The Norris School District is featured in the latest film “The Whole Child” from the award-winning team at Nebraska Loves Our Public Schools.  The film premiered this week on NETV.  The introduction to the film notes, “Nebraska schools have taken strides to prioritize its health and wellness programs to help students and teachers achieve their best in a more effective school environment. From proper nutrition and physical fitness to accounting for the socio-emotional growth of students and the well being of teachers, school-based programs empower academic achievement and enhance students’ ability to learn.”

The film features Norris student Morgan Ryan, includes footage of many other Norris students and classrooms, and features interviews with Norris teachers Ann Schroeder and Jane Hansmeyer, High School Principal Ryan Ruhl, and Superintendent Dr. John Skretta. Other districts profiled include Thayer Central, North Platte, OPS, and Westside schools.

Nebraska Loves Public Schools videographers spent a day at Norris High School early in the spring to shoot the footage used in the film.  The Norris District has established itself as a state and national leader in Coordinated School Health through an emphasis on physical activity and nutrition literacy, and has been recognized through the state’s Building Healthy Schools program, the Fuel Up To Play 60 Program, and the Alliance For A Healthier Generation for its commitment to student health and active lifestyles.

A special Norris-only showing of the film “The Whole Child” will occur for Norris staff on Tuesday, April 24th at 3:45 pm in the Norris auditorium.  Invited guests include Nebraska Department of Education health specialist Julane Hill, who is featured prominently in the thirty minute documentary, which can be viewed at http://nelovesps.org/story/the-whole-child/

The films of NELOVESPS have been recognized by the Webby Awards and are funded by the Sherwood Foundation. Norris was profiled in an earlier film “Making Special Education Truly Special” that is also on the Nebraska Loves Public Schools site at http://nelovesps.org/story/norris-public-schools-making-special-education-truly-special/ and features interviews with Norris students and faculty including Dr. Mary Schlieder on “Circle of Friends” and Norris Elementary principal and Special Education Director Dr. Brenda Tracy.