IMPACT Volume 3 Issue 2 Winter 2017 by IDEA Public Schools

IMPACT A magazine for IDEA students, families and supporters.

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2 | WINTER 2017

Healthy Meals. Healthy Minds. Happy Scholars. IDEA Public Schools Celebrates its Healthy Kids Here Initiative and Mission to become America’s Healthiest School District.

 Tweet #IMPACTBYIDEA upon receipt!

Letter from the Editor

It happens to me every year. I get through the holiday season and in January, I take a step back and evaluate how healthy I truly am. I am not alone in this. Millions of other Americans go through the same process at the start of a new year. We ask, “Are we working out enough? Are we eating the right things? Are we modeling the right behavior for our young families?” And frankly, after all the delicious holiday food...and the food we’ve had throughout the year...we haven’t been that healthy (see my shameful Instagrams to the right!) More often than not, the answers to our questions are no, no and no. So, we resolve to change our habits. We say to ourselves, “This year will be the year.” 34 % of Americans make resolutions such as this one. And, guess how many achieve their goal? Less than 8%! But what if you grew up learning that healthy eating and regular workouts were just the way to be? What if you didn’t know a world in which mashed potatoes and mac and cheese were preferred choices over broccoli and kale? Would we still live in the most obese country in the world? I don’t think so. When I became a parent six years ago, I realized quickly that my daughter copied everything we did. From pretending to talk on the phone, to pretending to feed her baby, and eventually wanting to eat and drink what we ate and drank. Kids just love to emulate the lifestyle of the people they look up to. It’s a magical malleability, one we as adults often don’t even realize, to be like us and do what we do. It’s why modeling and teaching healthy habits from an early age is so important. It’s the best way we can make a difference and influence the health and wellness of the next generation. Let’s make the New Year’s resolutions of today, the natural habits of tomorrow. Like IDEA Public Schools, I’m going to lead by example. I’m going to go for that morning jog, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and eat more local fruits and vegetables, when I can. I’ll become a Healthy ‘Kid’ Here. Today. Want to join me?

Vanessa Barry Vice President of Marketing and Communications IDEA Public Schools 2

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CONTENTS

IMPACT | CONTRIBUTORS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Vanessa Barry EDITOR-AT-LARGE Irma Muñoz COPYWRITER Matthew Dougherty COPYEDITOR Tripti Thomas-Travers TRANSLATOR Neovilt Castaneda Karina Macotela ART DIRECTOR Phil Chairez PHOTOGRAPHERS Johnny Quiroz, Garret Dollar, Mitch Idol CONTRIBUTORS Thank you to the incredible Child Nutrition Program for allowing us to learn more about all of your work toward creating a healthy environment for IDEA students. Special shout out to IDEA Bluff Springs, IDEA Donna, IDEA Edinburg, IDEA Judson, IDEA McAllen, IDEA Monterrey Park, IDEA Quest, IDEA Riverview, IDEA Rundberg, IDEA San Juan, IDEA South Flores, IDEA Toros and IDEA Weslaco Pike for partnering with us on this issue. ON THE COVER Healthy Meals, Healthy Minds, Happy Scholars: IDEA student is happy to be a part of the Healthy Kids Here initiative. COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? Email marketing@ideapublicschools.org IMPACT is produced for IDEA students, families, employees, and supporters by the Marketing and Communications team at IDEA Public Schools. CONTENTS © 2017 BY IDEA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

MISSION IDEA Public Schools prepares students from underserved communities for success in college and citizenship.

A Letter from the Editor

A Letter from Our Chief Operating Officer

Organizational Update

A Day in the Life

Starting the Day Off Right

Raising the Bar

Good, Simple Food

Starting Fresh

Lunchtime!

Creative Play

Healthy Day, Healthy Minds, Healthy Results

Build It and They Will Ball

Bump, Set, Study

Eagles Ready

Ace, Serve, Love: Doubles Partners Conquer the Court

IDEA Toros

Get Fit & Eat Smart: Recipes and Workouts That Promote Healthy Living

An Alumni Perspective

A Good Night’s Rest

Family Advocacy

Nutritional Facts

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Letter From Our Chief Operating Officer, Irma Muñoz

At IDEA Public Schools, our mission is to send 100% of our students to and through college. Walk through one of our schools on any given day, and you’ll see that at IDEA, we go beyond the traditional. From what happens in our classrooms, to what happens in our cafeterias, gymnasiums and playgrounds, we are always thinking beyond traditional models to chart an effective path to college for each of our students. With IDEA operating in some of the poorest counties in America, we face a special set of challenges. Health is one of these challenges. In our home state of Texas, one in three children are overweight or obese, including almost half of Hispanic children. Obese or overweight children face extreme difficulties in changing their health trajectories. Devastatingly, abundant research points to a direct correlation between child obesity and many diseases, including Type 2 Diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes is a disease that leads to blindness, kidney failure, amputations, heart failure and stroke and claims the life of 1 American every 3 minutes. 1

In 1980 zero kids had Type 2 Diabetes, and today nearly 58,000 kids have it. In our own backyard, 48 of our students have been diagnosed with this disease. If we want to change this trend, we must act now. Research suggests that obesity is associated with poor academic performance beginning as early as kindergarten. Studies have also found that obese students tend to have lower test scores than their healthier peers, are more likely to be held back a grade, and are less likely to go to college. At IDEA, our schools are located in counties with some of the highest rates of child obesity. Our own data indicated that over 40% of our students were overweight or obese. So we knew it was imperative to take action. We recognized that the roots of academic success for our students must run far deeper than classroom-learning alone. Improving student health and wellness was essential as well. The result was Healthy Kids Here, a comprehensive initiative we launched in 2014 to: 1. provide a healthy and active lifestyle for our students, 2. increase student access to healthy and nutritious foods, and 3. educate our IDEA Team & Family on health, wellness and nutrition. Our goal? To become one of the healthiest school districts in America. Yes, it was an ambitious goal, but IDEA Public Schools is no stranger to ambition. And already, I have great news to report. In 2015, we started tracking student Body Mass Index (BMI) across the district, aiming to reduce BMI by 3% annually. Just one year later, our tracking indicates that we have met our target on average across IDEA, with nearly all our schools reporting a reduction in BMI, and with almost half our schools meeting or exceeding the targeted reduction. 2

1 2

Diabetes Research Institute Foundation https://www.diabetesresearch.org/what-is-diabetes Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight.

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Over the past 2 years, we’ve raised the bar, gone above and beyond typical expectations and introduced healthy options for our students so they can build healthy habits. Healthy Kids Here is achieving these remarkable results through the many programs being implemented across the organization: • • • • • • • • •

Our Child Nutrition Program creates nutritious menus, provides free breakfasts across the district, and serves thousands of healthy and tasty lunches to our students. We have installed salad bar pilots on all our campuses, and asked school leaders to eliminate unhealthy-food incentives in classrooms. We’ve fostered our Farm to School program, which adopts the “Farm to Table” dining model and sends organic produce directly from our gardens and to our cafeterias. We’ve turned our farms into classrooms, and with the help of our kids, we’ve grown 10,000 pounds of diverse crops for our cafeteria teams, who in turn prepare nutritious, delicious, organic, and local meals for our scholars. We have introduced innovative curricula like Playworks to ensure that all our students are engaged, active and learning even during recess. From volleyball to soccer, cross-country to lacrosse, we are constantly increasing after-school options to engage more students in athletics. We are partnering with foundations like the Kevin Durant Foundation to ensure that our athletic facilities are second to none. By organizing events like our 5K runs, we are engaging the whole community in physical activity. We have introduced innovative technologies like Fitness Gram Health reporting systems throughout the district to track health indicators and evaluate the effectiveness of our PE curriculum.

IDEA was awarded a Farm to School planning grant by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service to enhance IDEA’s farm program. We were the only school district in Texas, and one of 71 schools across the nation, to receive the award! Additionally, we’re on a mission to be recognized by The Healthier US School Challenge (HUSSC), a national program that celebrates school districts that have made great strides to become the healthiest school environments. We’re already celebrating six of our campuses that were the only schools in the Rio Grande Valley to receive the highest HUSSC distinction possible—IDEA Quest Academy, IDEA Quest College Preparatory, IDEA Donna Academy, IDEA Donna College Preparatory, IDEA Frontier Academy, and IDEA Frontier College Preparatory. This is just a sampling of what we do through Healthy Kids Here. Read this issue of IMPACT to learn more and to celebrate how IDEA students and staff are striving to make our schools an agent of change for a happier, healthier future. So, one of the healthiest school districts in the country? Yes, we are already on our way! And together with your help, we will get there even faster. This work is about educating our kids and ourselves. We can be the example and demonstrate healthy habits for our students. What can you do? Ensure a healthy continuity for your children at home. Provide meals with plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables (get inspired by the recipes included in this issue). Involve your children in grocery shopping - they will surprise you with their healthy and diverse choices. Get outdoors on the weekends: jump rope with your kids, throw a football around, test out their soccer skills, or try the workouts shown on page 44. The path to health and academic success is not just an IDEA philosophy - it can be a fun, family philosophy too. And, while you’re participating, take selfies of your healthy-bonding time and post them with #HealthyIDEAFamily! Maybe you’ll be featured on our website, social media, or the next IMPACT Magazine!

