Greystone Elementary School was recognized in September for transforming its campus into a healthy environment for development.
At a Forum in Little Rock, Ark., held Sept. 30-Oct. 2, Greystone representative and physical education teacher Rand Payton received the BRONZE National Recognition Award from The Alliance for a Healthier Generation. The Alliance is a national organization founded by the American Heart Association and the Clinton Foundation.
To earn the award, Greystone Elementary improved its nutrition services and physical activity programs to meet or exceed stringent standards. These standards are set by the Alliance’s Healthy Schools Program, which provides professional development to schools that includes training and resources to help them reverse the childhood obesity epidemic. Schools are eligible for Bronze, Silver or Gold National Recognition Awards based on their level of achievement.
“We are so excited to receive national recognition this year. The Healthy Schools Program has helped us create a healthier and happier environment for students and staff alike, and we are proud of the great results we’ve had so far at Greystone,” Payton said.
At Greystone Elementary, students are not only required to participate in physical activity for 30 minutes a day, but they’re also encouraged to participate in many extracurricular physical activities like the Jaguar Running Club, Jump Rope for Heart and even the Mercedes Marathon.
“The main thing we stress is that we aren’t going to talk much, but we are going to get moving as soon as possible,” Payton said. “We start in kindergarten, and their physical education is high-intensity from then on.”
- Submitted by Greystone Elementary
