May 1, 2006	Volume 5, Number 14

Five schools receive Governor’s School Health awards

Five schools have received Governor’s School Health awards in recognition of their efforts to develop programs, policies, and resources that support students’ academic achievement and long-term physical health. Schools earning Governor’s School Health awards, presented recently at the Capitol in Madison, strive to promote healthy eating, physical activity, alcohol- and drug-free lifestyles, and parental and community involvement. Marshall Middle School of Janesville received a Gold Governor’s School Health Award. Edison Elementary School in Appleton, Lac du Flambeau Public School, North Lakeland Elementary School in Manitowish Waters, and Spooner Middle School received Bronze Governor’s School Health Awards.

“These schools have created an environment where students can become fit and healthy, and are ready to learn,” said Governor Jim Doyle. “They recognize that what happens in the classroom is directly related to what happens in the gymnasium, cafeteria, at home, and in the community. Their efforts take a comprehensive approach to reinforce healthy behaviors and educate students, staff, and families on how to make good health a lifelong endeavor.”

“These awards allow both public and private schools to be recognized for developing and maintaining healthy school environments that support children’s academic learning and long-term nutritional and physical health,” said State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster.

The governor and state superintendent initiated the Governor’s School Health Award program last fall to encourage schools to strengthen their efforts to create a healthy school environment that combats childhood obesity and contributes to increased student achievement. The Governor’s School Health Award program packages key policies and programs to help schools deliver a more comprehensive school health program with an emphasis on nutrition and physical activity.

To earn a Governor’s School Health Award, schools can pre-register on-line at www.schoolhealthaward.wi.gov. They then assemble a team to review the school’s health and physical activity programs and submit the award application. A review panel from the departments of Health and Family Services and Public Instruction and the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Health will evaluate the applications and recommend awards at the bronze, silver, and gold level. The topic areas for awards are:

• School Policies and Management, including having an advisory council and a wellness policy;
  
• Physical Education and Physical Activity, which includes meeting goals for students’ physical activity, promoting physical activity outside of school, and establishing partnerships that support physical activity;
  
• Healthy Eating and Nutrition Education, including offering school breakfast and lunch programs that meet healthy school meals criteria, providing nutrition education, and offering more healthy food and beverage choices on the school campus both during the school day and after school;
  
• Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug-Free Lifestyles, including policies prohibiting alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use on school property and at school functions; assessing student ATOD behavior, attitudes and perceptions; providing an effective ATOD prevention program; and
  
• Parent and School Partnerships, including parental involvement in school sponsored education and promotion activities, a formal structure to foster parent and school partnerships, and surveying parents regarding student health and safety.

Sponsors for the award program are the Governor’s Office, Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Health, Department of Public Instruction, Department of Health and Family Services, and WEA Trust. Visit http://www.schoolhealthaward.wi.gov for more information.

Last updated on 5/01/2006