Introducing the Latest CATCH Champion – Patricia O’Neill

Patricia O’Neill, Principal of Clinton Elementary School in Maplewood, New Jersey is the CATCH Champion for March.

What prompted you to be an advocate for children’s health?

I have always been an advocate for children’s health.  As a young athlete, I was always made aware of how important it is to maintain good health.  My mother is a nurse and my father enjoyed being outdoors and golf.  I had a very active, healthy childhood so a healthy lifestyle is important to me.

As a principal of an elementary school, I understand the relationship between being healthy and the ability to learn.  Being active and eating healthy foods helps students become better learners.

When did you adopt the CATCH Program and what prompted you to do so? 

I was recently made aware of the CATCH program through our Supervisor of Physical Education.  I knew our Clinton community would be a perfect match for CATCH so we had meetings and trainings this past fall.  We officially launched the program on November 18, 2011.

Describe notable changes since implementing CATCH and how you know CATCH is working.

I would say the most notable change is the movement going on in the classrooms.  Teachers have students up and moving during transitions and/or for learning concepts.  We also have a school-wide CATCH Friday exercise first thing in the morning.  One of our physical education teachers plays music over our PA system and directs the staff and students to do a different exercise each week for a minute.  Students remember these exercises and do them at home.

I know CATCH is working because it has become a major focus for our students.  They bring in healthy snacks, buy and/or bring healthy lunches, talk about being MVP’s, and drive their parents crazy in the grocery stores!

What are the keys to your success? 

The keys to our success is the collaborative effort of our staff, PTA, and students to implement the program and the commitment from our Clinton families to carry on CATCH at home.

What advice can you offer to those just beginning or who have already implemented the CATCH Program?

Don’t discuss the barriers or challenges first.  Begin with a positive attitude, talk it up with the students and staff including lunch monitors, custodians, and crossing guards – everyone involved with the school.  Reiterate how important this is for our young people, the teachers and staff, and the families in the community.  Everything will fall into place.

What was your most significant barrier and how did you overcome the challenge?

The most significant barrier was the ability of our portable PA system to project to the classes outside.  We have not overcome that challenge – we would need a new portable system.

What has been the reaction from parents, administration, students and community?

Incredible – we have gone from a CATCH school to a CATCH community.

What are your plans for the future?  What is your CATCH vision?

We plan to continue our CATCH program.   We have expanded it to afterschool basketball for our 3-5 students and will plan for activities for the future.  We plan to continue with movement in the classrooms, healthy eating, and healthy attitudes.

My vision is for every Clinton kid, teacher, and family member to be fit and healthy.  I would also like to assist in the nation-wide effort to alleviate Type 2 diabetes.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would like to thank our CATCH committee, our teachers, staff members, PTA, and Clinton families for their belief and continued support of the program.