The kids can hardly contain their excitement. It’s PE (physical education) time. They’re waiting for the “big” signal. “Baba” Eric Hoffman the PE teacher calls out the words Army, Air Force, or Navy. The kids have to run to each line correctly. Go to the wrong line and they’re out. It’s a warm-up game designed […]
The classrooms at Timbuktu Academy of Science and Technology have emptied. Nine girls, different shades and sizes, march in single file down the hall, led by Zeina Carla Washington, AKA “Mama Zeina,” who power walks. Washington, who is the family service worker at the school, throws a comment over her shoulder if another teacher asks […]
It’s time to give kids a 1980s summer. Get them up off the couch. Shut off the TV. Take away the cell phone, the iPad and the Wii and send them outside to play. Tell them to knock on the door and get other neighborhood kids outside to play baseball, ride a bike, climb a […]
LaTasha Flake (“Mama LaTasha”) always serves you with an infectious smile. It’s her way, really. A bubble of energy, care, attention and fun. As a morning and afternoon bus monitor, she helps make sure students at Timbuktu Academy of Science and Technology are getting healthier choices in their meals. When it was announced Timbuktu would […]
Anita Vasudevan gives lessons on pomegranates or teaches third graders at Timbuktu Academy of Science and Technology in Detroit how to make sushi. It’s all part of “Try it Tuesday,” a monthly opportunity for students to sample healthy foods. So far, they’ve tasted pomegranates and sushi, hence the lessons. Vasudevan, a FoodCorps service member, serves […]
Improving Michigan’s health is a top priority for Governor Rick Snyder, which is why he created the Michigan Health and Wellness 4 x 4 plan. The plan lays out strategies for reducing obesity and improving health and wellness. As director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, I am proud to partner with […]