2024 Healthy School Award Winners
Healthy School - N. H. Pilate Middle School
Grant Awarded: $50,000
In its inaugural year as a contender for a Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation Healthy School Award, Newton Municipal School District’s N. H. Pilate Middle School demonstrated quality work being done by school leaders and School Health Council members creating opportunities for students to learn and model healthy behaviors.
N. H. Pilate Middle School integrates wellness into its curricula- through lessons and by examples- to encourage physical activity and healthy eating among school personnel, students and their families. Movement in the classroom is incorporated into all school day academic subjects, and in the evenings, step-aerobics and line dancing classes are offered at no cost to school and community members. The school cafeteria created a “Healthy Choice of the Day” lunch plate offering meal options low in calories and rich in protein and whole grains. School officials adopted new menu protocols and planned for the procurement of ingredients to ensure the daily healthy choice option is sustainable into the future.
A Parent-Faculty Wellness Committee was established at N. H. Pilate Middle School to model healthy lifestyles and mentor students around the importance of being physically active and eating nutritious foods. The committee hosts health fairs and provides students with opportunities to engage in inclusive recreational activities free of charge to participants.
With the $50,000 grant award, N. H. Pilate Middle School plans to add a walking trail to the school’s outdoor exercise area and purchase new equipment for physical education classes.
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2024 Healthy School - Petal Elementary School
Grant Awarded: $50,000
A healthy school is one where students learn to value their own health, and Petal Elementary School is leading the way with comprehensive school-based health strategies promoting healthy classroom practices. School leaders and School Health Council members understand the connection between student health and academic achievement and were honored with a 2024 Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation Healthy School Award.
Petal Elementary School provides a quality physical education program designed to encourage students to achieve optimal physical, mental, emotional and social development. In partnership with the Petal High School Career and Technical Education students, high school students provide hands-on learning opportunities for Petal Elementary students. The high school students’ commitment to the overall health of their younger counterparts creates positive role modeling by living healthy lifestyles, leading physical activities and teaching the importance of healthy nutrition. In support, the school garden program combines physical activity with healthy nutrition education through nurturing plants and building self-confidence. Aside from the garden’s fresh produce, Petal Elementary School’s cafeteria uses combination ovens instead of deep fryers to prepare meals and encourage healthy eating.
The comprehensive evidence-based employee wellness program at Petal Elementary School boosts morale and improves productivity and effectiveness among school employees. Positive outcomes from the popular and free healthy cooking and weight management classes have indicated a reduced cost associated with staff healthcare and absenteeism.
As a Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation Healthy School Award winner, Petal Elementary School plans to use the $50,000 grant award to upgrade the school playground and purchase additional physical education equipment.
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