Multiple Pittsburgh-area schools were recently awarded for working to support a healthy learning environment, with one school ranking among the top 200 healthiest schools.
Every year, Alliance for a Healthier Generation
recognizes schools across America for their efforts to support student, staff and families' health based on factors such as nutrition, physical activity, school health services, staff well-being and family engagement.This year, a total of 1,376 schools in 35 states and Washington, D.C. were recognized. In the Pittsburgh area, 13 schools received awards.
Pittsburgh school receives perfect score on for supporting community health
Pittsburgh Phillips K-5 was awarded for nine factors and earned the top award:
- School health services
- Local school wellness policy
- Nutrition and food access
- Physical education and activity
- Health education
- Social-emotional health and learning
- Tobacco-free schools
- Staff well-being
- Family and community engagement
With nine awards, the school earned all-star status from Alliance for a Healthier Generation, one of
200 schools to do so this year.
Pittsburgh Phillips K-5 is a Spanish Emphasis Magnet School, enrolling both neighborhood students in Pittsburgh's South Side neighborhood and students from around the city through an annual magnet lottery, according to the school district's website. Students receive Spanish language instruction throughout the week that "extends and enriches" the core curriculum, as well as getting incidental and daily contact with the language through staff members who are certified or proficient in Spanish.
How did Pittsburgh schools score among America's healthiest schools?
Pittsburgh Phillips K-5 wasn't the only school to be awarded for its practices supporting the health of its community. These other Pittsburgh-area schools also received awards:
Schools with six awards:
- Penn Hill Charter School of Entrepreneurship
- Pittsburgh Carmalt Elementary School
- Pittsburgh Sunnyside Elementary School
Schools with five awards:
- Pittsburgh Banksville K-5
- Pittsburgh South Hills Middle School
Schools with three awards:
- Miller African-centered Academy
Schools with two awards:
- Penn Hills Elementary School
- Pittsburgh Arsenal K-5
- Pittsburgh Faison K-5
- Pittsburgh Mifflin PreK-8
Schools with one award:
- Carrick High School
- Pittsburgh Science & Technology Academy
Finch Walker is the Pittsburgh Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Walker at FWalker@usatodayco.com. Instagram: @finchwalker_. X: @_finchwalker.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 1 Pittsburgh school earns top scores for supporting community health
