Fueling Student Success: Creating a Healthy Nutrition Environment in Schools -- Dental Connect Program Launches to Support Area Students -- 2025 Special Olympics Bring Excitement to Strider Field -- Jamestown Area YMCA to Disperse Free Summer Meals to Southwestern Students and Area Children -- CHQ School Success Stories and Best Practices -- School and Family Events Around the CHQ -- Walk and Bike to School Days -- New York State Obesity Data

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Fueling Student Success: Creating a Healthy Nutrition Environment in Schools

When it comes to helping students thrive, nutrition matters. A healthy nutrition environment in schools sets the stage for academic success, better behavior, improved focus, and lifelong healthy habits. Across New York State, schools are working to create settings where healthy eating is the norm—and local programs like the Chautauqua Healthy Youth and Schools Program (CHYSP) are proud to support those efforts.

What Is a Healthy Nutrition Environment?

A healthy nutrition environment means more than just healthy meals—it includes:



• Nutritious, appealing foods served throughout the school day and in afterschool programs
• Clear policies for snacks, fundraisers, classroom celebrations, and vending machines
• Nutrition education built into multiple subjects and activities
• Role modeling of healthy habits by staff, peers, and caregivers
• Systems that ensure equitable access to meals for all students

Why It’s Important

Research shows that well-nourished students perform better in school, have improved attendance, and show stronger social and emotional development. Schools are in a powerful position to create environments where every child has access to the nourishment they need to learn and grow.

How Our Region Is Taking Action

Locally, CHYSP is working with schools, youth-serving organizations, and community partners to strengthen school wellness policies, increase access to fresh and healthy foods, and promote a culture of wellness. This includes:

• Supporting schools in aligning with state and federal nutrition standards
• Offering technical assistance on smart snack policies
• Encouraging student involvement through taste tests and school garden projects
• Promoting consistent messaging about healthy eating in classrooms and extracurriculars

These efforts are supported in part by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) through the Creating Healthy Schools and Communities (CHSC) initiative.

How You Can Help

Whether you're a teacher, board member, coach, cafeteria staff member, or youth leader, you have an important role to play. Encouraging healthy food choices, supporting updated wellness policies, and creating positive experiences around food all contribute to a stronger, healthier school culture.

Learn More

To explore tools, success stories, and best practices for building healthier school environments, visit the New York State Department of Health’s CHSC page: Creating Healthy Schools and Communities (CHSC)

For local support or to connect with our team, contact CHYSP at schools@chq.health.

Dental Connect Program Launches to Support Area Students

Do you know of a local high school student looking to jumpstart their career in dentistry?

The Chautauqua Health Network, in partnership with Chautauqua Lake Dental and several other participating local offices, is excited to announce the launch of Dental Connect — a paid career exploration program designed to support local high school students who are interested in dental health careers including dentists/specialists, dental assistants, dental hygienists, dental lab technicians, and office managers.

Two program tracks will be available — a 30-day introductory option and a more in-depth 90-day advanced experience. Eligible students may qualify for stipends of up to $2,000 to support their participation.

Program Highlights Include:

• Hands-on clinical training with licensed dental providers.
• Curriculum-aligned learning modules and assessments.
• Partnership with local dental offices and clinics.
• Stipend support for eligible students.

This initiative aims to strengthen students’ career readiness while supporting healthcare workforce development in our region.

Please reach out to Annie Pratt (annie@chautauqualakedental.com or annie.pratt@chq.health) with interest or additional questions.

2025 Special Olympics Bring Excitement to Strider Field

Recently, more than 500 athletes and 80 volunteers (and a million smiles) gathered at Strider Field in Jamestown for the 2025 Chautauqua Special Olympics, showcasing their skills in various track and field events. The competition kicked off with an inspiring opening ceremony at 9:45 a.m., featuring the entrance of the Olympic torch as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

The event saw enthusiastic participation from local high school students, who volunteered to support the athletes throughout the day. Spectators were encouraged to attend and cheer on the competitors, making for a lively and heartwarming atmosphere.

With determination and sportsmanship on full display, the Chautauqua Special Olympics continues to be a cherished tradition, celebrating the abilities and achievements of its athletes.

