I am my student's second mother

I work at Admiral King High School. Most of my students have parents that are not part of their daily lives. Even though topics such as obesity and shots do not fall under my contract that I have with Lorain city schools, I still find it my duty to play the role as their second mother. The presentation that I am going to focus in on is Amanda's with the topic of obesity.

It seems that schools are not looking at the whole picture when making their decisions on food and drink orders. Schools are more so looking at how to cut costs rather than the health of our students.

Also, Admiral King's families are economically disadvantaged. Not only are the students eating the unhealthy food at school, but they are also eating it at home as well due to the family's low income. These families cannot afford food that is healthy or organic because it is high in price. Families, on the other hand, can afford Ramon Noodles at 10 cents a box or macaroni and cheese at 40 cents a box.

Because of 0ur students home status I feel it is the schools responsibility to take as much care of the health of our students as we can while they are in our presence. I feel that the school needs to start making healthier decision to promote a better life style for each of our students. We need to stop the sausage, egg and cheese biscuit meal, the pop tarts, chocolate chip jumbo size muffins and replace them with English muffins, fruit and whole grain cereal. We need to get rid of all pop machines in the school and replace them with 100% juice, water and tea. We need to start making healthier lunches for our kids; only allow healthy choices to be available. Here at King, my students come back from the lunch room with chicken wings, french fries and mozzarella sticks. The students will each whatever there is available. If we make only healthy decisions available then they will have no other option but to each these choices.

I also believe it is our duty to make exercise mandatory for all students at least three times a week for thirty minutes.These exercise times can be worked into classroom lessons. By just having students go on a walk around the school or make gym a year round class for every students, it will help decrease the obesity rate in our school.

Because it is us teachers that are our students everyday role models, we must set a standard for their health. We must take control if not in the building at least in our classrooms. After listening to Amanda speak, I have stopped all pop from entering my classroom. Candy or treats are no longer permitted inside my classroom as well. It is our duty to be their second mother or father and set a healthier standard way of living then what they are now.