Health and Wellness

A certified health and wellness instructor, Tanya Niwa, leads all teachers, Kindergarten through 6th grade in age-appropriate physical education based on the SPARK program. Students receive 150 minutes of physical education instruction each week. Each student attends two P.E. classes weekly, and each homeroom teacher also incorporates at least 50 minutes of P.E. into their weekly lessons. Movement instruction is incorporated into each student's weekly music lesson. In addition to physical education, Mrs. Niwa also leads nutrition classes for each student for 30 minutes a week.
SPARK (Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids) is a research-based, public health organization dedicated to creating, implementing, and evaluating programs that promote lifelong wellness.
www.sparkpe.org
Athletic shoes are mandatory on designated PE days in order to participate and receive a grade.
SPARK (Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids) is a research-based, public health organization dedicated to creating, implementing, and evaluating programs that promote lifelong wellness.
www.sparkpe.org
Athletic shoes are mandatory on designated PE days in order to participate and receive a grade.
Track and FielD
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Daily P.E. |
Mrs. Niwa leads 3rd-6th grade track teams that compete with other schools in the district. Kindergarteners participate in an annual field day.
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Many classes begin the day with a jog around the school field, and kindergarteners run/walk twice a day. Parents with special training often bring specialty fitness classes such as Zumba and Yoga to various classrooms.
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Nutrition ClasseS
Students in all grades attend a 30-minute nutrition class every other week led by certified health and wellness instructor, Tanya Niwa. Throughout the year, Mrs. Niwa enhances classes with guest speakers and parent volunteers.
Community GardenCVC’s community garden becomes part of the lessons when food is ready for harvesting, and students can learn about and taste fruits and vegetables. |
Healthy LuncheS
Students are encouraged to bring healthy lunches or select a variety from the cafeteria. Nutrition classes teach students to eat whole grains, protein, fruits and vegetables at each meal. Students are also encouraged to drink white milk for lunch and limit snacks. Cielo Vista Charter School is the only elementary in Palm Springs Unified School District to offer a full salad bar every day during each student lunch period.
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Healthy Celebrations |
Healthy Families
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Nutrition Counseling
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In accordance with the Palm Springs Unified School District Board of Education policy, CVC limits celebrations that involve food during the school day to no more that one party per class per month. Each party should include no more than one food or beverage that does not meet nutrition standards. For food-safety reasons, all items brought from home for class celebrations must be prepared in an approved commercial facility and pre-wrapped. Food prepared at home shall not be served in the class.
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Throughout the year, Mrs. Niwa coordinates and leads workshops for parents to learn about forming healthy habits as a family. During monthly “Character Counts” assemblies, which both students and parents attend, Mrs. Niwa shares encouraging tips and information about healthy lifestyles.
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Working with the school nurse, Mrs. Niwa offers one-on-one counseling for students struggling with weight issues. Together with families, a custom program is developed for students who seek this additional support.
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