Promoting Healthy Lifestyles 

In our experience, many students lack specific knowledge of healthy eating habits, where their food comes from, and general stress management. The goal of our professional learning was to set up an after school program to engage students in projects, activities, and experiences that improve their personal health, and the health of their communities. Our professional development included courses in nutrition for preventative health, cooking and food preparation, school gardening, and yoga/stress management. Our after school program is called F.R.E.S.H. (fitness, relaxation, eating well, stress relief, health) from the Garden. In this program, students have an opportunity to prepare and eat healthy food together, participate in yoga and meditation exercises, and plant and harvest in our school garden.

Team Bio/ Information

From left to right:

Alyson Randick:  Alyson graduated from UCLA with a degree in Geography/Environmental Studies. She began teaching at University High School in 2005, and currently teaches biology, integrated science, health, and coaches volleyball.

Kelly Aguda:  Kelly graduated from Clark University with a degree in American Government, and has been teaching at University High School since 1999. She currently teaches government, economics, U.S. history, world history, and coaches the cross country and track and field teams.

Kerri Eich:  Kerri graduated from University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Art Education. She also earned a Masters in Education from UCLA's Principal Leadership Institute. Kerri has been at University High since 2001, and teaches health, food and nutrition science, and coaches volleyball. 

All three team members share a passion for health, nutrition, gardening and sustainability, and use the garden as part of their class curriculum.

School Information 

For school information click:  University Senior High

Information and Resources for Promoting Healthy Lifestyles

To view F.R.E.S.H. from the Garden professional development activities click here.

To view F.R.E.S.H. from the Garden professional resources (books and websites) click here.