GLASGOW — Eight schools across the Barren County School District are among the 406 schools nationwide to be named as America’s Healthiest Schools for the 2021-2022 school year.
The recognition, awarded by Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a leading children’s health organization, celebrates schools’ dedication to supporting the health and well-being of students, staff, and families.
This year, the following Barren County Schools were recognized including for outstanding work and collaboration in the areas listed related to overall health and wellness:
- Austin Tracy – Family & Community Engagement, Nutrition and Food Access, Local Wellness Policy, Health Education, PE/Physical Activity, Social Emotional Health, Staff Well Being, Tobacco Free Schools.
- Barren Co. HS – Nutrition and Food Access
- Barren Co. MS – Nutrition and Food Access, Local Wellness Policy, Health Education, Tobacco Free Schools
- College Street Campus – Nutrition and Food Access
- Eastern Elementary – Nutrition and Food Access
- North Jackson Elementary – Family & Community Engagement, Nutrition and Food Access, Health Education, PE/Physical Activity., Staff Well Being, Tobacco Free Schools
- Red Cross – Nutrition and Food Access
- Temple Hill – Nutrition and Food Access, Local Wellness Policy
Barren County Schools prioritized healthy policies and practices despite numerous challenges resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. They have continued to sustain and promote good health by:
- Maintaining and expanding meal services to students with alternate schedule food delivery, serving over 2.2 million meals from March of 2020 to July of 2022
- Making annual adjustments to the local wellness policies
- Allowing students opportunities for intramural sports activities in our afterschool programs
- Working with classroom teachers to incorporate physical movement in the classroom in addition to brain breaks
- Providing mental health and counseling services in addition to social and emotional learning practices built into the curriculum
“We’re honored to receive this national recognition for our dedication to supporting the well-being of students and staff,and we would like to congratulate each of the schools selected. As a district our goal is to continue to make simple changes to increase the wellbeing of staff and students through the work each committee member and school does to foster these standards of excellence,” stated Cynthia York, Director of Special Programs and District Wellness Co-Chair.
All eight schools that applied for the recognition received accolades for Nutrition & Food Access, and Director of Nutrition Services & Afterschool Programs, CheyAnne Fant, was excited that the announcement was also held during National School Lunch Week.
“We have a district initiative called #WellnessWednesday and because of that the dress up day to celebrate this week was based on workout attire. So, this could not be a more fitting day for this announcement!” While the district wellness committees address the most common items related to food and physical activity, there are many layers to the work that is being done. “We have been working with Alliance for the Healthier Generation for about nine years, and they have been a tremendous help in helping us to reach our goals.” From board policy changes to lunch menus to engaging families to health education to physical activity, each of these areas are evaluated annually at the school, district, and national levels to seek ways to improve.
“As we enter what is predicted to be another challenging school year, we commend the awardees for their resourcefulness and dedication to addressing the acute health and well-being needs of students, staff, and families,” said Kathy Higgins, chief executive officer at Healthier Generation. “This cohort of schools exemplifies the fortitude required to serve current and future generations with empathy and care.”
Healthier Generation’s list of America’s Healthiest Schools remains one of the country’s longest-running, nationwide recognition programs honoring schools for achievements in supporting the whole health of students, teachers, and staff. Any school can connect with Healthier Generation to access trainings, resources, and technical assistance by visiting HealthierGeneration.org.
To view the complete list of awardees, visit HealthierGeneration.org/HealthiestSchools.
