Building Healthy Communities Program
Program Applications Released!
The Center for School Health in the College of Education at Wayne State University, along with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Michigan Fitness Foundation and the United Dairy Industry of Michigan invite Michigan elementary schools to apply for participation in the Building Healthy Communities: Healthy School Transformation Program for 2013-2014.
Building Healthy Communitiesis a comprehensive, school-wide program surrounding children and families with healthy eating and physical activity. Its wide-ranging approach includes:
- Educating students through curriculum
- Providing a healthy, supportive environment that makes the healthy choice the easy choice
- Encouraging students to practice lessons learned in the classroom
- Providing access to physical activity opportunities
- Providing access to healthy, nutrient rich food and beverages
The Center for School Health in the College of Education at Wayne State University redesigned the Building Healthy Communities program last year to further embrace a comprehensive school-wide philosophy. The program model has been expanded further for 2013-2014.
The school-wide approach engages everyone in the school building. Team members include principals, classroom teachers, physical education teachers, librarians or media center specialists, school leadership, food service directors or managers, other school staff, and parents.
Schools don’t receive direct cash awards. Instead, 20 schools across Michigan will each receive program materials, curriculum, equipment, professional development, on-site mentoring and technical support valued at more than $50,000.
Primary funding is generously provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
The program targets schools in the following counties: Genesee, Huron, Ingham, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, St. Clair, Oakland, Wayne or Washtenaw. At least 20% of the awards will be outside of southeast Michigan.
Preference will be given to schools where at least 35% of students are eligible for the federal free and reduced-price school meals program. Public, public charter and private schools may apply.
Program details and the required application form are posted below.
Applications are due March 15, 2013.
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Cleveland Elementary in Livonia: Students Get Involved in Healthy Eating Projects Leadership
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The Student Leadership Team at this Building Healthy Communities School planned and served a healthy breakfast which featured a make-your-own yogurt parfait bar. |
Princeton Elementary Kicks Off Their Grant Program
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Princeton Elementary in St. Clair Shores has embraced the Building Healthy Communities Program. A kick-off assembly was held in November where the “Swingset Mommas” got students excited about healthy eating and physical activity in a fun and interactive way. |
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Building Healthy Communities School Taste Testing
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This Livonia elementary school participated for the 20th year in Jump Rope for Heart with the theme “Rock the Beat.” They changed it this year to include healthy eating. Students took a break from jumping and and had a healthy snack of fruit kabobs and water. This was done in the gym two classrooms at a time. |
