A Note from the Superintendent 

July 2008

Dear Paso Robles Public Schools' Families,

As we roll into summer, it is important to make sure our children stay healthy and well nourished. We need to make sure that they consume foods that will aide in their growth. Children aren't consuming enough milk and dairy products, and what they do consume is too high in fat, researchers at Penn State University say. The scientists say that most children choose to eat more of the highest-fat varieties of cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and dairy-based toppings.

Recommendations for daily dairy intake range from two cups of low-fat dairy products for 1- to 3-year olds, to two to three cups for 4- to 8-year olds, to three to four cups for 9- to 18-year olds. Researchers found that only the youngest group was meeting the daily dairy intake requirements. Of the dairy consumed by younger children, 43 to 51 percent was from whole fat sources rather than the recommended nonfat sources, which accounted for only 5 to 11 percent of the group's consumption.

Researchers say that while most children are not meeting the requirements for dairy and calcium consumption, it is not a good idea to try to meet them by eating premium ice creams and other high-fat products. Dairy is the best food source for calcium for children. They should be encouraged to eat low-fat dairy options such as yogurt, cheese, and milk. Parents can encourage milk consumption by blending milk with a little cocoa powder or fresh strawberries or blueberries, the researchers say. Commercial flavored milk products are often loaded with sugar.

Make sure that your children consume milk and dairy products to help them develop into healthy young adults. You serve as their best example by consuming dairy products as well. So enjoy your summer and drink a cold, tall glass of milk!

Happy Trails

Kathleen McNamara, Ed.D.

Superintendent