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Anoka County SHIP Helps School Implement Health-Based Programs —Add 1 Through SHIP, Paladin was also able to purchase exercise equipment, which is housed in the cafeteria; students use the equipment during designated PE time, lunch, and during their free hours. This space allows students to complete their PE credit on-site. The school also purchased a ping pong table, ping pong paddles, and ping pong balls. Students organize in-house competitions, and it has become a treasured Paladin item. "The ping pong table has helped with relieving stress and with building relationships," Paladin student Devon Thompson said. "It's helped me get to know students and staff better." In addition to increased opportunities for physical activity, over the past few years Paladin has implemented other projects directed at the physical health and well-being of both students and staff. Those efforts include adding an indoor garden system that grows greens and herbs year- round, a bike repair and bicycling education program, and a healthy hydration project to increase water consumption. Paladin also hosts family engagement wellness events focused on e-cigarette and vaping education for parents, healthy snack demonstration and sampling, mental health services, tobacco cessation, COVID vaccination and others. They have offered staff opportunities to participate in healthy cooking classes, have healthy snacks from a snack bar onsite, and practice yoga with one another to support their physical and mental well-being. "SHIP funds have created a means to provide multiple options for students to participate in individual and group activities that they would not otherwise access," said Maria Hartwell, school social worker at Paladin. "These experiences have increased student resilience and strengthened our school community." "Anoka County SHIP is proud to partner with Paladin Career and Technical School on these and other projects," said Jamie Kenealy, Anoka County SHIP educator. "That partnership is helping to create significant, and long-term benefits that will follow the students long after they have graduated." SHIP is a state-based program that works at the local level to support healthier communities by expanding opportunities for active living, healthy eating, well-being, and commercial tobacco- free living. Hartwell said that the current space restraints faced by Paladin will ease when they move to a new Coon Rapids location in Summer 2022. However, the school plans to continue its focus on the whole health of the students even after the move. -30-