Take care,

Irma Muñoz Chief Operating Officer IDEA Public Schools

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ORG UPDATE

ORGANIZATIONAL UPDATE

Take a look at some of the highlights from around the organization. Four IDEA Schools Recognized as Title I Reward Schools Four IDEA Public Schools were recently recognized by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The TEA named IDEA McAllen College Preparatory, IDEA Weslaco Academy, IDEA Edinburg Academy, and IDEA Brownsville Academy high-performance and highprogress Title I schools!

IDEA Achieves 100% College Acceptance for the 10th Consecutive Year and 99.6% College Matriculation We’re so proud of our newest class of IDEA alumni who’ve continued our legacy of College for All! The IDEA Class of 2016 was accepted to more than 290 colleges and universities across the nation and received more than $25 million in scholarships. Among the more than 500 students who matriculated to college, nearly 350 of those students were the first in their family to attend college.

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ORG UPDATE

IDEA Public Schools Receives $11.9 Million in Grants to Support Growth and Expansion The US Department of Education recently awarded IDEA Public Schools $11.9 million in grants to support growth and expansion in Texas and Louisiana. This funding will also enable IDEA to further evaluate our impact on student outcomes, college readiness’ and teacher and student retention.

IDEA Celebrates Ten Years in Brownsville IDEA Public Schools marked ten years of existence in Brownsville at a celebratory luncheon that honored the contributions and achievements of senior leadership, founding students, teachers and community leaders.

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A Day in the Life Of Healthy Kids Here… In this issue of IMPACT, you will take a walk in the shoes of our healthy students and staff. You’ll experience a day-in-the-life from 7:25 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., as we explore the amazing things happening around our organization to promote health and wellness!

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Elina Gonzalez, 5thgrader at IDEA Quest Academy, focuses on form while working out her biceps.

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7:25 A.M.

Olivia Cardenas, 4th-grader at IDEA South Flores Academy, eats breakfast every morning to fuel her body and mind for a rigorous day of learning.

Starting the Day Off Right At IDEA South Flores Academy and College Preparatory, Students and Staff Set Routines to Ensure Each School Day Begins Happy and Healthy. Savannah Cardenas sat crisscrossapplesauce and read a book outside her homeroom. She had just arrived, but wasted no time as she unzipped her backpack, grabbed Magic Tree House, and dived into a story. Yes, it was early, but she was on a mission to up her word count. More students filed into the hallway and followed suit. This was the routine—some morning reading until Mr. Landon welcomed

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his students with a firm handshake and smile, encouraging everyone to grab breakfast. “It’s the most important meal of the day,” Julyssa Rodriguez noted, as she carried milk, apples, and cereal to her desk. “If you don’t eat a proper breakfast, you’ll be worried about your stomach while trying to learn.” Julyssa could not be more right. A proper breakfast is essential to ensure students are ready for the day ahead. Due to the long period of time between dinner and the next morning, your body needs nourishment no more than 2 hours after waking. This will kick-start your metabolism, regulate your insulin and glucose levels, and help maintain proper energy and focus. IDEA Public Schools serves a variety of breakfast meals from day to day, but each revolves around the principles of quality carbohydrates, fiber, and protein. On this morning, Savannah, Julyssa, and their classmate, Timothy Morales, all enjoyed various types of reduced-sugar cereal, orange juice, and apple slices. Their favorite IDEA breakfast? “The yogurt parfaits!” They all replied in unison. Savannah noted, “Sometimes, when I’m at the grocery store, I look for the breakfast items we eat at school.

They’re just so tasty!” Timothy even vowed to seek out the reduced-sugar cereals when he grocery shops with his parents, so that his breakfasts can stay consistent when he’s not at school. As students finished up, they pondered the daily question Mr. Landon had posted on the board. Today’s read: “What was the highlight of your weekend, and why?” Some were already writing their thoughts down in their journals. Fueled with a quality breakfast, the students at IDEA South Flores were ready to learn.

“Timothy even vowed to seek out the reduced-sugar cereals when he grocery shops with his parents.”

A Healthy Breakfast is Free For All Students Every Day!



Typical Breakfast Menus for Our Growing IDEA Scholars Nutritional facts can be found in the appendix on page 54.

Breakfast Entree

Southwest Breakfast Taco Cereal & Cracker Pack

Turkey Ham & Cheese Croissant Cereal & Cracker Pack

Fruit

Fresh Pear Assorted Juice Milk

1% White Milk White Skim Milk Lactose Free Milk

Fruit

Fresh Banana Assorted Juice Milk

1% White Milk White Skim Milk Lactose Free Milk

Misc.

Homemade Salsa Breakfast Entree

Sweet Potato Gingerbread Cereal & Cracker Pack Fruit

Fresh Granny Smith Apple Assorted Juice Milk

1% White Milk White Skim Milk Lactose Free Milk

Breakfast Entree

Oatmeal Grains Round Cereal & Cracker Pack Fruit

Apple Slices Assorted Juice Milk

1% White Milk White Skim Milk Lactose Free Milk Misc.

Strawberry Go-Gurt

 FACT: Kids involved in meal prep and cooking are more likely to make healthy food choices. Jaimie Davis, PhD, University of Texas, Austin, Dept. of Nutritional Science

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8:30 A.M.

Raising the Bar

Mariel Lugo, a 7th-grader at IDEA San Juan College Preparatory, is excited to track her progress during Physical Education class.

IDEA’s Quest to Transform Physical Education is Paying Off with Adidas Interactive Health Technology P.E. Curriculum Manager, Eren Kirksey, knew there was a direct correlation between students being physically fit and academically sound. “Students who move will excel in the classroom,” he noted. His goal was to bring a rigorous, data-driven, and interactive P.E. program to every single IDEA campus. This September, that dream became a reality. After fostering a partnership with Interactive Health Technologies (IHT), and implementing a pilot program at two IDEA Campuses, Eren was ready to enhance P.E. class district-wide. Coaches at every campus received class-sets of the new, Adidas Zone for IHT Spirit, wrist-worn heart-rate monitors. These monitors collect student heart-rate data and sort it into color-coded exertion levels. “We’re honored that IDEA has integrated IHT into every one of their campuses as an integral part of their physical education strategy,” said IHT president Jen Ohlson. “With the Spirit System’s data collection and reporting capabilities, we look forward to help strengthen every effort IDEA and their teachers make, from individual student data, to fitness assessments, to linking P.E. to academic performance from K-12.”

Eren piloted the program at IDEA San Benito and IDEA San Juan, where his coaches achieved tremendous success. At IDEA San Benito, students across three P.E. classes spent at least 74 percent of their workout time in the optimal heart rate zones. “Our Physical Education classes now monitor progress as meticulously as a typical IDEA academic class,” said Eren. “Better yet, we’re sharing daily heart-rate reports with parents. Everyone is getting involved in our students’ fitness.” Eren’s mission is to win the fight against obesity in Texas and beyond. To do that, students have to live active lifestyles and participate in intense exercise for an extended duration. “Heart rate is a true reflection of physical changes to your body,” Eren noted. “A higher heart rate means a higher quality of movement and more calories burned.” With Adidas IHT Monitors on every campus, coaches and parents alike will be able to ensure students at IDEA Public Schools are focused on health and fitness on a daily basis.

Adidas IHT Wristband Levels of Physical Activity: Low Intensity (Blue) Moderate Intensity (Yellow) Vigorous Intensity (Red)



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Physical activity optimizes brain functionality and student academic performance. Jaimie Davis, PhD, University of Texas, Austin, Dept. of Nutritional Science

Scholars Speak

8:30 A.M. Throughout the experience that I had with the Spirit IHT, I definitely noticed growth in not only how I thought about P.E. but how I thought about my body. Because the monitor showed us where we cooled down (blue), where we were moderate (yellow), and when we’re in our target heart rate zone (red), it allowed me to want to work even harder in how I was exerting my energy. I would be disappointed if I saw that I was in the blue for too long, and I would feel overjoyed if I had managed to be in the red for longer than 15 or 20 minutes. This product is something that I would definitely hope to continue using in future classes.” Tabitha 10th-grader at IDEA College Prep San Juan Tabitha was inspired to work out after using the IHT heart- rate monitors at school. She also felt more focused in class and began attending CrossFit with her step-dad. Her mom and brother eventually joined them, and they work out as a family on a regular basis.

