Statewide Healthy Texas Week kicks off at Dallas ISD elementary school

Texans are asked to do four things this week: sweat more, shop healthy, serve their communities and pledge to support a healthier Texas. A kickoff event on Monday, April 4, at Dallas ISD's Thelma Elizabeth Page Richardson Elementary School fulfilled at least the first directive.

The initiative is coordinated by nonprofit organization IT'S TIME TEXAS, which focuses on making a healthy lifestyle easier in the state.

Students from the school and from campuses in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD and DeSoto ISD also participated in the kickoff. All the students were encouraged by Baker Harrell, founder/CEO of IT'S TIME TEXAS, and also Michelle Riddell, vice president of Strategic Communications and Community Investment at Blue Cross Blue Shield. Barbara Johnson, director of Dallas ISD's Health/PE Department, encouraged everyone to be MVPs – Move and stay active; Value healthy eating; Practice healthy habits. Students

The girls and boys soccer team from Thelma Richardson wrapped up the program by leading the group in stretches and exercises. As students filed out, each was given a jumprope.

Volunteers also added some visual reminders to make healthier choices to Thelma Richardson, including a mural in the cafeteria; games painted on the sidewalks and basketball court to encourage movement such as hopscotch; healthy messages on the gym wall and the school's logo at the front entry.