Introducing MIKE Mission at Rosemary Anderson
Justin Zellinger (left) is MIKE's executive director, and Tony Melson (right) is the health teacher at East campus.
At Rosemary Anderson, we're thrilled to announce our partnership with the MIKE Program—an initiative dedicated to educating and mentoring underserved students, guiding them toward healthy lives personally and within their school communities. At POIC + RAHS, our 3 Cs Health Care Initiative envisions a future where all POIC + RAHS students and families have access to healthcare resources, ensuring safety, health, and opening paths for careers in healthcare. Additionaly, we aim to equip low-income, disconnected, and disadvantaged individuals with the knowledge, skills, connections, and access to healthcare services for optimal well-being.
Our 3 Cs embody a robust Curriculum, Care-providing healthcare assistance, and Career pathways into healthcare jobs. MIKE's impactful mission seamlessly aligns with the 'Curriculum' component of our 3 Cs healthcare initiative by enhancing offerings. But we're not stopping there! Recognizing the importance of focusing on well-being early on, we plan to extend this remarkable partnership to our Rosemary Anderson Middle School campus in February.
Since October, MIKE has seamlessly integrated its services, enhancing our Health classes at the East campus every other week. This collaboration enriches our health curriculum, ensuring students receive a comprehensive education beyond textbooks and lectures.
Health Teacher Tony Melson with students at the East Campus.
MIKE surpasses the scope of a simple program; it serves as a vital connection builder. Collaborating with educational institutions, MIKE engages passionate early-career health professionals who generously volunteer as mentors. These mentors serve as leaders, employing diverse approaches—from hands-on learning to real-life examples—to create an engaging learning experience in health education.
Guided by these mentors, MIKE crafts a curriculum deeply resonating with students. It's not just about teaching facts; it's about nurturing skills, bolstering leadership qualities, and using diverse tools to empower students in shaping their health paths. An example curriculum was an activity they did at our East Campus, where mentors led an engaging activity inspired by the Oregon Dairy Nutrition Council. Students delved into the world of food nutrition labels, analyzing two chocolate milk options. This interactive session involved comparing elements like added sugar, protein content, and calcium, offering a hands-on exploration into understanding nutritional values.
The impact of MIKE's method is profound—it sparks a wave of positive change. Equipping students with vital knowledge and skills empowers them to make informed choices and lead healthier lives.
This partnership signifies our unwavering dedication to holistic student growth and our firm belief in the power of education and mentorship. As we extend MIKE's reach, we're thrilled about the brighter prospects awaiting our students.
Stay tuned for updates on this inspiring journey alongside MIKE as we pave the way for a healthier, empowered student community. Together, we're crafting change—one student at a time.
