In This Issue

• HSC News: Support Full and Fair School Funding
• Program Updates: HSC Launches Plan to Combat Obesity in Chicago Schools
• Legislative Updates: Illinois House Passes Green Clean Schools Bill
• Recent Blog Entries: Toilet Seats Lead to Chemical Burns -- Ouch!

HSC News

Support Full and Fair School Funding

HSC is working with A+ Illinois, the state's leading advocate for improved school funding and quality, to support the changes that will lead to comprehensive funding reform.

You can show your support by signing the A+ Illinois petition for real reform.

Without full and fair funding, schools often make cuts to operations budgets, leaving buildings with problems such as poor indoor air quality and toxic mold. Inadequately funded schools must often turn to alternative revenue sources -- sources that don't support students' health -- for basic supplies, such as using vending machine profits to pay for textbooks.

"If we require children to attend school, we have a responsibility to provide a healthy school environment where they can learn without getting sick," said HSC Executive Director Rochelle Davis.

Support comprehensive funding reform so all children can attend schools that support their health and academic success. Sign the A+ Illinois petition today.

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HSC Lunch & Learn Series Kicks Off Thursday, March 29

HSC is launching our Lunch & Learn series in 2007 with lively programs on hot topics concerning healthy school environments. Hear from local and national experts while enjoying a top-notch lunch and connecting with others who care about school health -- all during your lunch hour!

Thursday, March 29: Making Your School Building Healthy and Efficient
Space is still available: Register »

Wednesday, May 16: International Perspectives on Childhood Obesity & School Food (DuPage) | Register »

Thursday, May 24: International Perspectives on Childhood Obesity & School Food (Chicago) | Register »

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Run for Healthy Schools!

HSC invites all running enthusiasts to join the HSC team running The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon on Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007.

Not a runner? We also need friends to support the team and to volunteer on race day! You or your company or organization can also make a contribution or sign on as a sponsor.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, one of the greatest marathons in the world.

Questions? Interested in sponsorship? Email Cheryl Kaplan or 312.419.1810.

Program Updates

HSC Launches Plan to Combat Obesity in Chicago Schools

Children practice yoga poses during physical education class at Namaste Charter School, one of the schools working with HSC on school wellness.

HSC is pleased to announce the launch of our holistic, school-based plan to combat childhood obesity in Chicago.

The plan includes specific programs connecting community groups, parents, charter schools, students and local farms.

HSC’s strategy integrates the work of programs such as Parents United for Healthy Schools/Padres Unidos Para Escuelas Saludables, which provides parents with the knowledge and skills they need to advocate for school and district environments that promote healthy lifestyles; and the Charter School Food Collaborative, which is pioneering new ways of delivering school food.

Read our press release to learn more »

Legislative Updates

Illinois House Passes Green Clean Schools Bill

The Green Clean Schools Act, (HB 898) sailed through the Illinois House by a vote of 88-26 on March 21. The bill requires all elementary and secondary schools in Illinois to purchase only environmentally sensitive cleaning supplies. Press release »

School nurses, educators, and cleaning professionals across the state contacted their representatives to ask them to support this bill. We know of a number of personal phone calls that directly led to a representative signing on in support. We're delighted with the bill's progress and we're working with Senate leaders to introduce a Senate version.

Plus: Add your comments to Deputy Director Mark Bishop's blog entry on the Green Clean Schools Act »

Senate Committee Approves Bill Promoting Healthy Schools

The Illinois Senate Education Committee on March 7 voted 8-2 in favor of the Energy Efficient School Construction Act (SB 505), bringing it closer to presentation in the full state Senate. This bill would give schools greater incentive to make healthy, energy-efficient building choices. Press release »

Recent Blog Entries

HSC's staff experts discuss news stories and new developments every week at the HSC Blog. Stop by and leave a question or comment. And while you're there, enter your email address for automatic delivery on days when a new blog entry has been posted.

Here's a look at some of our recent posts:

Exercise: Good for the Brain as Well as the Heart | by Jean Saunders
When I put down Mary Carmichael's Newsweek article, "Exercise and the Brain," I stopped what I was doing (the dishes!) and insisted my family join me for an after-dinner walk ... Read more »

Toilet Seats Lead to Chemical Burns --Ouch! | by Claris Olson
When we talk about the health benefits of green cleaning, we usually talk about minimizing exposures to harmful chemicals that can injure custodial staff and exacerbate indoor air quality that contributes to asthma ... Read more »

Imagine Fresh, Locally Grown Food Served in Schools | by Rochelle Davis
We are realists, and we know a multitude of barriers must be dealt with before we can reasonably expect that school lunches will include locally grown fruits and vegetables. For starters, the reimbursement rate ... Read more »

Celebrity Power! | by Rochelle Davis
Last week we heard about two celebrities adding their voices to the fight to create school settings that promote healthy eating and active lifestyles ... Read more »

View all blog entries »

"People have this perception that you've got to buy a hybrid car and build a solar system on your house in order to be green. You don't. You can do some things that are way more efficient just by monitoring how you use your energy."
-Sadhu Johnston, commissioner of the Department of Environment for the city of Chicago, quoted in Chicago Tribune March 15, 2007

HSC Calendar

March 29 | Lunch & Learn: Making Your School Building Healthy & Efficient | More

April 24 & May 14 | Healthy, High-Performance Schools: Training for Design Professionals | More

May 16 & 24 | Lunch & Learn: International Perspectives on Childhood Obesity & School Food | More

View all events »

Fox Chicago News at Nine
Chicago Schools Helping Students Battle Obesity | More

Chi-Town Daily News (Medill News Service)
Chicago Parents Get Serious About Childhood Obesity | More

View all coverage »

Events & Resources

Health and Safety for Art Educators
March 29, Carbondale
For grade 7-12 art teachers; learn about hazards associated with art materials, proper storage and disposal methods, and alternative materials | More

School Chemical Cleanout Campaign Tool Kit
Web-based tool kit helps schools start chemical management program | More

Green Youth Awards
Deadline: April 6
This award recognizes outstanding efforts of youth in Illinois who are working on environmental projects | More

Outstanding High School Environmental Club Awards
The Illinois Recycling Association seeks nominations for this $500 award | More

Achievement in Environmental Justice Award
Deadline: March 31
EPA requests nominations for award that will recognize industry organizations for achievement in addressing environmental justice issues | More (PDF)

Illinois HealthierUS School Challenge Competitive Mini-Grants
Grants of up to $2,500 to help Illinois elementary schools/districts work toward Silver or Gold School designation in the HealthierUS School Challenge | More (PDF)

Captain Planet Foundation Grants
Grants of $250-$2,500 for hands-on environmental projects involving children and young adults | More

Rain Garden Initiative Grant
$500 grant to plant rain gardens, for schools and public organizations in Illinois | More

Sign up for HSC's monthly newsletter and action alerts »