Four schools in the Daviess County Public Schools district have been recognized for their commitment to student health, earning designation as America’s Healthiest Schools by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.
East View, Meadow Lands and Tamarack elementary schools and Daviess County Middle School are among an elite group of only of 323 schools nationwide selected on the basis of a rigorous set of criteria that ranges from availability of nutritious foods to access to quality physical education opportunities, as part of Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program.
East View Elementary School took steps to change the overall school culture by placing value on physical activity, healthy habits and nutritious meals as part of their everyday routine. Students and staff find creative ways to practice these healthy alternatives at school, and to continue those healthy habits at home. EVES is located at 6104 Kentucky 405. Media partners may contact physical education teacher Nick Whiteside at 270-852-7350 or nick.whiteside@daviess.kyschools.us
Meadow Lands Elementary School piloted the innovative “Breakfast in the Classroom” program, serving a nutritious morning meal to every student to facilitate learning by combating hunger during the school day. MLES students begin each day with a healthy breakfast, which gives them the energy they need to succeed in the classroom. MLES is located at 3500 Hayden Road. Contact physical education teacher Amy Bouchard at 270-852-7450 or amy.bouchard@daviess.kyschools.us
Tamarack Elementary School has committed to providing a variety of locally sourced fruits and vegetables in the cafeteria and exploring innovative ways to encourage students to sample healthy foods they otherwise might not try. “Our goal is to allow students every opportunity to succeed in the classroom,” said Kathy Shaver, TES food services manager. “We believe that success is directly tied to giving each student access to well-balanced and nutritious meals.” TES is located at 1733 Tamarack Road. Contact Kathy Shaver at 270-852-7550 or kathy.shaver@daviess.kyschools.us
Daviess County Middle School incorporates healthy snacks, healthy food options at lunch and activity breaks in the classroom to promote healthy habits among their students. DCMS is located at 1415 E. Fourth St. Media partners may contact health/physical education teacher Alese Ferrell at 270-852-7600 or alese.ferrell@daviess.kyschools.us
“Our entire community, including parents, teachers, students and staff, shares the responsibility of creating a healthy school environment,” said DCPS Superintendent Matt Robbins. “Ensuring the health and wellness of students is an important part of our Kids First commitment. We are honored to receive this recognition from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and remain dedicated to supporting the health of our students, staff and community.”
All schools on the 2017 list of America’s Healthiest Schools have earned National Healthy Schools Awards, a prestigious achievement that celebrates schools that meet or exceed stringent standards set by Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program for serving healthier meals and snacks, getting students moving more, offering high-quality physical and health education and empowering school leaders to become healthy role models.
“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 Daviess County Public Schools for serving as a ‘best in class’ example of what it means to create healthier environments for both students and staff.”
Any school can join the Healthy Schools Program at no cost by visiting schools.healthiergeneration.org. To view the complete list of America’s Healthiest Schools, visit healthiestschools.org.