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January 20, 2013

Glenwood makes list of healthiest schools

By Phyllis Zorn, Staff Writer Enid News & Eagle

ENID, Okla. — Glenwood Elementary School has made the list of the healthiest schools in Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health has released the list of schools, businesses, communities and restaurants that meet criteria to be “certified healthy” in the Oklahoma Healthy School program.

Glenwood is the only school in Garfield County to make the list.

Criteria for Certified Healthy Schools include availability of health education, physical education, health services, nutrition services, counseling, psychological and social services, healthy and safe school environment, health promotion for staff, and community involvement at a school site.

Glenwood Principal James Rainey said a parent volunteer had the idea to apply for the certification, and took the ball and ran with it. This is the second year the school has gotten on the list, Rainey said.

One change the school made to meet the criteria for the award was to add 10 more minutes of physical activity into the school day, Rainey said.

“This year, they’ve adjusted it,” Rainey said. “You don’t do fundraisers that involve junk foods or non-healthy items.”

Other schools in the region who made the Certified Healthy Schools list include:

• Okeene Elementary School and junior and senior high school.

• Canton Elementary School and junior and senior high school.

• Watonga Elementary School, middle school and high school.

• Kingfisher Heritage School, Gilmour School and Kingfisher Middle School.

• Okarche Elementary School and high school.

• Cashion Elementary School and high school.

• Lomega Elementary School and high school.

• Longfellow Elementary School and Alva Middle School.

Victoria Gaddis, OSDH community development services, said school districts where half or more of the schools are certified can apply for grants from the state Health Department.

Additionally, Northern Oklahoma College Enid and Northwestern Oklahoma State University were certified as healthy campuses.

The category certifies colleges or career technology centers that create a safe and healthy environment for faculty, staff, students and visitors.

All will be honored at a Feb. 28 ceremony in Oklahoma City.

“The Certified Healthy Oklahoma programs are an important component in improving Oklahoma’s health outcomes,” said Terry Cline, state health commissioner. “I am pleased that we continue to see an increase in applicants each year who want to be a part of the ‘Shape Your Future’ effort to make the healthy choice the easy choice. This demonstrates a real and encouraging commitment on the part of businesses, restaurants, schools, campuses and communities to improve the health of Oklahomans across the state.”

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