Fit Kid/Fit Teen is Back!

By Dean Meyer

After a very successful 3 year program implementation period between 2006 to 2009, the Fit Kid/ Fit Teen is back in full swing serving grades K-8 at RVUSD. The program's curriculum was originally created by Dr. Styne of U.C. Davis Medical School to address a needed change in America's youth. The trend towards obesity, diabetes and heart disease has inspired this program and positive results have kept the program alive and thriving in Round Valley.

For 2011, the Fit Kid/Fit Teen Team is on campus Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week. There are several field trips planned. The Team will take the 8th graders out of town for a ropes course activity, upon graduation. The students in grades 5-8 will be treated to a Pizza Party at the North Fork Cafe, where the students will make their own pizzas. We will introduce the students to Dr. Styne, via a teleconference, as well.

In the classroom for 2011/2012 are;

Former professional bicycle racer Dean Meyer, a resident of Covelo for 10 years and with 4 years' experience implementing the original Fit Kid/FitTeen Program.

New for 2011 is Covelo Native and college basketball standout, Lucinda Gurrola, who brings in her athletic experiences to educate and inspire. We will also have Eddie Whipple, a long time coach and Covelo Native bringing in his expertise and wisdom for selected lessons.

Also, Rolinda Want, a Covelo Native will bring in her life story of recovery and coping with diabetes in her family. Preparing the healthy 'taste testers' for the students are Carol 'Moon' Francia and Tina Marrufo. They have a real knack of providing really healthy snacks that taste delicious! Each class begins with a lesson centered around fitness, nutrition, health, motivation and other topics. Each session includes a fun activity to get the kids out running and being active and concludes with a healthy "taste tester".

The Fit Kid/Fit Teen program is a collaborative effort between the Round Valley Indian Health Center, Round Valley Unified School District, National Institutes of Health, U.C. Davis, ADD Nutritional grant and the Community Foundation of Mendocino County.

The Team members are all so happy to feel the support of the Community, the teachers, students and administration in bringing this program back to our youth, here in Round Valley. The students have already demonstrated some very impressive understanding and retention from the classroom lessons and the year is just getting going! We are excited to be a part of the trend towards greater health and fitness in the lives of Covelo kids!!