There is one person who is my angel: Coach Guardiola. He told me I can do it. He made it possible for me to lose 40 pounds. Without him, I would have been lost. He told me there will be pain, there will be misery, there will be agony, but there will be success. And now I am problem-free. I can run, play and jump, and these days I am happy to call Coach Guardiola my coach. Everything is possible if you push yourself and say ‘I can do it.’” Mariel 7th-grader at IDEA College Prep San Juan, lost 40 pounds in one year and reversed her pre-diabetic diagnosis.

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9:45 A.M.

GOOD, SIMPLE FOOD IDEA’s Child Nutrition Program is Making the Connection Between Nutritious and Delicious In a school cafeteria, it’s no secret that green beans, broccoli, and carrots aren’t the most popular items in the lunch line. IDEA’s Child Nutrition Team team noted that a person’s palate typically looks for three things—saltiness, sweetness, and fats. Vegetables tend to lack these tasty essentials, though they are nutritionally robust. “We have to get our students at IDEA Public Schools eating their leafy green, red, orange, and dark vegetables,” the team stressed.

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9:45 A.M.

 IDEA’s Child Nutrition Team is currently working on next semester’s lunch menu, where fresh, local ingredients will continue to be a focus.

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Research on Food Marketing - Cornell Food + Brand Lab Reports show: Simply using attractive names influences kid’s consumption of vegetables. In a study with 147 students ranging from 8-11 years old from 5 ethnically and economically diverse schools, when carrots were renamed, “X-ray vision carrots”, 66% were eaten, as opposed to the 32% eaten when labeled “Food of the Day” and 35% eaten when unnamed.

Accomplishing this goal means using sugar and salt alternatives—spices, herbs, and citrus peels—to enhance flavor. IDEA’s Child Nutrition Program attributes excessive amounts of artificial sugars, salts, and processed fats to the tripling of childhood obesity in America. It’s a problem that didn’t happen overnight; nor will it be solved quickly. The first key is reducing the use of these nutritional pitfalls.

“Sprinkling some chopped basil on pizza instead of extra cheese is an example of a healthy choice we’re making for our students,” said the Nutrition Team. “But when it comes down to it, taste always wins. That’s why we conduct numerous taste tests. Yes, we’re committed to making sure our dishes are local and healthy, but they also need to be delicious.” IDEA’s Child Nutrition Team is working hard to educate students on the connection between nutritious and delicious. While part of the solution lies in the creation of recipes, they also know that it’s a matter of presentation. “We’re giving certain products different life,” the team said. IDEA even creatively re-names vegetables. For example, zucchini is affectionately called: “the Incredible Hulk’s favorite snack.” It’s not the food itself,

but the container that intrigues many students. Simply dressing up sweet potato fries in a vibrant cup, similar to those seen at a fast-food restaurant, can boost appeal. Under the Healthy Kids Here initiative, the team has created a local, nutritious, and delicious lunch program that is focused on fun, and goes beyond the traditional model. While parts of the culinary model needed to be creatively rethought, some long-standing traditions just needed to be tweaked. “There’s no touching Taco Tuesday here,” the team admitted. But small changes could be made, like using whole-grain tortillas and more local produce from IDEA’s gardens and farms. IDEA’s Child Nutrition Team is currently working on next semester’s lunch menu, where fresh, local ingredients will continue to be a focus. Recipes are still being perfected, but leaders of the Child Nutrition Program hinted at an Asian style noodle dish as one of the new recipes. The mission of Healthy Kids Here is to make IDEA Public Schools one of the healthiest districts in the nation, and our culinary leaders are doing their part to accomplish this mission. It’s simple, really: “Show our students that local, natural, and nutritious food can taste great.”

Check out our healthy recipes on page 42

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11:15 A.M.

Starting Fresh

Harvesting Agriculture at IDEA Monterrey Park

1.5 acres. 14,400 pounds of produce. The farm at IDEA Monterrey Park in San Antonio is a welcomed resource for a community in need of organic, local vegetables.

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Cecile Parish, Farm Coordinator at IDEA Public Schools, is ready to grow organic produce for IDEA students across San Antonio.

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11:15 A.M. “Students find themselves essentially in food deserts,” said Cecile Parish, a San Antonio native and current farmer at IDEA Monterrey Park. “There’s very little access to quality, homegrown produce for our students. This issue becomes more pressing because so many of our eating habits are formed when we’re young.” IDEA Public Schools has already seen tremendous success with farms and gardens in its flagship region of the Rio Grande Valley, growing more than 10,000 pounds of produce in the past two years. This year, IDEA looks to grow in Central Texas, and that’s where Cecile plays an important role. Cecile heads both the farm and the garden at IDEA Monterrey Park. The cultivation process has been both challenging and rewarding. “The 1.5-acre plot of land was just an abandoned lot, filled with trash,” Cecile recalled. But, neighbors were excited about the possibility of a farm, and helped clean the area. As farmers plan to plant carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce next month, the arrival of a new, sustainable and educational farm is “Extremely relevant” in the community, according to Justin Tuley, IDEA’s Farm Development Manager. “IDEA Public Schools is proud to participate in the city push for local food,” he explained. Cecile is proud to be part of the urban farming movement in her hometown, and hopes to spread her passion to the students she serves. “There’s just something special about watching a kid

become inspired as he or she pulls a carrot from the ground,” she described. “We want to engage, excite and educate our students about sustainable agriculture, and bridge the gap between what they eat and where they live.” Like IDEA Donna and IDEA Quest in the Rio Grande Valley, IDEA Monterrey Park plans to host field trips for other IDEA campuses in the San Antonio area. Providing a concrete and physical learning environment is essential to the growth of IDEA students. Beyond promoting food literacy among students, the farm at IDEA Monterrey Park will provide fruits and vegetables for every campus in its region. This means less carbon footprint, and more organic produce for Pre-K-12 students. As they prepare for college, scholars at IDEA Public Schools will be fueled with the quality foods and lessons they need to lead happy and healthy lives. “The goal is to operate a farm in every region,” said Justin Tuley. “Of course we will have to test the soil of each new region we serve, but as we expand, so will our farm program.” IDEA’s Farm and Garden staff are thrilled by the opportunity for growth. IDEA’s farm program is unprecedented for a charter network, and its success is just beginning to bud.

 When students garden and farm it improves their attitudes toward vegetables significantly and increases self-esteem, sense of responsibility, cooperation, pride and confidence.

IDEA Agricultural Success in the News IDEA Farms Connect Students with Their Food

“In 2007, IDEA Donna partnered with a local Community Supported Agriculture initiative to improve the vegetables in their cafeteria. The project has grown to multiple production farms at different campuses.” -Daniel Flores, The Monitor

USDA Sees the Vegetables of Their Labor

“We look forward to partnering (with IDEA) in the future, especially since they had such ambitious ideas,” Joe Leonard, Assistant Secretary for the USDA’s office of civil rights, said. “I don’t think this will be the last of our work with the school.” -San Antonio Express News

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The Revolutionary IDEA of Farm to School Programs

“You may have heard the concept of “farm to table” dining with concerns to the growing hip trend among the culinary scene. The term refers to the practice of growing and using local food to be served. I feel lucky as a parent to now know that many schools, including IDEA Public Schools where my first-grade son attends, have begun to adopt this concept within their science programs to be used in the very cafeteria they eat at daily.” - Elisa Botello, Austin Moms Blog

Rio Grande Valley Spotlight: IDEA Donna Farmer Educates and Cultivates Jaime De Anda heads the farm and garden at IDEA’s flagship campus, IDEA Donna. Besides managing the half-acre farm, Jaime also teaches students the importance of growing their own food through an afterschool program. When students complete the curriculum, they achieve “Junior Master Gardener” status, which commemorates their knowledge of horticulture.

“There’s very little access to quality, homegrown produce for our students. This issue becomes more pressing because so many of our eating habits are formed when we’re young.” IMPACT WINTER 2017

11:45 A.M.

LUNCHTIME! Thanks to our Healthy Kids Here initiative, delicious and nutritious go together like peas and carrots.

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Kya Ramos, kindergartener at IDEA Riverview Academy, loves lunchtime. After a morning full of instruction, she’s ready to fuel up with a quality meal. As part of the Healthy Kids Here initiative, our mission is to provide students with a meal that’s as local, nutritious, and delicious as possible. Students across our organization are smiling as they sit down for lunch with a meal that satisfies taste buds, while growing minds and bodies. Then it’s on to more educational fun!

