A Texas First: Elementary School Receives Silver School Certification.

A dedicated principal and food service director, who share a similar philosophy about helping students, have combined efforts to put T.J. Lee Elementary School in a class by itself.

This fall, the Irving Independent School District elementary school became the first school in Texas to be recognized with the prestigious HealthierUS Schools Challenge Silver certification, presented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The school shares the award with the Irving ISD Food Service Department.

T.J. Lee Principal Maria Elena Coronado and Food Service Director Michael Rosenberger say their dedication comes from a belief that a healthy student is the most successful student.

"In our society today we have to really help students come to understand the importance of taking care of themselves," said Principal Coronado. "Many times it's not being taught at home."

Approximately 70 percent of the 765 students at T. J. Lee participate in the free and reduced price school meals program.

Rosenberger agrees that it's important to take a holistic approach to educating children and not just focus on the academics.

"The Irving school district is committed to the well-being of students from the superintendent on down," said Rosenberger. "We're always asking, what can we do to make things better?"

Under the USDA's HealthierUS School Challenge program, which encourages schools to take a leadership role in teaching students to make healthy lifestyle choices, schools have the opportunity to become certified as either a Silver or Gold School.

To qualify for the Silver School designation, Coronado and Rosenberger had to meet specific and stringent student health criteria, including a commitment to serve school lunches that meet enhanced nutrition standards. In addition, the school had to extensively document its dedication to student health and physical education. The entire application package for the Silver School award spans more than 50 pages of detailed information supporting the school's and district's commitment.

A noteworthy innovation created by Rosenberger is a program requiring cafeteria managers to make nutrition presentations to elementary students. The program not only benefits the students but increases the visibility and respect of the cafeteria managers, Rosenberger said.