Pavalock, Betts Promote ‘Healthier Schools’ Initiative

HARTFORD-State Reps. Whit Betts (R-Bristol) and Cara Pavalock (R-Bristol) supported a bill establishing a state Red Ribbon PASS Program which would recognize school districts that qualify as “highly performing” or “improving” physically active school systems (PASS).

Rep. Pavalock said, “With only 1 in 3 children physically active each day, we need to do more to educate our youth about the importance of physical health, as well as encourage them to engage in physical activity.  Schools in our community have an opportunity to help students become healthier and more active throughout the school day. With obesity rates on the rise, now more than ever, it is critical that we motivate students to get moving throughout their school day.”

Rep. Betts added, “Our community schools do a great job of working with the students to get them moving throughout the day. Through this program, those schools have the opportunity to be recognized for the great work that they are doing with the youth in inspiring them to make healthier choices. The Red Ribbon PASS Program also allows those schools who may be below standard in terms of encouraging physical activity, to have a benchmark on the standards they should be working to meet. The health and well-being of our children are of utmost priority, and that is why I strongly supported this program and the bill.”

According to studies 85% of school age children are kinesthetic learners, a learning style in which learning takes place by the students carrying out physical activities, rather than listening to a lecture or watching demonstrations.

Under the bill, state Department of Education must (1) develop or adopt existing standards to use to recognize school districts under the Red Ribbon PASS Program and (2) make information about the program available on the department’s website.

The bill allows local or regional boards of education to request Red Ribbon PASS Program recognition by providing SDE with (1) the school district’s results on the Connecticut physical fitness assessment and (2) a demonstration of the district’s satisfaction of PASS standards.

The bill was unanimously passed by the State House of Representatives and now moves to the State Senate for final legislative approval.

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