Our cafeteria teams across the organization cherish the connection between a quality lunch and a successful day of learning. Each member of the cafeteria team is filled with pride to contribute to student success at IDEA Public Schools, because they know that fueled with the proper nutrients, students like Kya and the rest of her kindergarten class are on the right road to college. So what makes an ideal meal for growing scholars? The answer lies in diversifying the essential food groups, particularly fruits and vegetables. Each of our lunches offer a different vegetable option—from kale salads drizzled with fresh strawberries, to warm, baked cauliflower, to fresh-cut carrots with low-fat ranch dressing. We also offer a wide array of fruits—apples, bananas, oranges, diced peaches, and more! These fruits are packed with quality, natural sugars and essential vitamins and minerals. Kya and her friends particularly look forward to the fresh-sliced grapefruit days! Many students at IDEA Public Schools love lunch because they connect the delicious food they eat to the knowledge they acquire in class. For example, many scholars at IDEA Riverview Academy marvel at the tasty edamame sidedish often offered as part of an IDEA lunch. Why? Because edamame looks exactly like lima beans, which is Camilla Cream’s favorite food in A Bad Case of Stripes, a story they’ve read in class. In fact, when Camilla’s skin breaks out in stripes, this tasty bean magically cures Camilla’s ailment! Our IDEA readers were inspired when they realized that they were eating something almost identical to the magical food of A Bad Case of Stripes right there in the cafeteria!

 Studies from Cornell Food + Brand Labs show that using the branding, marketing and behavioral science approaches perfected by the consumer food industry can help to successfully persuade kids to select and enjoy healthy foods as effectively as it can persuade kids to select and enjoy hot cheetos.

What’s for Lunch? Philly Cheese Steak Sub: Excellent source of whole grains, lean protein and rich dietary sources of calcium, from the cheese, which plays an essential role in bone health. Sweet Potato Crinkles: Richest in Vitamin A, which is critical for good vision, plays an important role in healthy bone growth, the immune system and supports skin health. Romaine & Tomato Deli Salad: Provides antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and a very good source of dietary fiber.

Fresh Red Delicious Apple: Extremely rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber. Fresh Pear: Pears are an excellent source of dietary fiber, and fiber is good for the heart. 1% Low Fat White Milk: Rich source of calcium, essential for healthy bones and teeth and also fortified with vitamin D, which is also beneficial for bone health.

For nutritional content, please reference the appendix on page 54.

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12:30 P.M.

Creative p

lay

Innov ating R ecess at IDE A Bluf f Sprin gs

IDEA Bluff Springs students run and play on their new playground.

IMPACT WINTER 2017

What is Jad Abu Khudair’s favorite activity at recess? “Driving the cars!” He says, filled with laughter. “You get to pretend you’re on the real road.” Jad is referring to the blue steering wheels fastened attached near the slide on the IDEA Bluff Springs playground. On a typical early afternoon, you’ll find many students here taking turns pretending to drive, making “zooming” noises, and dodging imaginary obstacles on the road. Other hot spots on the playground are the slide, the rock-climbing wall, and the mini zip line. Students practice social and motor skills as they have a blast on the newly constructed jungle gym. But, there’s more. IDEA Public Schools also utilizes Playworks, a recess curriculum that cultivates a playground environment in which every student is active and feels included. It gives the students a wide choice of activities, including traditional sports, new games and room for creative play. The Playworks curriculum encourages student empowerment. Kids are motivated to take initiative in their own play, and they can always choose which activity they want to participate in each day. Our organization places tremendous stock in student-led play because it translates directly to the classroom. The right kind of recess motivates and guides our students to become leaders, facilitators, and innovators on the playground. They take the skills they’ve learned here and apply them everywhere they go in their lives. Even as our students play, they’re learning how to be the best people they can be. Recess is no longer just fun—it’s also educational. In a given week, recess monitors rotate activities; two or three days in the jungle gym and two or three days utilizing Playworks. The kids love it and look forward to recess every day. It’s an extension of their learning, a total blast, and leaves students refreshed and ready to learn more.

 BENEFITS OF CREATIVE PLAY Develops personal passion and self-guided interests: Undirected play allows children to move at their own pace, discover their own areas of interest, and engage fully in the passions they wish to pursue. -American Academy of Pediatrics(AAP) report. Builds a sense of mastery over their world: “It is through play that children first learn how to make independent decisions, solve problems, exert self control, and create and follow their own rules.” -Peter Gray, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, Boston College

IMPACT WINTER 2017

1:00 P.M.

HEALTHY BODY. HEALTHY MIND. HEALTHY RESULTS. IDEA McAllen 9th-Grader Alejandro Castillo uses his Passion for Health and Hygiene to Fuel his Academic Pursuits.

IMPACT WINTER 2017

Alejandro Castillo nervously wiped the sweat off his palms on the fabric of his shirt. Every bump of the bus gave him more butterflies. This was a moment he’d been waiting for—would it be everything he’d dreamed it would be? His stomach did a somersault at the thought of competing against hundreds of other students to see whose science project was the best in the Rio Grande Valley. It was the day of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Regional Science and Engineering Fair in Brownsville, Texas. In his nervous state that morning, Alejandro had spilled a glass of chocolate milk on his dress shirt, rushed to change, grabbed his things and made it just in time before the science team left. The one thing that finally calmed him on the bus was his conversation with sixth grade science teacher and mentor, Mr. Castillo. “You made the right decision,” he said when Alejandro expressed doubts. “Making your own toothpaste. It’s just what you need to push your project over the top.” You’re probably thinking: Toothpaste? You bet. Alejandro’s science project originally compared two toothpastes, Colgate and baking soda, to examine the differences in dental hygiene outcomes. It wasn’t until he’d met with Mr. Castillo that he stepped it up a notch. Instead of just analyzing the differences between two leading toothpastes, Mr. Castillo challenged Alejandro to compare his own homemade toothpaste with that of a leading brand. It’s but one example of how a teacher at IDEA Public Schools pushed Alejandro to go the extra mile. Once he arrived in Brownsville, Alejandro felt calm, cool, and collected, and he was able to see the result of his hard work. Alejandro walked away a winner, receiving first place in the microbiology division and second runner-up in the entire region. This distinction allowed him to participate in the Exxon Mobile State Championship in San Antonio. He

even received the Naval Science Award, which recognized his commitment to science and engineering! Now a 9th-grader at IDEA McAllen College Preparatory, Alejandro is already planning the new science project he hopes to unveil at the State Science and Engineering Fair this Spring. “I want to test the efficacy of a store-brand hand sanitizer versus a homemade one,” he said. Alejandro’s greatest passion in the realm of science is health, wellness, and hygiene. After graduating from IDEA, he plans to attend the University of Texas San Antonio and enroll in their Facilitated Acceptance to Medical Education program to become a doctor. When asked which sector of medicine he wants to work in, he noted with a smile, “Family practice. I love to help people.” A rigorous course load—Chemistry, AP Human Geography, English, Geometry, and electives in Technology, College Success, and Community Service— is keeping Alejandro on his toes. “IDEA Public Schools makes you work really hard,” he noted. “But it prepares you for anything that comes your way.” While he credits Mr. Castillo as the teacher who inspired him most to pursue such complex, atypical science projects, he’s also very excited about Mrs. Davila’s chemistry class this year. He’s a true scientist. Healthy Kids Here goes beyond the cafeteria and the gym for our students. Alejandro interest in health and wellness is a perfect example. Maybe we’ll be brushing our teeth or cleaning our hands with one of his products someday.

Alejandro’s science project originally compared two toothpastes, Colgate and baking soda, to examine the differences in dental hygiene outcomes. It wasn’t until he’d met with Mr. Castillo that he stepped it up a notch.

IMPACT WINTER 2017

2:15 P.M.

BUILD IT AND THEY WILL BALL Kevin Durant Visited IDEA Rundberg to Shoot Hoops and Relay Some Good News

Over 400 IDEA Rundberg students screamed, stomped, cheered, and waved signs as they welcomed NBA superstar and former Texas Longhorn, Kevin Durant, into their gymnasium. Confetti fluttered about as Durant walked in with a smile on his face, long arms held high. He visited IDEA Rundberg to announce to students and staff that the 100,000-dollar basketball court being built on campus would be ready for action in a month. In addition to sharing this exciting news, Durant played a game of Knockout, a game of shooting accuracy, and passed out gifts to students, including basketballs and sports bags. “I am so thankful that I got the opportunity to visit IDEA Rundberg today and check in on the progress of the outdoor court we are building through the Build It and They Will Ball initiative with my partner, BBVA Compass,” said Durant. “I grew up playing on an outdoor court, and it’s a dream come true to provide these kids with the chance to create bright futures.” The Kevin Durant Foundation’s new initiative aims to build or fully renovate basketball courts in underserved communities across the United States and internationally, in addition to ensure the courts are utilized for youth athletic programming. Students at IDEA Rundberg can’t wait to work on their game on the brand new court, located just outside the cafeteria. “I feel really, really lucky to have been able to shoot hoops with Kevin,” said IDEA student Emmanuel Cruz, who attends IDEA Allan and played alongside Durant during a competitive game of Knockout. “This court represents all of IDEA Public Schools and our promise for a bright future.”

