WMSD's health and wellness program stands out

By Billy Woods

WM School District

The West Memphis elementary schools have continued to thrive in the areas of health and wellness.

The schools have qualified for the bronze membership for the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, funded by the Clinton Foundation, for physical education and nutrition.

And they adhere and follow all federal and state rules and regulations in accordance to the nutritional and physical activity standards.

"We are trying to sponsor activities that will benefit a healthy and more productive adult life style," said Jody Fenter, physical education coordinator for the West Memphis School District. "Each elementary campus has a walking trail for the students and teachers. We have walked several thousand miles per year. Each elementary also has their own jump rope club and at the end of each year we have a sixth-grade track meet held at the high school."

Fenter has also set up a local wellness committee, which is required by the state. It includes representatives from the WMSD administrative office, the board of education, the district's director of food service and all district school nurses.

The committee includes Jim Robb, Jodie Walls, Amber Madison, D'James Rogers, Darrin McCollum, Patricia Weaver, Carol Gean, Madison Walls, Meredith Perry, Pam Capps and Connie Woods.

Other programs the health and wellness covers include a hand-washing/personal hygiene program, personal trainer fitness, tobacco awareness, dental and yoga routines.

In the near future, all seven West Memphis elementarys will have gymnasiums.

"Our goal is that the physical education program will make an impact on our students for the rest of their lives," Fenter added.