Eight Hoover schools recognized for healthy practices

Hoover schools have been successful in integrating healthful changes.

As a part of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program, these schools have made changes to encourage staff and student to eat healthier and move more.

Eleven Alabama schools met or surpassed the standards set by the Alliance’s Healthy Schools Program, and eight of those schools were in Hoover. As a result of their transformation, these schools will receive the National Healthy Schools Award.

Bluff Park Elementary School received a gold rating for its changes, including many chances to be physically active. Snacks also meet the USDA Smart Snacks in School standards, keeping food healthy outside the lunchroom.

“The students and staff are proud to say that we are a healthy school. Staff reinforce these standards by being role models for healthy choices,” said Assistant Principal Crystal Littlejohn. “Now we have open conversations about health and wellness in the classroom, and students understand the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.”

To receive a gold rating, Bluff Park had to meet all of the requirements for bronze and silver ratings as well as provide after-school opportunities for physical activity and carrying USDA Smart Snacks in School standards to out-of-school fundraising efforts. The bronze and silver rankings required access to healthy foods, local wellness policies and promotion of physical activity. The full list of requirements can be found at healthiergeneration.org.

Deer Valley Elementary School received a bronze rating for providing healthy choices throughout the day and during its afterschool program. Deer Valley also recently received a $10,000 grant from BlueCross BlueShield that will go toward more projects promoting physical activity at the school.

Other schools that received a bronze rating include Green Valley Elementary, Greystone Elementary, South Shades Crest Elementary, Trace Crossings Elementary, Simmons Middle and Gwin Elementary.

Green Valley was recognized for its “Gator Bites,” healthy snacks in honor of the school’s mascot, and movement breaks within its lessons.

Greystone provides similar opportunities for movement through GoNoodle, an online tool that helps promote physical activity during lessons. Staff members have also worked with Scale Back Alabama, which motivates participants to lose 10 pounds in 10 weeks.

South Shades helps promote nutrition through healthy breakfast options and “Fruity Fridays,” where staff is encouraged to have fruit with their lunch. School administrator Sherita Williams said faculty and staff are constantly encouraging healthier habits.

Trace Crossings issues heart-rate monitors to its fourth-grade class to help track their movement throughout the day. There are also several after-school activities that help promote physical activity.

“We applaud the achievements of these schools and hope that schools across the country follow the example of these eight schools from the Hoover City School District,” said Dr. Howell Wechsler, CEO of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. “These schools demonstrate a commitment to the health of their students. This is particularly important because research shows students’ health has an impact on their academic and lifelong success.”

The schools will be formally recognized at the Alliance’s Leader Summit in October. Each school will also receive a banner to display as well as other tools for online promotion.