Namaste Charter School to use physical fitness and nutrition in childhood obesity prevention

At a time when the nation is focused on solving the problem of childhood obesity within a generation, and when school lunch revolutions are in full force - an inner city school in Chicago has found a winning formula. Namaste Charter School has a unique mission to use physical fitness and nutrition as avenues to reach higher student achievement, and this dedication to both academics and personal health has resulted in national recognition and a new, larger permanent home.

“We are thrilled to unveil our newly renovated building that will make it possible for us to serve even more of Chicago's southwest side children and families”

"We are thrilled to unveil our newly renovated building that will make it possible for us to serve even more of Chicago's southwest side children and families," said Allison Slade, founding principal of Namaste Charter School (which takes its name from the popular yoga greeting my inner light salutes your inner light). "We are happy to be even better equipped to serve these kids here in Chicago, and we're extremely excited about the recognition we've received throughout the country as a national model for healthier schools."

Today's ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new facility - a full renovation of the school's existing 100-year-old building and the construction of a 13,000 square foot addition - marks another milestone for Namaste Charter School. The McKinley Park School, founded in 2004, is a living embodiment of the vision outlined by First Lady Michelle Obama and the "Let's Move" campaign.

"We are proud of our accomplishments and hope to make it easier for other schools to learn about our activities at Namaste," said Slade, who announced the new Healthy Schools Forum that will serve as an online community for schools who are committed to creating healthier environments. (Visit www.Facebook.com/NamasteCharterSchool.)

"We want to help build a community where all schools can share best practices."

A Unique Philosophy From the Start

Namaste was truly ahead of its time with the concentrated attention on nutrition and physical activity, which is integrated into the curriculum. Students receive 60 minutes of P.E. each day, including a weekly 2.2-mile hike to a local park. They also start each morning with yoga, get a daily 25 minutes of recess and will now have a fitness center with weight machines, treadmills and elliptical machines in the new building.

Nutrition is taught in the classrooms and brought to life in the cafeteria - with a salad bar each day to increase consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, tasting parties for students and comprehensive family wellness programming to help families adopt Namaste ideals at home.

In June, Namaste received a national Healthy Schools Program award from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, founded by the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation. The group recognized Namaste for its innovative efforts to combat childhood obesity.

Namaste has been participating in an ongoing research program with the nationally recognized group CLOCC - Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children. Namaste students' Body Mass Index (BMI) levels continue to fall or remain steady, even though increased BMI levels are usually encountered when children enter school-age, as they typically become more sedentary.

Beyond health parameters, Namaste students continue to outperform their Chicago Public School peers on a variety of academic measures. In 2009, Namaste students bested the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) district average by 15 percentage points; 83% of Namaste students met or exceeded state standards.

Namaste's Winning Formula

By breaking down the barriers to good health and improving opportunities for high academic achievement, Namaste Charter School helps each and every student reach his or her true potential.

• Families Matter: Namaste families know they are valued and welcome in the school through purposeful school programming that includes an on-site Family Center with lending library, regular educational workshops, a weekly Friday Family Breakfast program, and ongoing family fitness nights.
• Neighborhood Support: Namaste works closely with several local businesses to offer fitness programs and healthy options to families in and out of the school environment.
• Focus on Food: Namaste's curriculum helps students understand food from day one, and healthy breakfast and lunch program has served as a model for salad bar creation at over 30 other Chicago Public Schools.
• Active Advantage: Namaste's physical education program includes 60 minutes of physical education each day with an emphasis on developing health-related fitness, physical competence and cognitive understanding about physical activity.
• A Peaceful Environment: Namaste's commitment to holistic education places a strong emphasis on peaceful school culture and this focus shapes other schools' program development. Namaste's "Peaceful People" conflict resolution program was highlighted as one of the six best charter school innovations (INCS' Charter Up! Award, 2009).

The elementary school will be expanding to a full K - 8^th grade school by fall 2012. It currently serves 360 students from kindergarten to 6^th grade.