Mission, Texas- The extra focus by four Mission Consolidated Independent Schools (CISD) on providing a healthy learning environment has resulted in them being recognized as being among the 323 Healthiest Schools in America by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. The Alliance for a Healthier Generation is an organization founded by the American Heart Association and Clinton Foundation, working to empower kids to develop lifelong, healthy habits.
Last year, all Mission CISD schools, with the exception of Alton Elementary School earned Bronze awards for the 2015-2016 school year through the Alliance. Alton earned a silver award.
This year for the 2016-2017 school year, four Mission CISD schools improved upon their ratings from the previous year, resulting in them making the national Healthiest Schools in America list. Those four schools are: Castro Elementary School, went from bronze to silver; Cavazos Elementary School, went from bronze to silver; Mission Collegiate High School, went from bronze to silver; and Marcell Elementary School, which went from bronze to a gold award (highest possible). Marcell Elementary School was included in an article in the September issue of Woman’s Day magazine that was just published. It can also be found online, http://www.womansday.com/life/g3140/healthiest-schools-in-america/.
All other Mission CISD schools maintained their Alliance awards the previous school year.
“Thousands of schools across the country are seeing the academic, social and behavioral benefits of prioritizing student health,” said Dr. Howell Wechsler, CEO of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. “We’re proud to recognize the exceptional efforts of these four Mission CISD schools for serving as a best in class example of what if means to create healthier environments for both students and staff.”
“It has been amazing to see the gradual shift towards promoting healthier lives in our students and staff these past three years since joining the Alliance for a Healthier Generation,” said Dr. Ricardo López, superintendent of schools. “This is still a work in progress, and I know that more of our campuses are planning on improvements that will help them reach higher levels of achievement next year.” Dr. López indicated that all the campuses who are currently at a bronze level of achievement have stated they are striving to reach the silver award status next year.
According to the Alliance, award-winning schools are serving as best-in-class examples of a nationwide movement to create healthier environments for kids. All recognized schools (bronze-gold):
- Meet or exceed updated federal nutrition standards for school meals, which include increased fruits and vegetables, whole grain-rich items, and meals lower in saturated fats.
- Offer school breakfast to their students every day
- Meet or exceed snack and beverage requirements for the federal Smart Snacks in Schools standards
- Implement district wellness policies and report progress annually
- Provide students with a least 60 minutes of physical education per week and ensure activity throughout the school day
More information about the Healthiest Schools in America Awards is available online at, https://www.healthiergeneration.org/healthiestschools/americas_healthiest_schools_2017/.
Any school in the country can join the Alliance’s Healthy Schools Program at no cost. More information about the Alliance is available online at, www.healthiergeneration.org.
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