HEALTHY KIDS HEROES 2018

Healthy Kids Heroes 2018: Speaking Up for Safety

Every year, to mark the anniversary of the 1937 Texas School Explosion, I salute inspirational leaders who demonstrate an extraordinary sense of responsibility and commitment to the safety of children and their communities. 

The Healthy Kids Hero Award was created as an annual opportunity to remember the 1937 tragedy — a gas explosion that killed more than 300 people, mostly students, in their new state-of-the-art public school
where no expense had been spared except when it came to safety.

One lesson of the 1937 tragedy is that a safe quality environment depends on champions dedicated to making safety and health a priority.

For 2018, there are three heroes. Each is known for effective advocacy and professionalism, the ability to inspire others, and especially for being compassionate, genuine and kind.

Their work illustrates the power of allies who share a sense of personal responsibility and purpose. They each contribute countless hours of professional and personal time as resources and mentors to their communities and colleagues.

• ​Safeguarding Children and Communities. Dr. Curt Nordgaard is one of the founders of the Massachusetts Health Professionals for Clean Energy.

• ​IPM is a Team Effort  Kathy Murray is Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Specialist at the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. 

• To Make Every Child Feel Safe Every Day​ John Obremski is the Principal of Layette Elementary School, Everett, MA.

IPM IS A TEAM EFFORT

Kathy Murray has a national reputation for dedication, expertise, and leadership. Murray is co-coordinator of the Northeastern School Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Working Group and a member of the National IPM School Steering Committee. The Northeastern Group is a regional group with representatives from land-grant IPM programs, government, private industry, and nonprofits from eleven northeastern states.

The School IPM Working Group encourage partnerships with diverse stakeholders such as landscape, turf, schools, homes, structures, gardens, urban forests, and public health. Murray also leads the Maine School IPM Program that provides training and guidance to all public and private schools in the state.

Kathy Murray’s presentation, “The Maine School IPM Coordinators Role," is one of the many resources she has created to help school staff meet IPM Coordinator certification standards and to implement best practices for reducing risks of pests and pesticides and improving indoor air quality.

The theme of her program is that IPM is a team effort. It reduces health risks and energy costs, saves time, protects property and the environment and solves pest problems sensibly, permanently, affordably.

A Legacy of Leadership

“Kathy is a preeminent person in New England and beyond,” says her IPM Working Group Co-coordinator, Lynn Braband, Senior Extension Associate for the NY State IPM Program of Cornell U.

"She has been a key member and leader of the School IPM Workgroup for its whole existence. She is the main school IPM outreach person for the state of Maine and her talents are used nationally. She is sought after as a collaborator. She recently received a grant to expand programs and resources for school nurses and was a collaborator on a grant to study over-seeding as a management tool on school athletic fields.”

School Nurses on the Front Lines of Public Health

Photo Credit 
Maine Forest Service

Murray’s work with school nurses is described in a recent article in EntomologyToday, The Role of School Nurses in Integrated Pest Management for Public Health.

In addition to surveys that identify gaps and needs of school staff, Murray says she learns valuable insights from visiting schools and from conversations with school staff. For example, when a school nurse called her agency for information about an infestation of browntail moth caterpillars causing severe rashes among students, Murray organized a state-wide webinar to provide timely recommendations for nurses and facility directors.

Other high interest topics for schools are ticks and mosquitoes. There are new tick tools for school nurses to promote awareness of IPM.

Murray is impressed by the level of school nurses’ activism and pride, saying “They know how to get things done.” Murray encourages school nurses and facility managers to work together to advocate for IPM resources.

A Champion for Children

Veronika Carella, a Children's Environmental Health Advocate and Legislative Director of the Maryland Children's Environmental Health Coalition is another long serving leader in the IPM School Working Group.

“As an advocate for children, I am thankful for people like Dr. Kathy Murray. Dr. Murray has worked diligently for many years to guide, educate and inspire others on how to control pests without causing harm to children and their environment. Recognizing the impact that chemical means of pest control can have on a child’s school and community, Dr. Murray has championed and promoted safer alternatives. I have seen firsthand how her efforts have improved the lives of many children."

