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Dear Parents,
It has come to our attention that a significant number of our students are coming to school in the morning with little or no breakfast. We have seen many of them on a regular basis mid-morning complaining about a headache, or stomachache. We have done our best to utilize our resources and provide the students with something more than saltine crackers. However, we as staff would really appreciate the support of the parents to help educate our students/your children on the importance of breakfast.
The consensus of many studies done around the country showed that “BREAKFAST IS THE MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY!” The studies showed that those who ate a reasonable breakfast on a daily basis lowered their risk of being overweight, developing blood-sugar problems or Diabetes, as well as high cholesterol and even developing heart problems.
In addition to the health benefits of eating breakfast, the studies also showed that kids who ate breakfast had better standardized test scores, behaved better, were less hyperactive, and were more likely to participate in physical activities.
“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for everyone. Many studies have found a relationship between eating breakfast and learning ability, attention span, and general well-being. The American Dietetic Association (www.eatright.org) reports that adults who eat breakfast have an easier time losing weight. Children who regularly eat breakfast think faster, clearer, solve problems more easily, and are less likely to be irritable.
Breakfast is important for all ages, not just children. Other studies point to a connection between skipping breakfast with weight gain and memory impairment in young and older adults.” (www.drdaveanddee.com)
Below is a list of optimal breakfast foods. Please review the list with your child and negotiate a way for him/her to eat breakfast either before school, or when he/she arrives at school.
Eggs
French toast, waffles, pancakes (wheat or whole grain)
Cold cereal and milk
Hot cereal (oatmeal, cream of wheat – try with fruit or nuts)
Whole-grain toast, bagel, or English muffin with cheese
Yogurt with fruit or nuts
Fruit smoothie
Breakfast Taco (shredded cheese melted on tortilla topped w/ salsa)
Fruit and Cream Cheese sandwich
Grilled Cheese sandwich
Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwich
Leftovers!!! (i.e. pizza)
If you have any questions regarding the information enclosed, or if the health office can be of any help, please do not hesitate to contact us at 526-4018.
Sincerely,
Jane Ragazzo, RN MEd
Melissa Gaherty, LNA
Last Modified on 12/1/2006 4:14:14 PM
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