Press release:

Fourteen additional Highline elementary schools have earned certification as HealthierUS Schools (HUSSC) bringing to 18 the number of Highline schools certified.

The program, initiated in 2004, recognizes schools that have created healthier school environments through promotion of nutrition and physical activity.

Seven schools earned the Gold Award of Distinction, four earned the Silver Award, and three earned the Bronze Award.

“These awards reflect a true collaborative effort by nutrition services staff at our schools, school principals, and staff at central office,” said Chris Neal, director of Nutrition Services. “The level of achievement and number of schools recognized means that many people across the district are working on behalf of the welfare of Highline students. It is just awesome to be recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in this way, and I want to thank every person in Highline who contributed to this achievement.”

The level of certification is based on a series of criteria, including the number of different fruits and vegetables served per week, the percentage of whole grains served, and other factors such as wellness education offered and amount of time devoted to physical activity.

The Gold Award of Distinction, the highest honor, was bestowed on Bow Lake, Hazel Valley, Hilltop, McMicken Heights, Midway, Mount View, and Seahurst Elementary Schools.

The Silver Award was given to Cedarhurst, Gregory Heights, Parkside, and Shorewood Elementary Schools; and the Bronze Award was received by Des Moines, Marvista, and North Hill Elementary Schools.

To acknowledge their achievement, the schools will receive a HUSSC award plaque, a display banner, and a monetary incentive award - $2000 per school for the Gold Award of Distinction, $1500 per school for the Gold award, $1000 per school for the Silver award, and $500 per school for the Bronze award.

Highline schools previously certified include Beverly Park, Madrona, Southern Heights, and White Center Heights Elementary Schools. All received Silver awards.

The HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC) is a voluntary certification initiative established in 2004 to recognize those schools participating in the National School Lunch Program that have created healthier school environments by making changes to their schools’ nutrition environment, improving the quality of the foods served, providing students with more nutritious, healthy choices, and enhancing their physical activity program.

In February 2010 the HealthierUS School Challenge was incorporated into the Let’s Move campaign, aimed at raising a healthier generation of kids.