Robert Koethe, Ph.D., Region 1 Pesticide Expert, U.S. EPA-New England, Region 1, writes,

“...While Kathy Murray’s responsibilities include working in many agricultural and non-agricultural systems she is most passionate about protecting children from risks posed by pests and pesticides. Kathy is a leader in educating parents, teachers and other school staff on pesticide use and IPM methods. She has developed innovative programs to teach school facility managers, nurses and teachers on IPM methods and complying with Maine’s school IPM program. She can always be counted on to go the extra step to help people in need of good information on protecting themselves and their children from pests and misuse of pesticides in the school environment.”

Stop School Pests: IPM for Everyone 

Murray has contributed to the development of school IPM resources such as the IPM Working Group’s “Best Management Practices for School IPM and the School IPM Cost Calculator (IPMCalculator.com) developed by Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service.

Another recent project she was involved with is the StopSchoolPests program spearheaded by the University of Arizona and the IPM Institute, the first-ever standardized, national, peer-reviewed, pilot-tested training that has undergone many rounds of feedback from participants working in schools to make sure it meets their needs. There are free online training modules for Facility Managers, Maintenance Staff, Administrative Staff, Teachers, Food Service Staff, Custodial Staff, Landscape and Grounds Staff, School Nurses and IPM Basics – Introductory training.

Murray also partners with the Maine Chapter of the Education Plant Maintenance Association that provides leadership for vendors, custodians, facility directors, safety and health professionals. Murray often provides IPM training for new and veteran IPM School Coordinators as well as custodians and maintenance staff at their annual conference.

The Compassion of a Social Worker

“I love Kathy Murray as a person and professional” writes Janet A. Hurley, MPA, Extension Program Specialist III, School IPM, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service (Hero 2013).

“Kathy is one of those rare individuals who works for a state agency, but has the compassion to do her job like a social worker. She gives of herself and her time to not just work with schools, but producers, pest control professionals, nurses, and others. Her role with Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry could just be an educator or regulator, but she truly cares of what the people of Maine need."

When I first met her I remember her work with School IPM, but she was also working with vegetable growers. She would go from a school district in the morning to a farm in the afternoon and happy all along the way. Kathy has taught me a lot over the years how to be a good leader. Working with her on the National School IPM Work Group, plus other work groups for the International IPM Symposium and eXtension Urban IPM Community of Practice I know I can count on her to get a task done.”

"...TO MAKE EVERY CHILD FEEL SAFE EVERY DAY."

Born and raised in Everett. Mr. John Obremski has worked in the Everett school district for 25 years, the last two years as Principal at Lafayette Elementary, a K-8 school with 950 students. He brought his previous school up from Level 3 (probationary status) to Level 1 (excellent). With his wife Jennifer, who is a grade one teacher, John has dedicated his life to supporting and advocating for children in public schools. He also serves on the school committee in Melrose Massachusetts.

A Culture of Compassion

Everett Superintendent Fred Foresteire writes,

“John has spent over 20 years in education as a teacher, guidance counselor, assistant principal and 11 years as a principal. Early in his career as an administrator he learned one of his students had a food allergy. Mr Obremski made it part of his mission to make certain that the student did not feel out of place at school.”

“He believes in teaching the Whole Child. His building has a thriving art and music program. His expertise in budget building and grant writing has brought millions of dollars to the district to support afterschool programs and healthy activities for students and professional development for staff. 

He wrote a children’s book, The Walking School Bus” to inspire children to walk to school in groups as part of his healthy living approach to education. 
If you ever want to find Mr Obremski, just look for children because that’s where this champion will be. “

Students meet at different locations and walk to school together. They play music outside and give out book marks and bracelets when they get there." --Eleanor Gayhart 

Health and Wellness = A Safe School Culture

Linda Sala has been active in the Lafayette Parent Teacher Organization since 2005 and is now PTO President. She says,

“Mr. Obremski gives his all for the kids, 110%. It is only his second year at the school and he knows all the kids. He is adamant about not taking any chances with kids’ safety. He has amazing relationships with the kids, parents and staff. His door is always open to every parent. His priorities are the kids’ health and wellness and their social emotional development.”

“Mr Obremski is very sincere, compassionate, and understanding. He can relate to everyone. He believes school needs to fun. He gets involved in every event. The school is very clean, well kept. The kitchen is spotless. Bathrooms are clean. Every other summer they repaint. They do a very good job on air quality.”

“He started a monthly program, Caught in the Act, that recognizes three students who show acts of kindness. In a short period of time, he has improved programs for the whole school. He has brought in sports, yoga and exercise as part of the Health and Wellness program. He has also provided up to date technology. Kids in grades 3, 4, and 5 got iPads. And he is very concerned about kids with allergies.”

