Two Neenah middle schools are among an elite group of schools nationwide honored with a National Healthy Schools Award by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.
Horace Mann Middle School received a silver award and Shattuck Middle School received a bronze award. The entire list of award winners has not been released, but there were only 250 schools honored nationwide and three in Wisconsin during 2014-15.
It marks the second straight year Horace Mann has been recognized after earning the bronze award last year. Shattuck received the award for the first time. Both schools will be honored at the Healthier Generation Leaders’ Summit in October in Washington, D.C.
Horace Mann has been active in the “Fuel Up to Play 60” program for several years with half days of fitness activities for students. Shattuck has also implemented the “Fuel Up to Play 60” program. Among the school’s initiatives were “brain breaks” where students do wellness activities to break up their 70-minute classes.
The award also recognized the wellness education curriculum and wellness program at both schools. The food service from Chartwell’s was commended for its commitment to adding healthier foods to the breakfast and lunch menu and the food service employees’ participation in regular training to maintain a high quality of service and food safety. The staff’s involvement in the District’s staff wellness programs was also a key factor in the award.
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation provides schools with guidelines for implementing a healthy school environment. Through an assessment tool and a customized action plan, the framework helps schools work towards a National Healthy Schools Award. To earn the award, schools must demonstrate implementation of best practices in six different areas: School Health and Safety Policies and Environment, Health Education, Physical Education and Other Physical Activity Programs, Nutrition Services, Health Promotion for Staff and Family and Community Involvement.
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