New Albany Elementary School students enjoy Relay for Life field day

New Albany Elementary students enjoyed a day of fun and education while raising money for the American Cancer Society at the NAES Relay for Life Field Day on May 15, 2017.  This year the students and staff raised approximately $3,000.00.

NAES Relay for Life Field Day

“Field Day was a great time for us to bring together many of the components of Coordinated School Health that we work with throughout the school year,” said Tammie Reeder, School Health Coordinator.  “Health education, physical education, and family and community involvement are three very important components of Coordinated School Health that we were able to address during our annual Relay for Life Field Day.”

Students participated in several educational activities and fun events during the day-long NAES Relay for Life field day. Children learned health and safety information, played fun games, enjoyed snacks, and were entertained by fellow students during the annual talent show.

Representatives from local and state organizations were on hand to teach important concepts related to health and safety.  Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union County provided education related to summer safety.  The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers provided information regarding water safety.  School Resource Officer P.J. Doyle spoke to students about basic safety tips include “stranger danger”.  Health Rotation Assistant Teacher Carolyn Montgomery provided an education station and discussed the harmful effects of tobacco.

Students received bike helmets.

This year, the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation had representatives to present the “Brain Matters” program which focused on wearing helmets.  Each student received a free bike helmet through this presentation.

The closing program for the day honored cancer survivors who were special guests of NAES students.  The ceremony was dedicated to the memory of C.J. Garner, a student at NAES who lost his battle to cancer in August 2016.  His family were special guests during the ceremony and his second grade classmates sang a song in his memory.

“We appreciate all of the help we received from area agencies, our own NAES staff, as well as students and parents,” Reeder said.  “This day is a lot of fun and educational awareness that our students look forward to each year.”

Public Relations, District Test Coordinator, 21st CCLC Project Director