IMPACT WINTER 2017

Kevin Durant, a professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors, gets ready to launch a 3-pointer in preparation for a game of knock-out with IDEA students. Durant has won an NBA Most Valuable Player Award, four NBA scoring titles, the NBA Rookie of the Year Award, and two Olympic gold medals.

IMPACT WINTER 2017

3:45 P.M.

Bump, Set, Study

These IDEA Judson Jaguars Know Good Health Means Keeping Their Bodies and Minds Fit. Lisbeth Martinez, like the rest of her sixth-grade peers, was a new student at a brand new campus. That didn’t stop her from making friends and jumping into extracurricular activities. Her favorite was volleyball. “I used to go to my sister’s games, and it was there that I got inspired,” said Lisbeth. “When I heard about volleyball tryouts, I knew I had to go for it.” Tryouts were intense. After the first hour, Lisbeth’s arms were red and pulsing, but she was having a blast. She and the other girls on the team were already beginning to connect.

IMPACT WINTER 2017

Standing from left to right; Sophia Martinez, Annette Guajardo, Danna Ayala, Yareli Valladolid....kneeling from left to right: Lylianna Limon, and Christiana Bowens

IMPACT WINTER 2017

3:45 P.M. Annette Guajardo, who likes to play close to the net and specializes in spiking, stressed the importance of a team connection “You have to communicate really well, or else you’ll be bumping into everybody on the court.” Annette noted that she was relatively new to the sport, but Lisbeth and others on the team showed her the basics—how to hold your hands when you bump the volleyball, and the mechanics of serving. “I’m getting there,” she joked. While the Jaguars lost their first district match against IDEA Walzem, they’re optimistic about the rest of the season. “We’re just getting started!” said Dana Yala with some tenacity, as she warmedupped with teammate Katelyn Martinez. Surely there’s bound to be growing pains as a group builds chemistry and fundamentals. A volleyball season can be long and strenuous, so the Jaguars like to practice good health and study habits. Briana and Christie Bowens are twins on the team and know that academics come first. “We love to play volleyball. We use it as a motivator to make sure we’re behaving and working hard in class.”

Briana and Christie’s brother, William, is a loyal fan of the IDEA Judson Girls Volleyball team. He attended their first game, and plans to show his support throughout the season. “Sometimes,” he said, when pondering their first loss, “You can lose hope, but you have to show your support and your Judson pride.” Besides being his sisters’ biggest cheerleader, William also plays flag football for IDEA Judson, and enjoys what the culture of athletics brings to all aspects of life. He noted that studying and sports go hand-in-hand, and that you have to be disciplined in both areas. The IDEA Judson volleyball players definitely embody discipline. After their practices, they often spend extra time working on their hits in the gym. It’s this type of effort and going the extra mile that will translate beyond athletics. Coaches Emily Rethman and William Bolvin are proud of their players, and have noticed positivity and motivation permeating amongst the team. “If one girl stays,” Coach Bolvin said, “They all stay. They’re really turning into a team and family.”

“We use volleyball as a motivator to make sure we’re behaving and working hard in class.”

IMPACT WINTER 2017

4:30 P.M.

EAGLES READY The IDEA Edinburg Flag Football Team is Getting Mentally and Physically Stronger with Every Snap

Angel Garcia, 10th grader at IDEA Edinburg College Preparatory, rushes for extra yardage during a scrimmage.

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Walk by IDEA Edinburg after school and you’ll hear the sounds of excitement and loud calls and chants in the distance. Stroll around back and you’ll see captains Randy Sanchez, Angel Garcia, and Hugo Chavarria motivating and guiding their teammates through an intense warmup session on the practice field. Coaches Franklin, Saenz, and Martinez gaze on, shifting responsibility to their 9th and 10th grade gridiron leaders. “Eagles! Ready!” Fifty determined players reply in unison, thundering across the grass. After some high-knee warmups, they gather around, arm-in-arm, and continue to rally each other as one. “Motivation is everything,” says Angel. “Whether it’s practice or games, we need to bring the same intensity.” The environment on the field where scrimmage is held and plays are run-through, reworked, and fine-tuned, is a serious one. Randy fakes a handoff to Angel and throws a dart twenty yards down field, only to be blocked by Hugo Chavarria, playing cornerback. The level of play at IDEA Edinburg is high, and each player cherishes his spot on the flag football team. That’s why they take academics so seriously. “If you don’t get good grades, you don’t play,” Hugo stresses. “It’s as simple as that.” “That’s part of being a captain,” Randy chimes in, during the discussion of their responsibilities. “You have to care about the other players on your team—did they get to practice on time, did they study for that test?” Practice at IDEA Edinburg takes both academics and athletics into account. From 4-5pm, students are required to complete their homework before they head out to the field. Every member of the team, from running back to free-safety, is on board with study hour—you can feel it in the air and see it in their eyes. The Eagles are on a mission, and are on track for a winning season. Angel, who transferred to IDEA Edinburg from Edinburg North High School, cherishes the connection IDEA makes between and sports and studies. “I transferred here for academics,” he says, “But I decided to play football here too, just like I did at my old school. It can be challenging playing a sport with a heavy academic work load. You have to get the hang of it, but once you do, it makes everything even more rewarding.”

Why Are Extracurricular Activities Important? Our Healthy Kids Here initiative places tremendous stock in extracurricular activities. As experts at sending students to and through college, we know that colleges and universities love well-rounded students with diverse interests. Members of the IDEA Edinburg flag football team cherish the opportunity to hone their football skills beyond the classroom hours. Many state that they want to continue to play football recreationally during their college years.

 Sports minimizes the feeling of difference + increase likelihood of attending college - For children who are on the margin, sports participation can minimize feelings of difference and isolation and increase the likelihood of attending college.

IMPACT WINTER 2017

5:15 P.M.

IDEA Weslaco Pike College Preparatory Coach Rene Venecia, with his 8th grade tennis stars Oscar Galvan and Joe Olivares.

IMPACT WINTER 2017

ACE, SERVE, LOVE:

Doubles Partners Conquer the Court IDEA Weslaco Pike 8th-graders, Oscar Galvan and Joe Olivares, have been doubles partners for three years now. “We’re each other’s good luck charms,” Joe says. “We spend a lot of time together.” Coach Rene Venecia attests that it’s more than luck with his star players. “These boys have never placed lower than second place in a tournament,” he says with pride. “They’re turning into a great doubles team.” Joe is typically the first server and likes to play back, where he can use his speed to track down shots. Oscar is long and lanky, and can be a force when up near the net. Together, they’re a tough duo to beat. However, it wasn’t always a natural fit on the tennis court for Oscar and Joe. In the three years that they’ve been teammates, Oscar and Joe have used the “Tip, Tip, Tell” strategy to improve their game. “Two tips, or compliments,” Oscar says, “And one tell—like a thing you could improve. It’s helped a lot, especially earlier on as we were growing as a team.” Even now the two players use this feedback strategy regularly during practices and matches so they can continually improve. For Joe, it’s all about improvement. “I want to become a professional tennis player one day,” he says. He also notes that he was inspired by Puerto Rico’s Monica Puig and her recent gold medal glory at the Rio Olympics. “I want to represent my own country in the Olympics someday.” In order to improve and play his best, Joe also knows he has to make healthy food choices such as eating a quality breakfast and limiting his saturated fats and artificial sugars. Quality carbohydrates and proteins, fruits, and vegetables help fuel his game so he can track down every ball that comes his way. The Healthy Kids Here initiative is proud of the steps Joe is taking to elevate his performance on the court. Oscar, who is also an avid soccer player, isn’t sure if he has quite as lofty tennis goals as Joe. But one thing is certain; he loves to play with his buddy, and can’t wait to see what this season has in store.

Joe was inspired by Puerto Rico’s Monica Puig and her recent gold medal glory at the Rio Olympics. “I want to represent my own country in the Olympics someday,” he said.

IMPACT WINTER 2017

6:00 P.M.

IDEA Toros IDEA’s Newest School in the Rio Grande Valley Pairs a Professional Soccer Program with a Top-Notch Education

IMPACT WINTER 2017

These IDEA Toros soccer scholars are honored to be a part of our Healthy Kids Here program. From left to right, Aleythia Gutierrez (11th grade), Brandon Morales (11th grade), Isabella Marinaro (12th grade), Carlos Arciniega (12th grade), Victor Medellin (11th grade), Diego Ramirez(12th grade), Izui Villasana (10th grade), and Juliana Chapa (10th grade).

