Meridian Public Charter School

Dear Parents and Students,

It has come to my attention that children in the District of Columbia are at risk of serious health problems stemming from hunger, poor nutrition, inadequate physical activity, and environmental hazards in our community. Meanwhile, poor nutrition and lack of physical activity are the second leading causes of preventable death in D.C. We must act now to ensure the health and well-being of our children! The District of Columbia Healthy Schools Act is helping Meridian tackle these issues. This act means that students and schools will be afforded the following opportunities:

• Free breakfast – served at a time when students can access the most important meal of the day.

• Healthier lunches – with more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

• Local produce – fresh produce from area farms.

• Higher nutrition standards for food served in the cafeteria and snacks provided in classrooms– to help students eat healthy throughout the day.

• More opportunities for physical activity and health education – to help students develop lifelong habits for health.

• Increased health education — to help students learn how to stay safe and healthy.

• Greener school environments — more opportunities for school gardens, recycling, energy-reduction improvements, and enhanced lead water and paint testing.

• New local funding – in addition to federal reimbursements – for school meals and schools gardens

Parents and students, let’s take a stand to overcome these daunting issues. I encourage everyone to eat healthier, well-balanced meals and to exercise daily. For more information about healthier choices and the D.C. Healthy School Act, please visit http://dchealthyschools.org/

Sincerely,

Robinette Breedlove, Ed.D

Principal

Meridian Public Charter School