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Overview of Student Health Program
 Study after study proves what educators have long believed to be true: when children’s exercise, health and fitness needs are met, they have the cognitive energy to learn and achieve. Given the growing epidemic of obesity and the link between physical activity and academic performance, with the help of funding from both the Parkview and St. Joseph Community Foundations, we work together to make quality daily physical and health education a priority in our schools. We do this at an early age to give children more opportunities to be physically active today, tomorrow and in the future.
Prevention at the preschool level, says U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson, is the key to fighting cardiovascular disease, cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and other chronic diseases – and helping students increase physical activity and awareness of health education are two (2) ways to put prevention into action. While a majority of school leaders agree that students’ level of health education and physical activity is important, for most, the issue is a low priority compared to other concerns such as student achievement, teacher quality, school safety, alcohol and drug prevention and school budgets. Children who participate in a school health and fitness program exhibit better attendance, a more positive attitude to school, and superior academic performance.
 Offering a comprehensive school health program at such an early age has a lasting and healthy effect. Providing such a program for students, families and staff that benefit all to a healthier and active lifestyle – GOOD START, GROW SMART!
With funding from Arts United and Foellinger Foundation, MLK is able to offer weekly dance classes. Each week children either have a Hip-Hop class with SheeKriStyle Academy of Dance or movement exploration with the Fort Wayne Dance Collective.
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