As part of the school’s Health and Wellness Committee Obremski has emphasized healthy snacks. No outside food. No cupcakes or candy. He creates alternatives that the kids enjoy such as field days and in-school field trips. Students are rewarded for their achievements with stickers and privileges instead of candy.

​​At the Homecoming Parade 2017 
Assistant Principal William Donohue, 
Evelyn Gayhart, Principal Obremski

The school provides all students with a free breakfast and lunch. Obremski recognized that the large cafeteria could be intimidating to some younger students so he decided to serve breakfast in the classroom. He increased the number of students eating breakfast from 300 to 800.

In response to seeing a remarkable increase in the number of students with allergies, Obremski made new rules starting on his first day at Lafayette. Parents no longer send in outside food for class parties. Now children enjoy doing crafts, dancing, listening to a parent read a book, in-school field trips or outside games. For teachers, it reduces the stress of constant vigilance by limiting food in the classroom.

Inclusion Based on the Friendship Model  

Like Principal Obremski, many of the teachers grew up in the community. He says there is a deep feeling of home, of collaboration, of purpose, of paying it forward. The school serves over 200 students with Individual Education Plans. It is a multicultural community. Many students are learning English as a second language. The teachers pride themselves in relationship building with students and parents. They use a “friendship model” to include all students.

Obremski says his mission is to make every child feel safe everyday. ”I believe that schools should be one of the safest places on earth.” 

Brooke Leifer "Always remember, Impossible means I’m Possible." 

We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It’s easy to say, ‘It’s not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.’ Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes. (Fred Rogers.)

Brooke Leifer is an inspiring young woman. Brooke was nominated as a Healthy Kids Hero by Robin Organ, Executive Director of Green Schools. “Brooke has been singing her little heart out at schools and events across the country to raise awareness of green schools everywhere ...she would surely touch people’s hearts to protect children and our planet.”

Brooke Leifer is a student at Quatlers Middle School in Mansfield, MA. She is an outgoing, passionate, inspiring sixth grader who cares about a lot of things. She plays piano, sings, acts, dances, and is an honor student. She attended Mansfield’s  Jordan/Jackson Elementary School where her 4th grade teacher, Kimberly Goff, was an inspirational influence.

“Brooke is an eager learner and a natural performer because she loves the things she performs about,” says Mrs. Goff, who had been a “teacher ranger” one summer at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.  When she asked Brooke’s fourth grade class to research a National Park and create a virtual tour, Brooke’s poster and presentation were “exceptional.”  “Brooke draws people to her with her kindness, her confidence, and her passion for the earth.”

Even little kids can spread the word.

Brooke advocates for the environment in a unique way -- through music. She knows that a lot of people love music and music is easy to share. She is dedicated to using music to inspire people “to make the world a better place, a special place, a healthy place, to stop pollution,” she says. “Even little kids can spread the word.“   

In early 2015, Brooke recorded and made a music video of “One Earth,” an original song to raise awareness about the earth’s problems and the ways everyone can help. She has performed her song live to large audiences at conferences, schools, and other events and in classrooms, at special events, and online sharing her message far and wide.

ONE EARTH, Lyrics by Brooke A. Leifer and Scott P. Leifer, Music by Brooke A. Leifer and Jeffrey Pongonis (Full lyrics at end.*)

This is our home

This is our planet

So I can't understand it

I see litter on the ground

Too much pollution

Harming nature

Plants and animals in danger

Let’s make a change right now

Cause we've got one earth

We've got to recognize

This is our world

It gives food, water, and life

We should all learn

How to help it grow and thrive

We've got one earth

And one chance to get it right ...

In March 2015 she performed “One Earth,” live at the Green Schools National Conference in Virginia Beach. She performed at the 2015 Long Island Food Conference and at the annual Massachusetts Green Schools Summit at Boston University. The Green Schools Summit connects stakeholders from government, education, business, community, nonprofit organizations, and leaders of all ages interested in green schools and communities.

In April 2015 the Massachusetts House of Representatives awarded Brooke Leifer the "Making a Green Difference" award for her song “One Earth” and doing her part to make our world a better place.  (By the way, in July 2015 she sang the National Anthem at a Red Sox game at Fenway Park.) In August she performed for a large crowd at GreenFest on Boston’s City Hall Plaza.  See more about Brooke on her website and Facebook page.

