Port Orange Elementary has been named one of America’s Healthiest Schools by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Port Orange Elementary is the only school in Volusia County to receive this distinction, and one of only 22 schools in Florida.
All of the award-winning America’s Healthiest Schools must meet or exceed federal nutrition standards for school meals and snacks, offer breakfast daily, implement district wellness policies and update progress annually. They must also provide students with at least 60 minutes of physical education per week and ensure physical activity throughout the school day.
Port Orange Elementary implemented a number of programs and challenges to achieve this distinction. They conducted a step challenge with its staff and achieved 13,000 steps per day, added a Mile Club and Girls on the Run Club, and did a “Go Take a Hike” fundraiser to raise $12,000, which paid for a sun shade to protect the children at the PE court.
Further, all K-5 classes had Nutrition classes through the University of Florida Extension office. Port Orange Elementary’s PE teacher went to the Share the Wealth conference and became Zumba and Yoga certified. Their visual culture promoted healthy eating and a general healthy attitude, and, with the support of our PTA, added water bottle filling stations on two water fountains at the school.
America’s Healthiest Schools earn the distinction by successfully meeting a rigorous set of criteria for serving healthier meals and snacks, getting students moving more, offering high-quality health and physical education, and empowering school leaders to be healthy role models.
