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2016-2018 ‘Florida Healthy School District’ Award-Winners Announced

TALLAHASSEE – Florida's Coordinated School Health Partnership (CSHP), the Florida Association of District School Superintendents, Florida Action for Healthy Kids and the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation today recognizes 27 Florida Healthy Districts for the 2016-2018 school years. The newly awarded districts join the 16 recognized districts from last year for a total of 43 Florida Healthy School Districts out of 67 in the state.

The awards are based on criteria from the Florida Healthy School District Self-Assessment tool, which was developed by the Florida CSHP to acknowledge and commend the hard work and success of school districts related to physical, mental and social health of students and staff. Through implementation of the Coordinated School Health approach, these districts demonstrated a high level of commitment toward meeting the health needs of students and staff by maximizing district resources and removing barriers to learning.

“I’m proud that so many of Florida’s districts have decided to take on this challenge and help students, as well as faculty, embrace a culture of health,” said Bill Montford, Florida Senator and CEO of the Florida Association of District School Superintendents. “This program provides a tremendous benefit to our students, teachers and our communities as a whole.”

“The Coordinated School Health Partnership is especially honored to recognize nine first-time recipients of the distinction,” said Carol Vickers, Communication Chair of the Coordinated School Health Partnership. “It is truly a privilege to recognize this great commitment by school districts to student and staff health.”

The self-assessment tool is based on sustainable infrastructure, policy, programs and practices identified from national and state guidelines, best practices and Florida statutes. It was written by school experts, evaluated, piloted and field-tested for three years before being released in 2009.

Since then, CSHP and the other partner organizations have recognized 43 districts for establishing an environment that embraces the Coordinated School Health approach to remove barriers to learning and support achievement in the classroom.

“The academic, social and athletic success of students depends heavily on their health and wellbeing,” said Rebecca Matthews, Chief Executive Officer of the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation. “This year is especially exciting because the majority of our state’s districts are now recognized as Healthy School Districts. This amazing accomplishment will hopefully build momentum for even more districts next year.”

The Florida Coordinated School Health Partnership, Florida Action for Healthy Kids, Florida Association of District School Superintendents and the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation together award these designations for a two-year period. Districts are encouraged to apply every year until they reach the Gold level. The application opens each January and closes April 15.

“I'm delighted that almost two-thirds of Florida’s school districts are currently recognized as Florida Healthy School Districts,” said Melodie Griffin, MHA, State Coordinator for Florida Action for Healthy Kids. “These districts are ensuring that the health and wellness of their students, school staff and families are a priority, and as a result, their students are healthy and ready to learn.”

The school districts recognized for the 2016-2018 school year are:

• Gold: Baker, Duval, Leon, Nassau, Palm Beach, Santa Rosa
• Silver: Brevard, Broward, Citrus, Escambia, Indian River, Monroe, Okeechobee, Pasco, Polk, St. Lucie, Volusia
• Bronze: Bay, Bradford, Franklin, Lake, Madison, Manatee, Martin, Seminole, Sumter, Union

The school districts recognized for the 2015-2017 school year are:

• Gold: Lee, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Sarasota
• Silver: Alachua, Clay, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hamilton, Okaloosa, Putnam, St. Johns
• Bronze: Gadsden, Hernando

Progress toward achievements is measured based on these percentages:

• Bronze: 60% – 70%
• Silver: 71% – 85%
• Gold: 86% – 100%

For more information about Florida Healthy School Districts and a complete list of current awarded districts, visit healthydistrict.com.