An Early Start

In an email her father Scott writes, “Brooke has always shown a great love for all things related to science and nature.” Brooke attributes her love for the environment to gardening with her grandparents at an early age, especially her grandfather, George H. Reed Jr., who was Senior Environmental Health Specialist at UMass Amherst.  (Photo: Michael Carroll from Summer Sky Digital Media)

Important Allies

Brooke has found important allies who share her values and goals. Bill Orr, Executive Director of the Collaborative for High Performing Schools (CHPS), recognized Brooke’s passion for “green schools” and invited her to narrate the CHPS Verified School Tour video. The video illustrates many sustainable features and the remarkable conservation achievements of the Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School. As Brooke points out in the video, it shows what others can do to make their school “a school to be proud of.” Brooke’s song “One Earth” is the sound track.  

The project was a collaboration of the NE-CHPS [Collaborative for High Performing Schools], NEEP  [Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships], and Green Schools Society, an initiative of Green Schools.   

Like other Healthy Kids Heroes, Brooke’s story can inspire others to make schools the safe and healthy place that all students deserve and the safe havens they are supposed to be. 

For more school activities see Bring the Lessons of 1937 to Your School.

Brooke defines a hero as someone “who really cares about someone or something and willing to sacrifice themselves for them. To do the best they can, believe they can accomplish the goal, to inspire others. Always remember, impossible means I’m Possible.”

_____

* ONE EARTH

Lyrics by Brooke A. Leifer and Scott P. Leifer

Music by Brooke A. Leifer and Jeffrey Pongonis

This is our home

This is our planet

So I can't understand it

I see litter on the ground

Too much pollution

Harming nature

Plants and animals in danger

Let’s make a change right now

Cause we've got one earth

We've got to recognize

This is our world

It gives food, water, and life

We should all learn

How to help it grow and thrive

We've got one earth

And one chance to get it right

We can reuse

We can recycle

To preserve all that’s vital

Lights out when you leave a room

Go play outside

Stop watching TV

Start a garden plant a tree

Be “green” in all you do

Cause we've got one earth

We've got to recognize

This is our world

It gives food, water, and life

We should all learn

How to help it grow and thrive

We've got one earth

And one chance to get it right

Let’s work to sustain

Nature’s precious gifts

And the world will be

A better place to live

Protect the climate

Live in a healthy way

So many simple things

We can do today

This is our home

This is our planet

We can’t take it for granted

I want it to always be around

Cause we've got one earth

We've got to recognize

This is our world

It gives food, water, and life

We should all learn

How to help it grow and thrive

We've got one earth

And one chance to get it right

Repeat Chorus

Nominate your 2016 Hero

Attention:  Science educators, STEM advocates, professionals in a public health, school health, environmental health, facilities management, IAQ, IPM, health and safety, lab safety, school security, emergency and risk management, asthma educators, first responders, school administrators, nurses, advocates, parents and students.


Do you know someone whose sense of responsibility, inspirational leadership, and exemplary persistence and courage protects children from school hazards and unhealthy school conditions?

Send your hero's story, name, and email/phone # by January 10 to ellie.goldberg@healthy-kids.info
 
The annual Healthy Kids Hero Award was created as an annual opportunity to tell the story of the 1937 Texas School Explosion and to inspire leadership to protect children from chemical hazards and unhealthy conditions in today's schools.

Read more: Who Is Your 2016 Hero? 
Lessons of the 1937 Texas School Explosion
Heroes 2004 - 2015

Healthy Schools Day April 7, 2015.  

Parents can't take it for granted that schools are the healthy places and safe havens we expect them to be. Too many schools, old and new, create or ignore poor ventilation, bad sanitation, and many health and safety code violations. For example, the US EPA estimates that nearly 33,000 middle and high schools have outdated or improperly stored explosives and other hazardous chemicals in maintenance closets, labs and classrooms. It takes enormous courage, persistence and creativity to overcome the status quo of indifference or limited resources.

Healthy Schools Day reminds us to support the leaders and join the partnerships working to protect children from unhealthy and hazardous school conditions. 

Read about Healthy Kids Heroes at Heroes 2004 - 2015 (http://tinyurl.com/TX1937Hero).

Healthy Kids Hero 2015