Governor’s awards to recognize healthy schools

Gov. Mike Rounds challenges South Dakota public schools to compete for a Governor's Healthy School Award in the fourth annual competition. The awards honor schools that have made outstanding efforts to promote the health and well-being of their students and faculty. First-place winners receive $5,000.

"Childhood obesity continues to be a challenge across this nation," said Gov. Rounds. "By promoting healthy practices at a young age, we give our students the tools they need to become healthy, productive adults. This program is one way to recognize schools that have dedicated time and effort to improving student health."

Winners are selected in four categories: elementary school, middle school/junior high, high school and school district. The top candidate in each category receives $5,000 and a Healthy School banner.

Schools are judged on eight key components, including health education; physical education; health services; nutrition services; counseling, psychological and social services; healthy school environment; health promotion for staff, and parent and community involvement.

An application form is available on the Department of Education's Web site at www.doe.sd.gov/oess. Click on "Governor's Healthy School Application" in the right-hand column. Requests for applications must be made by public school superintendents, assistant superintendents, principals or assistant principals. The deadline for submitting applications is April 20. For more information, call the Coordinated School Health Program at (605) 773-3261.