Reading, writing and arithmetic used to be the three core subjects for school students. Health education can be added to that list.
The ability to sustain a healthy lifestyle is more important than ever, especially for students. Students are being taught healthy habits that can stay with them after they graduate.
Several local school districts have taken the improvement of physical fitness to the next level.
Northville Central School District is home to a variety of healthy activities that help keep its students fit.
Todd Lerke has only been the food service manager for four months but is hardly new to the food business. Lerke has been cooking for more than 20 years and has been the manager at numerous restaurants.
"I left cooking to become a warehouse worker," Lerke said. "No offense to them-but that's just not me."
Lerke took the job at Northville and has turned the cafeteria into his own personal restaurant.
The instant mashed potatoes have been traded in for fresh potatoes from Antonucci's Produce in Gloversville. Lerke arrives at work at 5 a.m. to peel and mash those potatoes.
"I've been cooking for over 20 years and I don't even know what's in the package," Lerke said.
He buys fresh chicken and makes his own hot sauce for buffalo chicken pizza. Lerke scrambles over 60 dozen fresh eggs a week, and switched regular potato chips with the baked version. Ice cream was replaced by yogurt, hot dogs by turkey dogs and regular bread by wheat bread. He has made the students pancakes with fresh blueberries, apple crisp, salad - without packaged lettuce - with his homemade croutons, French toast and all types of sandwiches with spinach and tomato wraps.
"I've brought a restaurant mentality into a cafeteria," Lerke said.
While substituting some foods with healthier and better tasting items, he's managed to save the district money.
"I've actually saved money shopping for the new items," Lerke said. "It's all about the kids. This will probably be the healthiest meal they eat all day."
Diane Niznik is a physical education teacher at Northville and says she stresses the importance of exercise and health each day to her students.
"Physical education is the only way kids can stay physically fit," she said.
Niznik noted the importance fitness can have mentally.
"Without fitness it makes it tough for students to learn to the best of their abilities," Niznik said.
Stephen Tomlinson, superintendent of the Broadalbin-Perth Central School?District, said the school has taken actions in the cafeteria and in after-school programs. He said the vending machines in the school district do not offer any carbonated sodas. They are strictly stocked with milk, water and an assortment of juices.
"Child obesity is an epidemic in our country," Tomlinson said. "And we're doing the best we can to fix that."
He said the district offers numerous after-school activities, and their fitness center is open until 3 p.m. everyday.
"If kids are not physically healthy, they cannot be at the top of their game academically," Tomlinson said.
James Robare, athletic director of the Greater Johnstown School District, said the activities vary in the gym classes based on grade level. Robare said the gym classes intend to keep the students' heart rates up and to keep them in shape.
Robare believes that exercise not only establishes a high self-esteem, it also releases stress.
"That's why I think people are up at 6 a.m. working out at the gym," he said.
Joel DiTata can be reached by e-mail at ruralnews@leaderherald.com
