Schools can earn $5,000 for healthy habits

Applications for the 5th annual Governor Rounds’ Healthy School Awards are now being accepted. The awards, which come with a $5,000 cash prize, recognize public schools for their leadership in school health programming. Health programming covers areas such as nutrition services, health services, health education, physical education, counseling services, family and community involvement, and health promotion.

Awards are given to schools at four levels: 1) elementary, 2) middle/junior high, 3) high school and 4) district-wide. In addition to the $5,000 cash prize, each winner receives a banner to display at the school. Selected schools serve as models for schools around the state. Last year’s winners included Eureka Elementary School, Spearfish Middle School, Eureka High School, and Colman-Egan School District.

Public school superintendents, assistant superintendents, principals or assistant principals may apply on behalf of their schools or district. An application is available on the Department of Education’s Web site at http://doe.sd.gov/oess/schoolhealth/index.asp. Applications are due April 15.

For more information, contact Kari Senger, Coordinated School Health, South Dakota Department of Education, at kari.senger@state.sd.us or (605) 773-4257.