When Janine Kempker became principal of Anthony Elementary School in Leavenworth six years ago, she observed:  “At lunch, kids weren’t really eating at all. Sometimes it seemed more food landed on the floor than anywhere else. Dessert disappeared while milk cartons sat untouched,” Kempker says.

Recess seemed to create conflict, not eliminate extra energy. Not only was discipline an issue throughout the school, but students were also performing below grade level.

“I taught at Anthony prior to becoming the school’s principal. I knew it was bad in my class, but then I discovered it was bad in everyone’s classroom,” Kempker says. “And it was my job to do something about it.”

“Leavenworth shares the challenges of many urban districts,” Kempker says. “Eighty-three percent of students are at or near the poverty level. Many of our kids start kindergarten not knowing how to hold a book, read from left to right, or write their names.”

As Kempker assumed responsibility for the school, she was concerned about her students’ health, their discipline and their ability to learn. Several questions began to form, “Why is P.E. a success and recess not; why do we penalize kids by taking away recess, and, just because we’ve done lunch this way for generations, is it really working for us?” At the same time Kempker began reading about the importance of building relationships with students who are living in poverty.

“Eat, Exercise, Excel” (EEE)
The first grant awarded to Anthony Elementary School by the Sunflower Foundation, May 20, 2003

After trying everything from anti-bully programs to character development courses, not only was Kempker ready to try anything, so was the staff. She created a proposal for a program that uses what she deems “common sense goals”.

Cafeteria lunch was eliminated and replaced with lunch in the classroom, delivered on trays, with the teacher present. The goal was to build a relationship between students and teachers, while using the time to talk about nutrition and bring structure to mealtime. Teachers agreed to reschedule their normal lunchtime planning period, and today are the program’s strongest supporters. Recess was replaced with “structured activity”, guaranteeing 45 minutes of daily exercise. Water bottles were provided for every student. And, with parental permission, RDA multi-vitamin supplements were provided.

The results of the program have been startling. Disciplinary referrals decreased by 95 percent from one year to the next. Parental involvement increased. Teacher and staff morale is higher, with turnover reduced. But perhaps the most dramatic improvements have been made in academics. The school reports that only 32.4 percent of fifth graders were at or above grade level in reading and math before EEE began. Now, the 72.7 percent of fifth graders who began first grade the year EEE was implemented are at or above grade level in both reading and math.

Why does Eat, Exercise, Excel work?

“Our kids are physically, mentally and emotionally ready to learn,” says Kempker. “The body is prepared to learn due to improved nutrition and hydration. The mind is better prepared to learn due to physical exercise. The soul is better prepared for learning because students feel safe and have built positive relationships with fellow students and their teachers.”

After three years and some bumps in the road, “Eat, Exercise, Excel” is now being accepted by the school district, which assumed funding for the 2007-2008 school year. “It is possible to restructure the school day, and change how the school does business to meet the needs of our students,” Kempker says.