Governor Kaine Announces Healthy Virginians Awards For Nineteen Schools
– Walker Upper Elementary in Charlottesville and Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy in Alexandria earn Gold Awards –
RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today recognized Walker Upper Elementary School in Charlottesville and Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy in Alexandria for earning the Governor’s Gold Award for Best Practices in Nutrition and Physical Activity. The schools received the honor in recognition of their success in promoting good health and nutrition. Governor Kaine also congratulated six other schools in Charlottesville for earning the silver award, as well as eleven additional schools around the Commonwealth for earning either bronze or silver awards.
“Student achievement and good health go hand in hand,” said Governor Kaine. “Schools emphasizing good health and nutrition increase the likelihood of academic success, while contributing substantially to the battle against childhood obesity and disease.”
Aryana Khalid, assistant secretary of Health and Human Resources, presented a gold award banner and a resolution to Walker Upper Elementary School Principal James Henderson. She congratulated the school for promoting healthy foods, drinks, and snacks and encouraging regular physical activity during and outside of the school day.
Silver awards were also presented to the principals of Clark Elementary, Burnley-Moran Elementary, Greenbrier Elementary, Buford Middle, Jackson-Via Elementary, and Venable Elementary. Rosa Atkins, superintendent of Charlottesville Public Schools, congratulated the schools on their efforts and encouraged other schools around the state to implement the nutrition and physical activity standards of the Governor’s Award.
Charlottesville’s Walker-Upper Elementary and Alexandria’s Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy had both previously earned silver or bronze awards and were able to gain gold-award status by modifying practices, working with community partners, and implementing local wellness policies. As gold award recipients, the two schools join Mantua Elementary in Fairfax County, Agnor-Hurt Elementary in Albemarle County, and Madison Heights Elementary in Amherst County as outstanding examples of promoting wellness for students.
Governor Kaine today also announced Silver Healthy Virginians Awards for Round Hill Elementary School in Loudoun County, Westridge Elementary School in Prince William County, and Stone Robinson Elementary in Albemarle County. He also recognized Catoctin Elementary School in Loudoun County; Randolph Elementary, Byrd Elementary and Goochland Elementary in Goochland County; Elon Elementary and Monelison Middle in Amherst County; Stuarts Draft Elementary in Augusta County; and Great Falls Elementary in Fairfax County for earning bronze awards.
The Governor’s Nutrition and Physical Activity Awards Program is part of the Healthy Virginians Initiative and is designed to encourage policies and practices that promote good nutrition and regular physical activity. Since its launch in 2005, more than 500 schools have participated in the awards program. To date, 31 schools have earned awards.
Schools participate in the Healthy Virginians Initiative by recording data and information pertaining to nutrition and physical activity on an interactive online scorecard. They earn points based on implementation of best practices such as the integration of health and physical education concepts across the curriculum, providing adequate time for physical education and recess, encouraging the participation of students and families in healthy activities, and offering meals and food items that are low-fat and meet nutritional standards. After receiving feedback from the scorecard, schools are able to adjust or change their policies and practices and re-submit data.
The best practices measured by the scorecard are based on the recommendations of national and state organizations, including the Joint Committee of the Board of Education and Board of Health and Virginia Action for Healthy Kids.
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