What We Do
The PTA sponsored Healthy Lifestyle Program at Matoaka Elementary School is committed to advocating health and wellness throughout the school. Operated by PTA volunteers, we offer programs and events that promote, educate and encourage good nutrition, physical activity and healthy behavior.
Birthday Book Club
Participation in the Birthday Book Club is a win-win for the celebrating student and all of Matoaka. Choose a lasting gift to the library which all students can enjoy. Complete this form and return to Mrs. McFarland in the Media Center: Birthday Book Club Form
Local Produce Initiative
In response to overwhelming interest from our School Lunch Survey, we partnered with WJCC Child Nutrition Services, SHIP, and Kelrae Farm to implement the Matoaka Local Produce Initiative. We feature locally grown produce on the lunch menu two Thursdays each month, and are often on hand to offer fresh produce samples and information about healthy eating.
- Learn More
- First Local Produce Day A Success!
- School Lunch Featured Fresh Asparagus
- Peppers and Potatoes
- Pepperpalooza
Healthy Lifestyles Week
We dedicate a full week in November to healthy events and activities including classroom cooking demonstrations, local produce tasting, “Fitness Minutes,” visits from the OrganWise Guys and more. On “Apple Day” every student receives an apple (donated by Turkey Knob Orchard) along with apple related school lunch and snack ideas!
Healthy Snack Initiative
In an effort to limit sugary treats at school celebrations, the Matoaka Healthy Snack Initiative was created. These guidelines call on parents, teachers and the PTA to be conscience of our message by offering healthier alternatives to cupcakes, cookies and candy whenever possible.
- Matoaka’s Healthy Snack Ideas Pinterest
- MES Healthy Recipe Guide (submitted by Matoaka families and students!)
- Healthy School Celebrations
- Valentines Day Alternatives
- Healthy Halloween Parties
Matoaka Healthy Lifestyles Recipe Pinterest
Looking for a healthy idea for your classroom holiday or birthday party? Or maybe you need a fun lunch or after school snack? Get some great ideas in our online Healthy School Recipe Guide which includes recipes submitted by our Matoaka students and families! You can also check out our Healthy School Lunch, Snacks & Celebrations Pinterest for more ideas.
- Matoaka’s Healthy Snack Ideas Pinterest
- MES Healthy Recipe Guide (submitted by Matoaka families and students!)
- Submit Your Recipe Here and we will include it on our website
- Send link to tfitz@hotmail.com if you would like to “pin” a recipe on our Pinterest
Golden Apple Awards
We are always on the lookout for those who are “caught being healthy” at school. Winners are presented with a Golden Apple Award, gift bag and visit from the school mascot. Previous honorees include parents who made healthy treats for class parties and teachers/staff who helped with everything from Running Clubs to Zumba classes.
Do you know someone who was “Caught Being Healthy”? Contact us! tfitz@hotmail.com or use our online Nomination Form.
Outreach
Matoaka’s Healthy Lifestyle Initiative has garnered the attention of county, state and even national organizations. We hope to further our reach in the community by sharing our know-how with other schools and PTA committees so that they too can adopt a healthy lifestyles program for their students, families and staff.
Matoaka’s Healthy Lifestyles Program Has Appeared in the following:
- WY Daily “Matoaka Parents Serve Locally Grown Produce”
- School Bites “Spotlight on Matoaka” and “Insider Secrets To Healthy School Food”
- Virginia Teacher Magazine “Lunch Room Renaissance”
- USDA “Partnering For Healthier Schools”
- Jamie Oliver Food Revolution “Williamsburg VA School Promotes Healthy Lifestyles”
- Michele Obama’s LetsMove.gov “PTA Leads The Way on Healthy Food in VA School”
- Virginia Gazette “Healthy Eating Takes Root At Matoaka”
Events & More
With the help of a dedicated staff, volunteers, students and parents, Matoaka and the PTA sponsor a variety of events focusing on wellness, fitness and healthy lifestyles including:
- Annual Walk A Thon
- 5k and Fun Run
- Family Fitness Night
- Jump Rope For Heart
- Staff Verses Parents Volleyball
- After School Clubs
- School Garden
Healthy Lifestyles Newsletters and Updates
Monthly updates are published in the Matoaka School Newsletter and online.
Volunteer Opportunities
The PTA and the Healthy Lifestyle Committee are in need of volunteers to help with our events and initiatives including events, chef demonstrations, produce sampling, planning & setup, etc.