Press release:

Four Highline elementary schools have received recognition in the Healthier US School Challenge (HUSSC). Beverly Park, Madrona, Southern Heights and White Center Heights Elementary Schools are all being recognized for creating healthier school environments through promotion of good nutrition and physical activities.

To qualify for recognition, schools must meet stringent criteria for the school meal program, nutrition education, physical activity and school policies which support a wellness environment, with efforts to:
improve the nutritional quality of the foods served,
provide students with nutrition education, and
provide students with physical education and opportunities for physical activity.

“Highline is honored to receive this recognition from the US Department of Agriculture, recognizing the outstanding efforts of Nutrition Services and school staffs in supporting students’ overall nutrition and wellness,” says Highline’s Nutrition Services Director Chris Neal. “Special recognition should be given to the school nutrition staffs for their efforts make changes to the school lunch menu to meet HUSSC standards.”

Four levels of awards are given: bronze, silver, gold and gold of distinction. Only 17 other Washington schools earned recognition, all at the bronze level. Highline’s silver awards come with a $1,000 prize for each school.

The HUSSC application process was led by Megan de Vries, Nutrition Services Manager. A team of school professionals reviewed the application including building principals, family liaisons, PE teachers, a parent representative and the kitchen staff.
“Healthy students are better prepared to achieve academic success now and in the future,” says Neal. “We plan to work with all Highline elementary schools to achieve the goals of the HUSSC.”

The HUSSC was introduced as a voluntary initiative in 2004. In February 2010, First Lady Michelle Obama incorporated the HUSSC awards into her efforts to raise a healthier generation of children. For more information on the Healthier US School Challenge visit http://teamnutrition.usda.gov/HealthierUS/index.html.