Bear Valley Superintendent Named All-Star - Year 2012 (CA Dept of Education)

Bear Valley Superintendent Named All-Star - Year 2012 (CA Dept of Education):

State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Congratulates Bear Valley
Superintendent and District for Promoting Good Health and Nutrition

State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson

Supt. Kurt Madden to Run 100-Mile Endurance Challenge in South State

SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today recognized Bear Valley Unified School District Superintendent Kurt Madden for his commitment to promoting student health and fitness, calling him a "Team California for Healthy Kids All-Star."

Madden will run the 100-Mile Endurance Challenge  this weekend that starts in Corona in western Riverside County and ends on the Santa Monica Pier.

"Congratulations to Superintendent Madden for taking up the inspiring task of running the 100-Mile Endurance Challenge," said Torlakson. "When it comes to promoting student health and fitness, he's an all-star."

"This ultra-distance endurance event will be a true test of my character, tenacity, determination, and persistence to not only finish, but to finish strong," Madden said. "Furthermore, my primary objective is to inspire students and parents to engage in daily exercise and the consumption of healthy foods. We must make a healthy lifestyle a top priority to produce students who will be life-long learners and responsible global citizens."

Bear Valley Unified School District in San Bernardino County actively supports learning by helping students develop healthy habits. The District has a comprehensive Food and Nutrition Services  Web site that promotes proper nutrition and fitness at school and home, displays its school meal menus, and offers convenient online prepayment options for meals. Bear Valley is also in the process of implementing a Bike to School Program with local organizations and community members donating funds to purchase bikes for students.

Torlakson is a high school coach, an avid runner, and has long been a long-time champion for students' health. His Team California for Healthy Kids initiative promotes healthy eating, drinking plenty of water, being physically active every day in school and at home. Research confirms a clear connection between health, learning, and attendance. Healthy children are more successful in school, miss fewer days, are more attentive and well-behaved, and are more likely to graduate from high school and go to college. Healthy students are more likely to be positively engaged in social, community, and extra-curricular activities.

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Tom Torlakson — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5206, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100