50 students, 2 teachers, a personalized, computer-based curriculum, and a wealth of soccer talent make up the new IDEA School, IDEA Toros, located in Edinburg, Texas. This past year, IDEA Public Schools partnered with Toros Futbol Club, a professional soccer team based in the Rio Grande Valley, to create an unprecedented program that mentors budding soccer players on the road to college. “Innovation is our keyword,” said Brad Scott, Principal at IDEA Toros. Students partake in a rigorous, personalized academic instruction program first developed by Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, guided by talented educators in the classroom, and practice before and after school with professional soccer players on the RGV Toros state-of-the-art soccer field. Members of the Toros Futbol Club are very involved in the students’ practices. In fact, students often scrimmage with players on the Toros team. “The level of play is unbelievably fast,” said Brandon Morales, a 10th-grader at IDEA Toros. Brandon admitted he was a little star-struck at first when scrimmaging, but quickly learned to up his game. “The ball moves quicker here, so you have to catch up.” There’s a wealth of soccer talent in the Rio Grande Valley, and elite soccer programs across the country are taking notice. Seniors Carlos Arziniega and Diego Ramirez are currently talking with coaches at premier soccer schools like the University of North Carolina, Air Force Academy and Holy Cross. “IDEA Toros is getting us ready for the life of a college athlete,” Diego said. “I feel very privileged.” There are a handful of schools across the nation that follow a similar model to IDEA Toros, but tuition to attend these soccer academies often costs thousands of dollars. IDEA Toros, like all IDEA campuses, is tuition free, and educates students from across the Rio Grande Valley. Juliana Chapa, a 10th grade elite defender, says “Getting up in the morning is the best thing ever. Soccer in the morning makes you so ready to learn the rest of the day.” While she thoroughly enjoys her soccer training, she knows academics comes first. She plans to play soccer in college and study writing and journalism. “The student is at the center of our classroom,” said Principal Brad Scott. “Walk into an IDEA Toros classroom and you’ll see our students engaging with the material, never idle, mastering concepts by practicing skills until they reach mastery.” Teachers at IDEA Toros also travel with the students to every tournament so that they can be there to provide academic support on the road. IDEA Toros is an unprecedented soccer and academic program in the Rio Grande Valley. Like all IDEA campuses, IDEA Toros is closing the achievement gap by preparing students for success to and through college.

IMPACT WINTER 2017

6:00 P.M.

PLAYER PROFILE:

Juliana Chapa Juliana Chapa is a tenth grader at IDEA Toros College Preparatory who specializes in defense on the soccer field. After hearing about the premier soccer instruction and individualized curriculum IDEA’s newest campus was offering, Juliana attended tryouts and impressed the coaches with her dedication, skills, and tenacity. Juliana is currently taking English II, Algebra II, AP History, Spanish, Chemistry, Journalism and a Yearbook elective course at IDEA Toros College Prep. She enjoys her daily schedule, which includes soccer practice in the morning, classes during the day, and more soccer training in the evening. “Exercise in the morning and evening makes me so alert and ready to learn during the day,” Juliana said. “Plus, my teachers are super helpful and always like to challenge me.” When Juliana graduates from IDEA Public Schools, she wants to study journalism and writing and play soccer in college. She knows her passion for sports and academics are key factors in getting into the university of her choice. This past summer, she participated in the National Hispanic Institute in Chicago, a program that provides youth with a continuum of leadership opportunities. She received first place on her oratory that focused on ways to better represent the Latino community.

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What makes IDEA Toros unique?

IDEA Toros works in partnership with the Rio Grande Valley Football Club Toros, a professional American soccer team. Players and coaches of the Rio Grande Valley Toros work with students every day on fundamentals and even scrimmage with students.

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Students learn a personalized, computer-based curriculum developed by Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg and expert curriculum writers.

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This unique IDEA campus bridges the gap between premier sports and quality academics with high-quality teachers and coaches.

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Students at IDEA Toros are members of the school’s competitive traveling male and female soccer teams, boasting some of the best young talent in the nation.

IMPACT WINTER 2017

6:30 P.M.

Get Fit & Eat Smart

Recipes and Workouts That Promote Healthy Living * Hungry after a day full of activity and instruction? Not sure what to make tonight for dinner? Try these simple, cost-efficient recipes from the kitchen of recommended IDEA Nutrition Staff, Cafeteria Managers, and Team and Family members. Pair these meals with one of the high-intensity, home workouts on the following pages! Just make sure you allot at least an hour between meals and exercise. Nutritional content can be found in the upcoming IDEA Cookbook which will be available in schools and online this spring.

RECIPES 1. Strawberry Mandarin Salad An IDEA cafeteria recipe that is a big hit with IDEA students, and is sure to become a home favorite!

Ingredients

Leafy Greens (Swiss chard, spinach, or romaine) 8 cups Strawberries 3 cups Mandarin Oranges 1 (11 oz) can

Directions

1. Wash leafy greens and strawberries under running water. 2. Chop greens and place in a salad bowl. 3. Slice strawberries and drain canned mandarin. 4. In a separate bowl, combine strawberries with mandarin oranges. 5. Place strawberry and mandarin mix on top of leafy greens. 6. Toss salad and serve.

2. Tuna and Avocado Pita

Whip up this quick and flavorful tuna salad for lunch or a light dinner. Tuna is a significant source of vitamins and minerals. Best of all, it has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which work to reduce inflammation and prevent certain diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Ingredients

1 Whole Wheat Pita Tuna Pouch 2 oz Spicy Mustard 2 tbsp Carrots ¼ cup, shredded Celery ¼ cup, chopped Avocado sliced Turmeric and Cumin, a dash Black Pepper, a dash

Directions

1. Halve and lightly toast a whole-wheat pita. 2. Meanwhile mix together tuna, spicy mustard, shredded carrots and chopped celery, and turmeric, cumin, and black pepper. 3. Split tuna mixture between pita halves, and top with sliced avocado. 42

IMPACT WINTER 2017

3. Zucchini Oven Chips

Zucchini is a versatile variety of summer squash. Not only does it taste delicious in this oven chip recipe, but it can be used in frittatas, ratatouille dishes, soups, sautéed vegetable medleys, and baked goods such as muffins, breads, and cakes!

Ingredients

Bread Crumbs ¼ cup dry Parmesan Cheese ¼ cup (1 oz), grated fresh Garlic Powder ¼ tsp Milk 2 tbsp fat-free Zucchini 2½ cups, (¼ inch thick) slices Cooking Spray a spritz Seasoned Salt, ¼ tsp Black Pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. 2. Combine the first 5 ingredients (bread crumbs - zucchini) in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk. 3. Pour the milk in a shallow bowl. 4. Dip the zucchini slices in milk, and dredge in bread crumb mixture. 5. Place the coated slices on an ovenproof wire rack coated with cooking spray; place rack on a baking sheet. 6. Bake at 425°F for 30 minutes or until browned and crisp. Serve immediately.

4. Chicken Soup

Good old-fashioned chicken noodle soup is classic American comfort food. This IDEA cafeteria chicken soup recipe is a student favorite, and is sure to be a home favorite as well!

Ingredients

Chicken Breast 5 oz diced, boneless, skinless Carrots Chicken base 1 tbsp, low sodium Whole Wheat Egg Noodles 4 cups Onion 1/2 Water 3 1/2 qt Celery 2 stalks Parsley 2 1/2 tsp Black Pepper, a pinch

Directions

1. Chop celery, carrots, and onion. 2. Place chicken breasts in a small saucepan. Cover completely with cold water and place over moderate heat. Bring water to 180°F, just before the water starts to bubble. Poach chicken for 15 minutes or until cooked to 165°F. 3. While chicken is poaching, place water, chicken base, celery, carrots, onions, parsley, and pepper in a saucepan over moderate heat. Bring to a simmer. 4. Once chicken is cooked and cooled slightly, cut into 1 inch cubes. 5. Add egg noodles and chicken to soup. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. 6. Serve warm. * Nutritional content can be found in the upcoming IDEA Cookbook which will be available in schools and online this spring. IMPACT WINTER 2017

6:30 P.M. WORKOUT

These high-intensity, home workouts listed below are perfect for students and families who want to get some extra exercise in at home! Each workout targets a different muscle group or fitness ability. Just make sure to allot at least an hour between meals and exercise.

1. Abdominal Attack Duration 10 Minutes Intensity Level Medium

1. Start by completing 3 sets of 10 elbow-to-knee crunches. Make sure your lower back stays on the floor, but keep your upper back elevated. Rest for 30 seconds between sets. 2. Hold a plank for 45 seconds, and make sure to keep your back and neck straight. Rest for 30 seconds. 3. Return to the plank position and hold for 45 seconds. 4. Complete this workout with 3 sets of 8 heels-tothe-heavens. In this exercise, keep your entire back against the floor, but lift both legs together until your pelvis is at a ninety-degree angle. Keep your knees as straight as you can. Push your heels towards the ceiling, and repeat. Rest for 45 seconds between sets.

