Foxborough's Model For Wellness

With the addition of the new YMCA wellness center in Foxborough High, Foxborough public schools are on a fast-track to becoming a "model for wellness" in the state.

Paula Quatromoni, associate professor of nutrition at Boston University and David Gibbs, consultant to Foxborough's wellness program, announced to the school committee a $25,000 Aetna Foundation Grant to support Foxborough's ongoing research and implementation of their wellness program for this year and next.

According to Quatromoni, the Aetna Grant will be used to "evaluate the impact of nutrition education curriculum on nutrition knowledge and personal food choice behaviors of students in grades 1-8."

To help track the progress of the wellness initiative, body mass index (BMI), physical fitness, academic scores and absenteeism will be routinely measured by the school.

Quatromoni attributed their progress made thus far to the YMCA and Stop & Shop, who initially provided a $5000 "healthy feature grant."

"The YMCA has been a blessing," said Quatromoni. "The community support from Foxborough to a researcher like myself has been overwhelming."

The health initiatives came with a policy change to make nutrition a forefront in Foxborough's wellness program. Classroom lessons are being devoted more to nutrition.

Students are now bringing home nutritional assignments, which are designed to get parents more involved.

"Putting the education into the child's head with the support of parents is where you get impact," said Debra L. Spinelli, assistant superintendent. 

"Nutrition is important, especially nowadays with children staying home indoors, rather than coming home and riding their bikes," said school committee member Martha Slattery.

The school committee questioned Quatromoni and Gibbs over the lack of a wellness curriculum at the High School level.

The committee was in agreement that although it is important to start nutrition education early; high school seniors who are leaving for college, and with the possibility of the "freshmen 15," should have the opportunity to learn about proper nutrition.

"Health/wellness should be in the High School as a requirement," said Spinelli. That curriculum should also include drug and alcohol prevention as well."

Quatromoni believes the program is unfunded, but is hopeful that the work and research that is essential for teaching students about health and wellness, will be accomplished.