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Stafford Primary School employees launch “Biggest Loser” contest
By DIANE TEZENO
Several faculty and staff members at Stafford Primary School are out to lose - big.
Inspired by the reality TV show “The Biggest Loser, several employees at the school recently launched their own version of the popular NBC weight-loss series.
Spearheaded by Stafford Primary School Principal Kim Vu, school nurse, Schmeaker Gonzales and assistant principal, Sara Dries, the health initiative aims to help employees shed excess pounds and get fit for the New Year.
“We were just brainstorming, trying to see what we could do to kick off the New Year to promote heath and wellness among the staff and we came up with the “Biggest Loser” program,” Gonzales said of the health challenge.
The competition kicked off on Jan. 6 with an initial weigh in and will culminate with a final weigh in on April 29.
“So far nine participants have signed up for the challenge, including two administrators,” Gonzales said.
Staff and teachers have until Jan. 31 to sign up for the contest and are asked to contribute $25 each to be awarded as the competition’s grand prize.
“We just wanted to encourage our teachers to lose a few pounds here and there, but mainly to be healthy,” Vu said of the contest’s overall goal.
Vu’s goal is to lose the 30 pounds of weight she has gained since becoming principal of the school.
“I plan to cut back on my carbs intake and eat healthy foods and reduce my food portions,” Vu said.
The elementary school principal hopes the health challenge motivates individuals, young and old, to monitor their health and become more physically fit.
Gonzales, a former fitness buff, who has become sedentary in recent years, plans to begin running, walking and biking as a part of the health challenge.
“My goal is to win,” said Gonzales, who plans to lose 40 pounds in the competition.
The competition will require independent effort by each employee, but as the school’s nurse, Gonzales plans to encourage staff members in their efforts.
“We will be posting some healthy, quick meals that they can cook at home in the evenings that way they don’t have to stop at McDonald’s or Burger King,” Gonzales said.
“But even if they do stop there we do have some suggestions so they don’t go too far.”
H.D. Chambers, superintendent of the Stafford Municipal School District supports the effort.
“I encourage and support anything that encourages our teachers and employees to become healthier and live healthier lives,” Chambers said.
“It is obvious that the healthier you are, the better person you are going to be, the better employee you are going to be, and hopefully the better spouse you are going to be,” Chambers said.
Participants in the four-month health competition are activating their personal exercise plans in anticipation of the final weigh-in at the end of April.
The faculty or staff member to lose the most weight will win the competition.
The winner will be announcedMay 1.
Inspired by the reality TV show “The Biggest Loser, several employees at the school recently launched their own version of the popular NBC weight-loss series.
Spearheaded by Stafford Primary School Principal Kim Vu, school nurse, Schmeaker Gonzales and assistant principal, Sara Dries, the health initiative aims to help employees shed excess pounds and get fit for the New Year.
“We were just brainstorming, trying to see what we could do to kick off the New Year to promote heath and wellness among the staff and we came up with the “Biggest Loser” program,” Gonzales said of the health challenge.
The competition kicked off on Jan. 6 with an initial weigh in and will culminate with a final weigh in on April 29.
“So far nine participants have signed up for the challenge, including two administrators,” Gonzales said.
Staff and teachers have until Jan. 31 to sign up for the contest and are asked to contribute $25 each to be awarded as the competition’s grand prize.
“We just wanted to encourage our teachers to lose a few pounds here and there, but mainly to be healthy,” Vu said of the contest’s overall goal.
Vu’s goal is to lose the 30 pounds of weight she has gained since becoming principal of the school.
“I plan to cut back on my carbs intake and eat healthy foods and reduce my food portions,” Vu said.
The elementary school principal hopes the health challenge motivates individuals, young and old, to monitor their health and become more physically fit.
Gonzales, a former fitness buff, who has become sedentary in recent years, plans to begin running, walking and biking as a part of the health challenge.
“My goal is to win,” said Gonzales, who plans to lose 40 pounds in the competition.
The competition will require independent effort by each employee, but as the school’s nurse, Gonzales plans to encourage staff members in their efforts.
“We will be posting some healthy, quick meals that they can cook at home in the evenings that way they don’t have to stop at McDonald’s or Burger King,” Gonzales said.
“But even if they do stop there we do have some suggestions so they don’t go too far.”
H.D. Chambers, superintendent of the Stafford Municipal School District supports the effort.
“I encourage and support anything that encourages our teachers and employees to become healthier and live healthier lives,” Chambers said.
“It is obvious that the healthier you are, the better person you are going to be, the better employee you are going to be, and hopefully the better spouse you are going to be,” Chambers said.
Participants in the four-month health competition are activating their personal exercise plans in anticipation of the final weigh-in at the end of April.
The faculty or staff member to lose the most weight will win the competition.
The winner will be announcedMay 1.
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