2. Calm Mind, Calm Body Duration 10 Minutes Intensity Level Easy

1. Start this meditative workout by holding Upward Dog yoga pose. Lie on the floor with your stomach down. Push the upper half of your body, using your arms towards the ceiling, like a push up. Hold this pose for 15 seconds. 2. Bend into Child’s Pose for 15 seconds. In this traditional yoga pose, bring your knees towards your chest and rest upon your legs. Reach your arms out in front of you as far as you can. 3. Transition into the Butterfly. Keeping your knees as close to the ground as possible, bring your heels together in a diamond shape as you sit with your back straight. Hold this pose for 20 seconds. 4. Meditate for 8 minutes. Close your eyes, focus on your breathing, and try to keep your mind clear. Tip: Keep a steady breath throughout the duration of this workout.

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3. Cardio Circuit Duration 30 Minutes Intensity Level High

1. Begin with 1 minute of jumping jacks; exaggerate the movement to loosen up muscles. 2. Jump rope for 15 minutes to your favorite music. If comfortable, try double skipping and other tricks, such as the crisscross. 3. Transition into 10 minutes of jogging. If maximum exertion is desired, try jogging up and down a set of stairs. 4. Cool down with 4 minutes of Muay Thai knee exercises. In this move, slowly bring your knees to your hands, positioned near your abdomen. Let your legs do the work, not your back.

4. Bulk Me Up

Duration 20 Minutes Intensity Level Medium-High 1. Start this workout with 3 sets of 15 push-ups. Keep your back straight. For optimal resistance, put your feet on a chair. For minimal resistance, rest your knees on the floor. 2. Engage in 3 sets of 10 squats. Breathing deeply and keeping your stomach tight, squat down until your glutes become even with your knees. Then, stand up and repeat. Your legs should be shoulder width apart. 3. Keep the burn in your legs by doing 3 sets of 8 lunges. Start in a standing position. Extend your leg out and kneel down. Return to starting, standing position. Then, repeat with the opposite leg.

IMPACT WINTER 2017

7:00 P.M.

An Alumni Perspective

IDEA Alumni Ivan Del Bosque, Alexis Berlanga, and Dave Dias All Keep Healthy Habits Top of Mind at UTRGV Brownsville Between soccer games, shooting hoops, and workouts weekday mornings, these IDEA Frontier graduates know that keeping an active lifestyle is important in college. For Ivan and Alexis, exercise begins their day—chest and biceps, back and triceps, legs and shoulders, and of course, plenty of cardio. “Knowing that we have that workout in the morning keeps us motivated to not stay up too late, and to maintain a healthy diet,” Ivan said. Instead of reaching for the foods filled with fats and sugars, Alexis likes to cook simple, nutritious meals. “Chicken and rice is a classic for me.” All three gentlemen agree that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. They know the benefits of kickstarting metabolism. Ivan admits he was never a breakfasteater until he enrolled at IDEA Public Schools, where a quality breakfast was readily available every morning. “Ever since then, it’s been part of my routine,” he noted. For Dave, his time at IDEA vastly improved his time management skills. “I’m more prepared for college, without a doubt. I take my planner everywhere,” he said. Dave typically gets his cardio playing his favorite sport, soccer, with Alexis and other buddies on campus. Ivan, whose major is Exercise Science and Pre-Occupational Therapy, said “There’s a science behind every meal, behind every food we eat.” His studies in school have taught him to be careful with what he puts into his body. He noted that his snacks typically consist of oatmeal, nuts, eggs, fruits and vegetables. As he finishes up his undergraduate studies, Ivan is currently studying for the G.R.E., compiling letters of recommendation, working at the Focus Children Rehabilitation Center, while preparing to apply to graduate school. Dave, a Political Science major, and Alexis, a Business Management major, both have another year to finish up, but they’re considering coming back to IDEA to teach or take on other positions after they graduate. Thanks to a strong foundation in health, wellness, and academics, the future is bright for these happy and healthy IDEA Alumni. 46

IMPACT WINTER 2017

Ivan, an Exercise Science and PreOccupational Therapy major, said, “There’s a science behind every meal, behind every food we eat.”

The best mode of transportation for Alexis--walking! For Ivan, time to spare between class and a basketball game is the perfect opportunity for a study session.

Dave, Alexis, and Ivan often workout together as a team.

IMPACT WINTER 2017

8:30 P.M.

A Good Night’s Rest After a long day of learning, growing, and developing at IDEA Public Schools, our scholars need a good night’s rest. Nine hours of sleep is recommended to ensure IDEA scholars are well rested, energized, and ready to start the next day refreshed, as they continue along the pathway to college. Tips to Promote Optimal Rest: • Exercise daily • Avoid using electronics 1 hour before bed • Develop a bedtime routine • Stick to a consistent sleep schedule

 Preschool-aged kids with early weekday bedtimes are half as likely to be overweight as teens with late bedtimes.

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Meet Riley and Alejandro

REFER A FRIEND

Riley and Alejandro joined IDEA last year and quickly became buddies. They’re both reading “millionaires” and soon-to-be math masters and the best part is they’re doing it side by side. Friends make the journey to and through college even better. Make new friends at IDEA and keep the old. Complete this referral card and drop it off at your campus!

Refer A Friend Today!

Your Name

Referred Student’s Name

Current Grade Level

Phone Number

IMPACT WINTER 2017

IDEA Families,

Throughout the year, we engage with lawmakers to educate them on the benefits of charter schools. Ultimately, lawmakers need to hear from you – their constituent - on why IDEA Public Schools is important to your child, so that they support pro-charter school policies. Get involved – get engaged and join IDEA F.L.A.S.H. (Families Leading Advocacy and Spreading Hope)! All Texas children and families deserve an opportunity to have access to the best public schools…let your voice be heard! Sign up today to learn more about becoming a part of IDEA F.L.A.S.H. Find out about the exciting work that you can be a part of to see IDEA’s success grow. Join a growing number of families across the state that are taking action by: • Sharing your personal stories about what attracted you to IDEA • Attending/Hosting Public Charter School 101s • Writing Letters to the Editor or Op-Eds • Contacting lawmakers (calling/emailing) • Taking part in touring our elected officials All of this activity will culminate in the state-wide Texas Charter Schools Association “Charter School Rally” at the Texas Capitol on Tuesday, April 26, 2017, where families from across the state will join together and show support for our schools. Become a member of IDEA’s FLASH and join us in Austin, TX in April 2017. In addition, sign up at http://www.txcharterschools.org/speak-out/start-here/ to receive important updates through the Texas Charter Schools Association. By signing up you will receive important information and opportunities to get involved in the charter school issues impacting your child and charter school students across the state.

Sincerely,

Tom Torkelson, CEO and Founder IDEA Public Schools

IMPACT WINTER 2017

Join our efforts to advocate for your children!

Join IDEA’s F.L.A.S.H.! Parents, teachers, staff and alumni are at the forefront of our advocacy efforts. •

Now, more than ever, your voice is needed to support public charter schools at the Texas Capitol and in your community.

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Your story is important, we need everyone’s help with the fight to get the equal funding that public charter school students deserve.

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There are dozens of ways you can tell your story and how the school is changing the life of your child, your family and the community.

Please fill out the bottom portion of this document, tear out along the perforated line and mail back to us. Once your information has been received, your name will be added to our parent/family database. You will be then receive an invite to attend a Charter 101 in your area, in which you will learn more about charter schools, IDEA and what action you can take to support your child(ren)’s education.

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COMPLETE THIS

Name Email

Address I send my child/children to IDEA Campus (ex. IDEA San Juan CP) PLEASE CHECK ALL THAT APPLY I would like to serve as a campus advocate leader and learn more on training opportunities for this role. I am planning on attending the rally in Austin on Wednesday, April 26th and want to learn more about free bussing to get me there and back.

I have a connection with an elected official at the state level who I think can help our work;

o Representative

o Senator I am interested in learning more about how I can help with statewide advocacy

IMPACT WINTER 2017

IDEA’s F.L.A.S.H.! 

IDEA Public Schools San Antonio Regional Office 2500 San Pedro Ave., Suite 500 San Antonio, Texas 78216 1 (956) 377-8000

IMPACT WINTER 2017

Happy New Year to You! As we embark on a new year, we encourage the IDEA Team and Family to set healthy goals and resolutions.