Special Olympics and Unified Sports create powerful opportunities for all youth to grow through inclusion, teamwork, and mutual respect. By bringing students with and without intellectual disabilities together on the same teams, these programs break down barriers and build lasting friendships. They help young people develop confidence, empathy, and leadership skills—on and off the field—while celebrating the unique strengths each person brings. It's more than just sports; it’s a movement for acceptance and belonging that empowers every participant.

What A Day | News, Sports, Jobs - Post Journal

Special Olympics T&F Scheduled For Tuesday At Strider Field | News, Sports, Jobs - Post Journal

Jamestown Area YMCA to Disperse Free Summer Meals to Southwestern Students and Area Children

In a great act of kindness and generosity, the Jamestown Area YMCA will be offering free meals to Southwestern students and area children on weekdays from June 30-August 29.

To register, visit this link: 2025 YMCA Free Summer Meals Registration

Locations:

• CODE Playground in Jamestown (10:30-11:15 a.m.)
• Prendergast Library in Jamestown (11:30 a.m.-12:15p.m.)
• Lillian Dickson Park in Jamestown (12:30-1:15p.m.)
• Jefferson Middle School in Jamestown (1:00-1:45 p.m.)
• Fenner Elementary in Falconer (11:00 -11:30 a.m.) June 30 - August 22
• Hazeltine Public Library in Busti (11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.)
• Gerry Town Park (11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.) July 7-August 15
• Frewsburg Town Park (12:00-12:30 p.m.)
• Ellington Farman Library (12:30-2:00 p.m.) Monday-Thursday

For more information, see the flyers below, call 1-716-664-2802 (ext. 258), or email YMCAFoodStaff@jamestownymca.org.

CHQ School Success Stories and Best Practices

Our schools had a phenomenal year full of learning, fun, and a lot of wellness-oriented activities. Here are just a few of the highlights!

Clymer had a strong focus on physical activity and faculty and staff wellness this year. The district created a fitness room and held many events to keep their community moving!

Frewsburg held many youth camps and engaged the community in pool use and swim lessons.

Silver Creek supported their faculty and students through many events, programs, and wellness initiatives. Silver Creek also had after school clubs, food tastings, and smoothies that were a hit this year!

Jamestown updated their wellness policy and ran multiple PA events and programs throughout the year, including the Hit the Trails and Parks program.

Dunkirk formed their HIT team to focus on a sustainable wellness committee and programming. The daily mile and lot of opportunities for PA were available for students.

Bemus Point improved and enhanced their nature trail and held many events to keep their students and communities moving!

Chautauqua Lake engaged in many outdoor adventure activities along with Ripley. Mountain biking, hiking and swimming are top of the list. CLSD will also host a PD Day for adventure activities next year Stay tuned!

Brocton formed new run and swim clubs!

Southwestern initiated a sailing program - what a great adventure for students!

Ripley engaged in many shared activities with CLSD and did an amazing job with the trail program.

Pine Valley focused on faculty wellness and expanding their wellness options for all.

Forestville increased PA after lunch and added a new walking club.

Westfield emphasized a weightlifting club and Girls on the Run.

Cassadaga had a great hiking and Girls on the Run program!

Fredonia had a school-based food pantry, gardens and unified sports!

Panama introduced community access to pool and weight room for all!

Sherman participated in a bike to school day, the trails program, increased access to local healthy foods, and had an awesome Rock and Run program!

Falconer utilized a natural play area, school gardens, food tastings, and Girls on the Run!

Many schools supported Girls on the Run programs, Boys on the Right Track, Independent Health physical activity programs, school gardens and healthy food tastings, and faculty wellness initiatives!

*Worth a mention: Bemus Point and Fredonia were officially added to the CHYSP program through the State of New York Creating Healthy Schools and Communities grant. The success of the schools program and the high-quality activities and initiatives of all our schools have impressed the state - thank you all!

This e-newsletter for school administrators, coaches and nurses as well as other groups interested in improving health and wellness in school settings and overall quality of life in Chautauqua County; please forward this email freely!

Your feedback is important. Drop us a line and let us know what you want to hear more about.