| Too much junk food in our schools
In answer to concerns that we're raising a generation of fatsos, the feds now require schools to draft so-called "wellness plans." Check with your local district. You'll likely find that, as of July 1, school administrators are promising to offer lower-fat school lunches and provide more opportunities for exercise. For instance, the area's largest district, Shawnee Mission, is finally getting rid of the soda pop in the middle schools and high schools. The vending machines will stay, spokeswoman Leigh Anne Neal told me, but the new agreement with Coke stipulates that the machines contain only bottled water, sports drinks and fruit juices. It's a step in the right direction that some other districts are also taking. Yeah, but don't fool yourself.
North York
Wednesday, Aug. 29 THE JAPANESE CANADIAN Cultural Centre holds encore moving screening of The Cats of Mirikitani, 7 p.m., Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, 6 Garamond Cr., $8. Call 416-441-2345. Sunday, Sept. 2 FEEL THE CONNECTION, a multicultural show featuring art, music, dance and poetry from around the world that helps highlight the similarities within different ethnic groups, Yorkwoods Library Theatre, 1785 Finch Ave., W., 6 p.m. Tickets $10, e-mail dkanthan@celestica.com or janani.srikantha@gmail.com for details. NORTH YORK SENIOR Walkers, Etienne Brule Park, 9 a.m., Jane and Bloor streets. Visit www.northyorkseniorwalkers.com for maps and directions or call 416-241-2932. FAMILY FEST AT Downsview Park, co-sponsored by the Family Channel, noon to 8 p.m., features musical talent, games and rides, food vendors and exhibits.
A retreat from treats at class parties
When one of Kassia Autin's classmates had a birthday party at Campbell School in Metuchen, she had to be cautious about treats brought from home because of her severe peanut allergy. As a result, when her father learned the school was considering an end to such classroom celebrations, he jumped on board with the plan. "It's a great idea and the principal should be commended," Seth Autin said. "He's closing the gap on all of the possible ways" that pupils with allergies may be affected. Campbell School parents were sent a survey in mid-August asking if classroom birthday celebrations should be eliminated. Principal Robert Gugliara said he would personally mark pupil birthdays dur ing lunch sessions and present each child with a gift. "Getting recognized in front of a cafeteria full of kids is cute and it's important," he said.
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And its new principal Brian Baudoin hopes to encourage his students to keep growing. Previously, Baudoin served as assistant principal and principal of Hyattsville Elementary. His goals for Tulip Grove are to maintain the high academic standards and achievements at the school, encourage parental involvement, and focus on the upkeep of the school building. ‘‘From a professional standpoint, I was really excited to be part of that culture of success," Baudoin said of his new position. Baudoin has already met with representatives from Tulip Grove’s PTA and said he is looking forward to meeting all the Tulip Grove parents. ‘‘Parental involvement, as I look at it, is the lifeblood of any school," Baudoin said. He also plans to focus on maintenance of the 45-year-old building.
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