Pasadena ISD Assistant Director for Athletics, Health and Physical Education Pam Tevis was named the Outstanding District Coordinator for the Steps Consortium (CATCH Project) for Harris County. In addition, Williams Elementary was named the consortium’s outstanding school.

The district has been involved in the CATCH program since 2005, led by Tevis’ efforts. CATCH is an evidence-based Coordinated School Health Program designed to promote physical activity and healthy food choices, and prevent tobacco use in elementary school-aged children. By teaching children that eating healthy and being physically active every day can be fun, the CATCH Program has proven that establishing healthy habits in childhood can promote behavior changes that can last a lifetime.

As part of the program, Tevis has taken an active role in encouraging parents and students to lead healthy lifestyles. This year, she coordinated the School Health Advisory Committee, comprised of parents and community members. The group has provided advice to the district on coordinated school health programming and its impact on student health and learning.

Williams Elementary was only one of two schools in Harris County to be named a CATCH Outstanding School. The school received the award because of educating students in the proper food groups and the wellness opportunities the school offers students, teachers and parents. Physical Education teacher Oscar Torres leads the program at the school.

Some of the activities offered at Williams include a Turkey Trot race, a running club, a bicycling club,and teachers fitness room. A bike ride for students and parents is planned for sometime in May.