湖北省高考英语 专项训练 阅读理解36.docVIP

2014高考英语冲刺阅读理解专项 50-’s office at Centennial Lane Elementary School in Ellicott City ready for his big surprise. His name had been announced over the loudspeaker moments earlier. Today was going to be special. Back in the day條ike, before fifth grade 桱ake’s parents would bring cupcakes to school in his honor. But this year, for the first time, his Howard County school has forbidden parents from bringing “edible treats” for students’ birthdays. That means no more cupcakes, brownies, chocolate chip cookies, birthday cake, ice cream, Rice Krispies treats or pizza. Instead, Jake got a handshake from Principal Robert Bruce and a colorful pencil and a card. “We hope that you have a terrific birthday,” the card read. Jake just smiled, and went back to class. Centennial Lane is part of a movement across the Washington area and the country to take the battle against childhood obesity to one of education’s most beloved functions: the school party. But some are worried that the fight is going one step too far梐nd taking some of the fun out of being a kid. Schools, where many children eat two of their daya’s meals, are being pushed to the front lines of the battle against kiddy bulge. A federal law requires schools to create wellness policies that encourage students to be more active and eat more healthfully. Some schools in Virginia have started exercise clubs. In Maryland, schools are cracking down on vending-machine junk food. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), the proportion of overweight children ages 6 to 11 has skyrocketed in recent decades, from 7 percent in 1980 to 16 percent in 2002. Among 12 to 19-year-olds, the rate of obesity more than tripled, from 5 percent to 16 percent. Health officials have called obesity a pandemic (流行病). At Centennial Lane, the principal said some parents have complained about the school’s new policy, and others have adapted by bringing in nonfood treats—such as rulers or erasers. Jake Balcom said he m