Healthy Lifestyles

We believe wellness is a community effort! From school-wide events to family-friendly activities, JES PTA is committed to encouraging healthy, active lifestyles for our students and families.
Because healthy habits start young… and they’re a lot more fun together!

JAGUAR GAMES

In April 2025, JES PTA hosted Jaguar Games - a community celebration of movement, mindfulness, and fun! Families enjoyed yard games, fitness demos, wellness vendors, and so much more.

While Jaguar Games isn’t an annual event, the spirit of community wellness it created continues to inspire everything we do. We’re committed to finding new ways to bring health, movement, and fun to our JES community!

Jaguar Fun Run

Every few years, JES students take on some sort of Jaguar Fun Run - an obstacle-style fundraiser that gets every student moving! From climbing to crawling to racing through challenges, our fun runs prove that fitness can be FUN.

Students fundraise for JES while conquering obstacle courses during their school day. It’s always a fun challenge - and a reminder that healthy habits start with making movement something to celebrate!

🏃 MOVEMENT & ACTIVITY

Make Movement Fun!

Kids who enjoy being active are more likely to stay active for life! Some ideas to get everyone moving:

  • Turn chores into a dance party 🎵

  • Family walks or bike rides after dinner

  • Backyard obstacle courses (future Fun Run champions in training!)

  • Jump rope, hula hoops, and sidewalk chalk games

  • Visit local parks and trails as a family

Local Parks & Recreation:

Healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or expensive! Small changes make a big difference:

  • Fill half the plate with fruits and vegetables

  • Choose water or milk over sugary drinks

  • Get kids involved in meal prep (they eat what they help make!)

  • Keep healthy snacks visible and easy to grab

  • Make breakfast a priority - it fuels learning!

Healthy Snack Ideas Kids Actually Love:

  • Apple slices with peanut butter

  • Cheese and whole grain crackers

  • Veggies with hummus

  • Trail mix with nuts and dried fruit

  • Yogurt with granola and berries

  • Smoothies made with real fruit

🥦 HEALTHY EATING

Simple Tips for Healthy Families:

Local Food Resources:

Nutrition Resources:

🧠 MINDFULNESS & MENTAL WELLNESS

Why Mindfulness Matters:

Healthy lifestyles include mental and emotional wellness too! Teaching kids mindfulness and stress management skills sets them up for lifelong success.

Simple Mindfulness Activities:

  • Deep breathing exercises (try "balloon breathing" with younger kids!)

  • Gratitude journals - write 3 good things each day

  • Quiet reading time before bed

  • Nature walks with no screens

  • Family check-ins at dinner ("high/low of the day")

Mindfulness Resources:

Did you know sleep is one of the most important factors in academic success? Well-rested students learn better, focus longer, and feel happier!

Recommended Sleep by Age:

  • Ages 6-12: 9-12 hours per night

  • Ages 13-18: 8-10 hours per night

Tips for Better Sleep:

  • Consistent bedtime routine every night

  • No screens 30-60 minutes before bed

  • Cool, dark, quiet bedroom environment

  • Avoid caffeine (yes, even sodas!) after 3pm

  • Reading before bed instead of screens

😴 SLEEP & REST

Why Sleep is a Superpower:

SCREEN TIME BALANCE

Finding the Right Balance:
Screens are part of modern life - the goal isn’t elimination, it’s balance! The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:

  • Ages 6+: Consistent limits on screen time

  • Prioritize quality content over quantity

  • Keep screens out of bedrooms at night

  • Have screen-free family time daily

Screen-Free Activity Ideas:

  • Board games and puzzles

  • Outdoor free play

  • Arts and crafts

  • Cooking together

  • Reading, Building and Creating!

Resources: