tickets for all three performances may be purchase at the door.

Beginning on October 13th, Linda Searight, Lunchroom Manager, will be introducing the “Eat Your Colors” Program during lunchtime.  Students will be encouraged to eat a variety of colors of foods, which represents a healthier diet.  Students will be given punch cards in order to track if they are choosing a variety of different foods.

Volunteers are needed Monday, October 13th - Thursday, October 16th from 9:50 - 11:50 am to help punch the students’ punch cards. (Volunteers can sign up for one or two hour shifts on each day)

To sign up to volunteer, click here.
For more information, e-mail Linda Searight, Lunchroom Manager.

The PTSA’s healthy snack initiative has produced tangible results, with school concession stands now featuring an array of healthier alternatives such as fresh fruit and baked chips to their customers.  Last year, the cafeteria and after school program showed a significant nutritional improvement in complying with the school’s Wellness Policy adopted in 2006, while most concession stands lagged behind.  This year, however, concession stands have added many healthier items as called for in the Policy.  Sincere thanks go out to Mr. Trafford,   Athletic Director Mike Hickman and the booster organizations for working with the PTSA to make this project a reality.

The PTSA’s suggestions to gradually strengthen the nutritional requirements in the Wellness Policy were presented to the school Board of Directors in September, and referred to the  policy committee for further review.

Danni Vogt
Chair, Health & Safety Committee

The PTSA and FSU’s Police Dept. are sponsoring a Bike Rodeo on Monday, October 20th. The Rodeo begins at 3:00 pm behind the gym at the outside basketball courts and will run until about 5:00 pm. Participants will be taught safe cycling habits, how to recognize and  avoid road hazards, and how to recognize a well-maintained bicycle.  Refreshments will be provided.  No pre-registration is necessary, just show up with your bikes and helmets.

If you would like to volunteer to help out with the rodeo or for more information,  e-mail  Pro Hruda or call him at 524-4851.

Come out for an afternoon of fun! .

Signup for the Fall Garden Club is complete and planting will begin Monday October 6th, weather permitting.  Crop will include peas, lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, radishes and collard greens, among other things.  Hopefully, the kids will produce a good harvest for the holidays.  The kids will also maintain a butterfly garden planted last year near the gazebo.

Parent volunteers are still needed for this project.  Anyone who is able to spend one hour a week after school from 2:45-3:45 pm,  helping the kids with gardening,  can sign up here.  If you have further questions, please e-mail Danni Vogt or call him at 877-5641.

Healthy Snacks

Increasing the likelihood our children will get something healthy to eat at school food outlets remains one of the primary goals of the Health & Safety Committee this year.  I will appear before the Florida High Board of Directors at its September meeting to argue for increased enforcement of the 2006 school Wellness Policy, and work with the administration to make this goal a reality.

If you would like to see a copy of the  2007-2008 Florida High Nutrition Survey Report, please contact me.

Danni Vogt
Health & Safety Chair