The Deerfield Community School District and the Active School Grant welcomes Justin Annen, the new Active School Community Coordinator.  In the fall of 2011, Wisconsin's Department of Public Instruction recommended 20 Wisconsin schools they felt exemplify the Active School Philosophy to the Health First Wisconsin Coalition as possible candidates for a spring grant.  The Deerfield Physical Education Department was one of five schools selected to receive this grant and as a result, Health First Wisconsin selected Justin Annen as their community activist.

Health First Wisconsin strives to ensure that resources, such as taxpayer dollars, public policy decisions and scientific evidence work together in ways that raise the bar for everyone, ensuring all of us have an opportunity to live a healthy life. Health First Wisconsin believes Health is not something that begins in a doctor's office but instead starts in our homes, schools, workplaces and in our playgrounds and parks. Viewing health in this way, offers a unique and effective opportunity to improve health before the onset of disease.  They strive to ensure everyone has the opportunity to make the choices that allow them to live a long, healthy life regardless of their level of income, education or ethnicity.

Over the next few months, Deerfield students, parents, staff, and community members can expect to see Justin at school and at events as he works to spread the word about physical activity before school, during school, and outside of the school day.  He will be assisting Active School Coordinators Pam Klein and Beka Johnson as they continue to provide opportunities for students, parents, and community members to improve their overall health and wellness.  If you have a passion for exercise, fitness, health, or nutrition, and would like to volunteer your time, please contact Justin Annen at:   annenjp20@uww.edu.