Health and Wellness
Program Overview:
A key component of the mission of Nelson Mandela Elementary is to make sure scholars grow physically and emotionally as well as academically. The Mandela Health and Wellness program strives to make sure our scholars are active, eating healthy, and learning how to take care of their bodies. Learn more about some of those programs below.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (FFVP)
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As listed on the USDA Food and Nutrition Service Website:
The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) is an important tool in our efforts to combat childhood obesity. The program has been successful in introducing elementary school children to a variety of produce that they otherwise might not have the opportunity to sample. The various partnerships that FNS and state agencies have developed in the public and private sectors, as well as the dedicated work of school administrators, have contributed to the overall success and acceptance of the program. FFVP is consistent with and supports the Health and Medicine Division (HMD) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s recommendations to provide healthier snack choices in schools.
Physical Education and Health
The physical education classes at Mandela provide an opportunity for scholars to experience play while practicing physical fitness. As scholars learn group-based games and activities, they also build skills in collaboration, teamwork, and fairness.
Scholars also have weekly health classes that cover topics like hygiene, nutrition, and physical and mental wellness.
Human Growth and Development is taught by a certified school nurse. We use Puberty: The Wonder Years. “It is a digital curriculum that provides teacher-friendly lesson plans, scripts, training, and resources that make it easy to teach scholars and build support from their parents and caregivers.”
Sample Health Lesson
2024-2025 PE Schedule
2024-2025 Recess Schedule
Social Emotional Learning
Harmony Curriculum
According to the Harmony Curriculum website:
“The Harmony Curriculum offers social and emotional learning for whole-child success. Guided by the latest research in social and emotional development, our program equips educators with on-demand, comprehensive classroom resources that support healthy relationships, promote diversity and inclusion, and encourage enthusiastic and engaged learning that can ignite positive lifelong outcomes.”
https://harmony-academy.org/harmony-curriculum/
Sample SEL Lesson
Greenhouse Initiative
Nelson Mandela Elementary was selected as one of 10 organizations to receive the Children’s Community Grant. Mandela will partner with Children’s to implement strategies aimed at addressing food security by building a greenhouse on their campus. The greenhouse was constructed in the summer of 2024. It is anticipated to be ready for use by fall 2024. It will be used to teach scholars year round, and it will offer families and community members classes on how to grow and sustain fruits & vegetables.
Family Resources
Important Documents for Families Regarding Health and Wellness
Nebraska Healthy Schools Program
The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) Healthy Schools program works collaboratively with Nebraska schools to support the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model, a program that includes resources and support for the individual, family, school and the community. Learn more about the program here. Check out our school Wellness Policy below, as well as the results of our most recent triennial assessment.
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