Indiana Department of Education announced today that 113 schools will receive the 2011-2012 Healthy Hoosier School Award, and one is a Warsaw Community Schools elementary.
Jefferson Elementary School is a Silver Level winner, according to information from the IDOE.
Now in its eighth year, the Healthy Hoosier School Award was developed by the Indiana Action for Healthy Kids Team. The award honors Indiana schools that have policies and educational programs in place to promote proper nutrition and increased physical activity among students. The winners are selected for their exemplary level of commitment to create an environment that encourages children to have healthy habits.
“With the number of awards presented, it is evident Indiana schools are concerned about student wellness,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett said in a press release. “I applaud these schools for their efforts in creating a school environment where healthy students are fit and ready to learn.”
Awards are based on Gold, Silver or Bronze level placement. The highest ranked elementary school and middle school/high school each receive a $750 grant. Three runners-up in each category receive a $500 grant. All participating schools receive a certificate of recognition and a Healthy Hoosier School Report Card. The total number of applications reached 116 and those schools not eligible for an award will receive an Honorable Mention. More significantly, 21 percent of applicants achieved a higher award level than last year.
The Healthy Hoosier School Award is sponsored by the Indiana Department of Education, the Indiana School Health Network, the Indiana Action for Healthy Kids, the Dairy and Nutrition Council of Indiana, Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent and IU Health.
For more information on the Healthy Hoosier School Award, visit www.doe.in.gov/student-services/nutrition/team-nutrition-healthy-hoosier-award
To learn more about Indiana Action for Healthy Kids, visit http://take.actionforhealthykids.org/site/Clubs?club_id=1122&pg=main
Winners will be recognized June 19 at the Indiana School Health Network Annual Conference.