IMPACT WINTER 2017

APPENDIX NUTRITIONAL FACTS

Meals featured in “Starting the Day Off Right” - Page 10-11

Southwest Breakfast Taco

Oatmeal Grains Round

Cereal & Cracker Pack

Fresh Pear

Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 1 Taco Serving Weight: 144.718 gm

Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 1 round Serving Weight: 65 gm

Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 1 pack Serving Weight: 51.800 gm

Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 1 pear Serving Weight: 166.000 gm

Amounts Per Serving Calories: 218.627 kcal Total Fat 8.353 gm Saturated Fat 2.971 gm Trans Fat 0.056 gm* Cholestrol 211.710 mg Sodium 393. 722 mg Carbohydrates 25.838 gm Fiber 3.493 gm Sugars 1.110 gm* Protein 13.398 gm Iron 1.682 mg Calcium 168.248 mg Vitamin A (IU) 401.056 iu Vitamic C 0.011 mg Ash 0.000 gm* Saturated Fat % of Calories 12.23%

Amounts Per Serving Calories: 270 kcal Total Fat 8.000 gm Saturated Fat 3.000 gm Trans Fat 0.000 gm Cholestrol 5.000 mg Sodium 180.000 mg Carbohydrates 44 gm Fiber 6.24 gm Sugars 19 gm* Protein 5 gm Iron 0.680 mg Calcium 24.210 mg Vitamin A (IU) 11.000 iu Vitamic C 0.000 mg Ash N/A Saturated Fat % of Calories 10.00%

Amounts Per Serving Calories: 191.667 kcal Total Fat 3.417 gm Saturated Fat 0.083 gm Trans Fat 0.000 gm Cholestrol 0.000 mg Sodium 268.333 mg Carbohydrates 40.667 gm Fiber 5.000 gm Sugars 8.167 gm Protein 4.333 gm Iron 8.220 mg Calcium 163.333 mg Vitamin A (IU) 1000.000 iu Vitamic C 6.000 mg Ash N/A* Saturated Fat % of Calories 0.39%

Amounts Per Serving Calories: 96.000 kcal Total Fat 0.200 gm Saturated Fat 0.010 gm Trans Fat 0.000 gm Cholestrol 0.000 mg Sodium 2.000 mg Carbohydrates 25.660 gm Fiber 5.100 gm Sugars 16.270 gm Protein 4.333 gm Iron 0.280 mg Calcium 15.000 mg Vitamin A (IU) 38.000 iu Vitamic C 7.000 mg Ash N/A* Saturated Fat % of Calories 0.09%

Fresh Granny Smith Apple

Fresh Banana

Home-Made Salsa, Bulk

Strawberry Go-Gurt

Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 1 apple Serving Weight: 182.000 gm

Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 1 banana Serving Weight: 118.000 gm

Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 2 ounce Serving Weight: 60.779 gm

Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 1 pouch Serving Weight: 63.503 gm

Amounts Per Serving Calories: 95.004 kcal Total Fat 0.309 gm Saturated Fat 0.055 gm Trans Fat N/A* Cholestrol N/A* Sodium 2.002 mg Carbohydrates 25.134 gm Fiber 4.404 gm Sugars N/A* Protein 0.473 gm Iron 0.218 mg Calcium 10.993 mg Vitamin A (IU) 98.007 iu Vitamic C 8.408 mg Ash N/A* Saturated Fat % of Calories 0.52%

Amounts Per Serving Calories: 105.020 kcal Total Fat 0.389 gm Saturated Fat 0.132 gm Trans Fat N/A* Cholestrol N/A* Sodium 1.180 mg Carbohydrates 26.951 gm Fiber 3.068 gm Sugars 14.431 gm Protein 1.286 gm Iron 0.307 mg Calcium 5.900 mg Vitamin A (IU) 75.520 iu Vitamic C 10.266 mg Ash 0.968 gm Saturated Fat % of Calories 1.13%

Amounts Per Serving Calories: 10.334 kcal Total Fat 0.093 gm Saturated Fat 0.016 gm Trans Fat 0.000 gm Cholestrol 0.000 mg Sodium 81.261 mg Carbohydrates 2.273 gm Fiber 0.632 gm Sugars 0.327 gm Protein 0.441 gm Iron 0.134 mg Calcium 6.449 mg Vitamin A (IU) 356.352 iu Vitamic C 8.254 mg Ash 0.048 gm* Saturated Fat % of Calories 1.39%

Amounts Per Serving Calories: 59.733 kcal Total Fat 0.498 gm Saturated Fat 0.000 gm Trans Fat 0.000 gm Cholestrol 4.978 mg Sodium 29.867 mg Carbohydrates 11.947 gm Fiber 0.000 gm Sugars 1.991 gm Protein 1.991 gm Iron 0.000 mg Calcium 99.556 mg Vitamin A (IU) 398.222 iu Vitamic C .0000 mg Ash N/A* Saturated Fat % of Calories 0.00%

Serving Size: 1 Taco Yield: 100.00 Cost Per Serving: $0.35

Serving Size: 1 Apple Yield: 1.00 Cost Per Serving: $0.33

Serving Size: 1 Round Yield: 126.00 Cost Per Serving: $0.35

Serving Size: 1 Banana Yield: 1.00 Cost Per Serving: $0.11

Serving Size: 1 pack Yield: 6.00 Cost Per Serving: $0.29

Serving Size: 2.00 ounce Yield: 140.000 Cost Per Serving: $0.06

* = indicates missing Nutrient Information ^ = indicates user added nutrient WARNING: TRANS FAT VALUES ARE PROVIDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY, NOT FOR MONITORING PURPOSES.

IMPACT WINTER 2017

Serving Size: 1 pear Yield: 1.00 Cost Per Serving: $0.30

Serving Size: 1 pouch Yield: 128.000 Cost Per Serving: $0.28

NUTRITIONAL FACTS

Meals featured in “Starting the Day Off Right” - Page 10-11

White, 1% Lowfat Milk

White, Fat Free Milk

Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 1 carton Serving Weight: 226.796 gm

Amounts Per Serving Calories: 110.000 kcal Total Fat 2.500 gm Saturated Fat 1.500 gm Trans Fat 0.000 gm* Cholestrol 10.000 mg Sodium 130.000 mg Carbohydrates 13.000 gm Fiber 0.000 gm Sugars 12.000 gm* Protein 8.000 gm Iron 0.000 mg Calcium 300.000 mg Vitamin A (IU) 500.000 iu Vitamic C 2.400 mg Ash N/A* Saturated Fat % of Calories 12.27%

Amounts Per Serving Calories: 90 kcal Total Fat 0.000 gm Saturated Fat 0.000 gm Trans Fat 0.000 gm Cholestrol 5.000 mg Sodium 130.000 mg Carbohydrates 13.000 gm Fiber 0.000 gm Sugars 12 gm* Protein 8.000 gm Iron 0.000 mg Calcium 300.000 mg Vitamin A (IU) 500.000 iu Vitamic C 2.400 mg Ash N/A* Saturated Fat % of Calories 0.00%

Serving Size: 1 Carton Yield: 100.00 Cost Per Serving: $0.29

Serving Size: 1 carton Yield: 100.00 Cost Per Serving: $0.29

Meals featured in “Lunchtime” Pages 22-23 Philly Cheese Steak Sub Serving Size: 1.00 sandwich Yield: 1.00 Cost Per Serving: $0.85

Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 1 sandwich Serving Weight: 182.968 gm Amounts Per Serving Calories: 313.766 kcal Total Fat: 11.145 gm Saturated Fat 6.062 gm Trans Fat 0.000 gm Cholesterol 25.590 mg Sodium 884.231 mg Carbohydrates 45.406 gm Fiber 6.096 gm Sugars 5.198 gm Protein 14.242 gm Iron 2.733 mg Calcium 210.936 mg Vitamin A (IU) 310.546 IU Vitamin C 2.489 mg Ash 0.022 gm* Saturated Fat % of Calories 17.39%

Sweet Potato Crinkles Serving Size: 1.00 Serving 1/2 cup Yield: 108.00 Cost Per Serving: $0.19

Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 1/2 cup Serving Weight: 62.652 gm Amounts Per Serving Calories: 100.000 kcal Total Fat: 3.500 gm Saturated Fat: 0.500 gm Trans Fat: 0.000 gm Cholesterol: 0.000 mg Sodium: 80.000 mg Carbohydrates: 16.000 gm Fiber: 2.000 gm Sugars: 5.000 gm Protein: 1.000 gm Iron: 0.360 mg Calcium: 60.000 mg Vitamin A IU: 2250.000 IU Vitamin C: 3.600 mg Ash N/A* Saturated Fat % of Calories: 4.50%

* = indicates missing Nutrient Information ^ = indicates user added nutrient WARNING: TRANS FAT VALUES ARE PROVIDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY, NOT FOR MONITORING PURPOSES.

IMPACT WINTER 2017

IDEA Team and Family, we want you to join us in our mission to get fit and be healthy. Take selfies of your healthy-bonding time and post them with #HealthyIDEAFamily!