Lessons on health had a lasting impression for three classes of fifth grade students at Sunnyslope School.
Thursday marked the last day of classes for the year, but the students left behind a colorful, tile mural depicting the things they learned about eating well and being active.
“The original plan was to put it inside but it was so big and beautiful we decided to put it outside for everyone to see,” said Principal Bill Sachua.
The mural on the side of the campus’ multipurpose room contains tiles decorated by about 80 students and has been in place for about a week, explained Teacher Gabriela Vallejo.
In one bright, square tile, a scale used to measure weight was decorated like a bag of groceries. In another, a red heart typically used to say, “I love you” flexed its muscles. Other segments of the artwork showed fruits and vegetables or healthy outdoor activities.
In San Benito County, 49.4 percent of the children between ages 5 and 19 are overweight and 32.3 percent are obese, according to a press release from the county’s health and human services agency.
“Having the kids work on the tile mural was a fun way to get them thinking about healthy habits such as being more physically active and eating more fruits and vegetables,” said Erika Vallin, a health educator for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education in a press release. The supplemental nutrition program funded the mural.
Dr. Anju Goel, the county’s public health officer, reinforced the importance of eating a plant-based diet and exercising regularly in order to lose weight and keep it off, according to the press release.
“San Benito’s schoolchildren are modeling a lifestyle that I encourage for our entire community,” said Goel, in the statement. “The importance of these behaviors cannot be overestimated, and people are more likely to maintain them in adulthood when they are started in childhood.”
