Three Oregon Schools Recognized for Outstanding Student Wellness Programs

For immediate release
contact Susanne Smith, 503-947-5637

March 12, 2011

Three Oregon Schools Recognized for Outstanding Student Wellness Programs

SALEM- State Schools Superintendent Susan Castillo announced today that Garfield Elementary (Corvallis School District), Sabin Elementary (Portland Public Schools), and Willamina Elementary (Willamina School District) are recipients of the 2011 Oregon School Wellness Award.

“Garfield, Sabin, and Willamina educators understand the vital link between healthy living and learning,” State Superintendent Susan Castillo said. “They have proven that solid physical activity and nutrition programs can boost our students’ learning potential. Their wellness policies have contributed to reduced school absenteeism, more alert and involved students, and improved student performance and test scores.”

This is the fourth year that the Oregon Department of Education has formally recognized outstanding school wellness programs. These award recipients have effectively implemented their district’s wellness policies, are creatively promoting healthy student behavior, and are monitoring and evaluating their programs to meet all student needs. Child nutrition programs provide healthy meals to promote learning readiness and healthy eating behaviors. Nutrition Education Services/Oregon Dairy Council is the title sponsor, and will provide each school with a $2,500 cash prize and a certificate of recognition.

“Nutrition Education Services/Oregon Dairy Council is pleased to support the efforts of teachers, administrators, parents, and community leaders for their exemplary work in implementing school wellness policies in Oregon,” said Anne Goetze, Director. “We applaud ODE for initiating this award to recognize the work of schools to improve nutrition and physical activity. We hope these schools will inspire others and the health of Oregon's children will benefit further,” Goetze said.

School Wellness Policies are required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture from school districts receiving federally-funded school meals. These School wellness policies set goals for school-based activities that promote healthy eating, daily physical activity, and other wellness behaviors. Individual schools must implement the district policy but can also go beyond the policy to improve student health.

Criteria of Selection for the Oregon School Wellness Award:

School implements each required element of Wellness Policy
School demonstrates innovation or creativity in implementing components of Wellness Policy
School has a detailed plan for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the district’s Wellness Policy
- School has identified areas for improvement
- School has identified indicators for each policy component to show whether the plan is working
- School re-assesses the program at least annually
- School has identified a coordinator who will ensure measurement and evaluation
- School has a sustainability policy that will grow and change as a result of continuous evaluation and feedback

For more information on the winning schools, go to: www.ode.state.or.us/superintendent/priorities/school-wellness-award-2011-recipient-background-.pdf PDF

The application and additional information for this award can be found at: http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=3016

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Susan Castillo, State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Susanne Smith, Communications Director, Telephone (503) 947-5637
http://www.ode.state.or.us

Oregon Department of Education News Releases contain information that was originally released to the press as an official release. Refer to each News Release for the details.