Fit Family Task Force Project - Rockford Public Schools
Fit Family Task Force Project - Rockford Public Schools
Fit Family Task Force Project - Rockford Public Schools
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
The philosophy of education of the Montessori School is very compatible with<br />
the philosophy of the Food is Elementary curriculum which is hands-on and<br />
sensory-based.<br />
In addition, to further advance the program, the Discovery Center Museum in<br />
<strong>Rockford</strong>, whose mission is to: “create opportunities for joyful learning and<br />
discovery through hands-on experiences in science and art” 3 was asked to<br />
participate. The Discover Center Museum has a partnership with five public<br />
after-school programs serving approximately 550 at-risk students in the <strong>Rockford</strong><br />
district in which they want to use the FIE curriculum as a means to offer<br />
healthier snacks to students while teaching them about food and nutrition.<br />
The pilot was planned and funded during the summer of 2007. The generous<br />
support of <strong>Rockford</strong>-based Community Organizations and individuals made this<br />
project possible and they are owed tremendous thanks. 4 During the pilot year Dr.<br />
Demas conducted an initial training of Montessori and Discovery Center teachers<br />
that took place on August 24 and 25, 2007, at the Montessori school prior to the<br />
start of school. A plan was put into place to document the pilot project that all<br />
participants agreed to. The design of this study is a participatory research model<br />
in which the key players have input during the planning and implementation of<br />
the study design. This ensures buy-in from the stakeholders given the real-life<br />
issues concerning the dynamic nature and sometime unpredictable situations<br />
that public schools often face.<br />
The Montessori school serves a primarily at-risk population of approximately<br />
350 students, pre-K to 6 th grade. The ethnic make-up of the school is<br />
approximately 44% White, 36% Black, 11% Hispanic, 8% Multi-racial, 2% Asian,<br />
3 Discovery Center website: http://www.discoverycentermuseum.org/about/index.php<br />
4 We gratefully acknowledge the generous contributions of the funding organizations and individuals who<br />
made this project possible. They are list on page 3 of this report.
Change language