Wisconsin Schools Encouraged to Apply for School Health Awards (WI)

November 10, 2010

Governor Jim Doyle and State Superintendent Tony Evers are encouraging Wisconsin schools to apply for the Governor’s School Health Award, which recognizes schools that promote healthy eating, physical activity, drug-free lifestyles, parental involvement, and staff wellness.

“Wisconsin schools consistently work hard to create learning environments that promote health and student success,” Doyle said. “This award program is a great way to recognize schools for their efforts to educate students, school staff members, and families on how to make healthy choices that last a lifetime.”

“Over the past five years, 137 bronze, silver, gold, or platinum awards have been awarded to schools around the state, and we hope all schools in Wisconsin consider applying for 2011,” said Evers. “By approaching school health as a coordinated effort including students, all school staff, families, and their communities, schools will go a long way to meeting the requirements and become eligible for this award.”

The school health award application consists of six sections, with each one focusing on an area related to school health. The sections are: School Policies and Management; Physical Education and Physical Activity; Healthy Eating and Nutrition Education; Alcohol-, Tobacco-, and Drug-Free Lifestyles; Parent and School Partnerships; and Staff Wellness.

Interested schools have until March 18, 2011, to apply for the 2011 awards. Schools should preregister for the program via the web at www.schoolhealthaward.wi.gov, assemble a team to review the school’s health initiatives, and then complete and submit the online award application.

Past award recipients are eligible to apply again to advance to a new award level (e.g., bronze to silver, silve r to gold). Past recipients may also apply for the same level previously awarded, but must satisfy additional requirements to maintain their status.

A review panel from the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Health and the departments of Health Services and Public Instruction will evaluate the applications and recommend awards at the bronze, silver, gold, and platinum levels. An award ceremony will be held in May 2011 to recognize those schools receiving a Governor’s School Health Award. Go to www.schoolhealthaward.wi.gov to learn more.

“School health award winners are improving their students’ long-term nutritional and physical health,” added Evers. “Healthier students support healthier communities, which in turn support a healthier Wisconsin.”