This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
It is well documented that over the past two decades, the epidemic of childhood obesity has plagued the United States, with rates three times greater today. This condition is reflected in our own community. A recent report from the Harvard Institute of Global Health (HIGH) entitled, "Eight Americas: Investigating Mortality Disparities Across Races, Counties, and Race-Counties in the United States", our Martin County was identified as having the shortest lifespan of all counties in NC. Statistics from the Division of Public Health reveal that our diabetes rate is almost double the state average.
Consequently, I developed a model wellness program for students at Williamston Middle School. The program is called MATCH- Motivating Adolescents with Technology to Choose HEALTH. MATCH is a data driven, interdisciplinary approach to Student Wellness combining physical activity, nutrition education, and technology. Research-based components of MATCH include physical assessments, education, and fitness activities for successful management of weight control. Student's take personal responsibility through goal-setting, self-monitoring, and learn decision-making skills for “healthy choices”. Database and spreadsheet skills are taught and are continually reinforced as student's use “their data” from a variety of activities that provide motivation and make WELLNESS FUN!
The results from the program were phenomenal! The results were so positive that the East Carolina University Pediatric Healthy Weight Treatment and Research Center is partnering with me in writing a 3 year grant beginning in the 2008-2009 school year to expand my model into other schools. I have also been asked to present my program to the NC Legislature, (Educational Oversight Committee) as a possible program to implement statewide. However, this still leaves me with little money to work with this year, and I personally cannot afford to keep underwriting this program from my own pocket.
A major part of the program involves placing the responsibility on kids to manage their data through record keeping. Last year I had a few folders donated, but the students really need a small three ring binder with dividers to organize all their paperwork, reports,printouts, etc. I am seeking anyone with an interest in childhood obesity prevention to fund our students binders for the 2007-2008 school year. I will need approximate 140 sets to accommodate our seventh grade class. Williamston Middle School would greatly appreciate your help.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mr. H. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.