The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County recently congratulated the School District of Palm Beach County on its gold level recognition as a Florida Healthy School District.
This recognition, developed by the Florida Coordinated School Health Partnership, aims to recognize the hard work and success of school districts related to physical, mental and social health of students and staff.
“We congratulate our school district and its Wellness Promotion Task Force for demonstrating the highest level of success in assuring healthy schools serving our community,” said Dr. Alina Alonso, director of the Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County.
The school district’s highest scores were in infrastructure, which demonstrated a strong administration, community support and sustainability. It also scored well in health education, nutrition services and education, healthy school environment, employee wellness and family community involvement.
The Florida Healthy District recognition is based on the successful submission of the Florida Healthy District Self-Assessment and lasts for a period of two years, after which districts will need to reapply for recognition. The self-assessment is divided and scored based on the following categories: district infrastructure; physical education; health services; and counseling, psychological and social services.
Since 2009, the Coordinated School Health Partnership, in cooperation with Florida Action for Healthy Kids, the Florida Association of School District Superintendents and Florida Healthy Kids Corporation, has recognized 47 districts for establishing a culture and climate that embraces a coordinated school health approach to reduce and eliminate barriers to learning and support academic achievement.
The Coordinated School Health Partnership is a grassroots, volunteer organization with a mission to create health literate and health practicing students and staff in all Florida schools. Members represent professional associations, foundations, not-for-profit organizations, businesses, insurers, health groups and education groups. The partnership is committed to working together to improve the health of children, adolescents and staff in Florida schools.
The Florida Department of Health is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board. For more info., visit www.floridahealth.gov. For more about the list of recognized healthy districts, visit www.healthydistrict.com.
