School district recognized for its efforts to improve students' health

Central Valley - The Monroe-Woodbury School District has been honored by the New York State School Health Alliance for its long-standing efforts promoting comprehensive school health and learning among its students. Monroe-Woodbury was one of eight districts to win one of the inaugural New York Healthy STARS (School Teams Achieving Results Successfully) awards. The alliance is a group of non-governmental agencies and organizations in support of school health. The connection between student health and academic achievement is a new area of research. According to recent studies, higher levels of academic achievement were linked to students who were physically active and fit. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends that school districts adopt a comprehensive school health program to provide an environment where students and adults can lead healthier lives while excelling academically. The New York Healthy STARS program is based on this CDC recommendation. Acting Superintendent John M. Canzoneri attributed the district’s recognition to the work and dedication of the District Health and Wellness Committee. The district also has a long track record in this area, beginning with the creation of a health council in 1989 and the appointment of two health coordinators. Other accomplishments include a wellness newsletter; school nurse teachers at the elementary level for health education; the inclusion of health facts on every page of the district calendar; and the Students Teaching AIDS Reduction Strategies program, in place for more than 10 years. STARS is a peer education program in which 10th through 12th grade students instruct K-9th grade students how to lead healthy lives. To gain the award, the district completed a voluntary self-assessment, which was followed up by an on-site evaluation by a team from the Statewide Center for Healthy Schools. The awards were presented at a ceremony held in Albany on Sept. 30 at the headquarters of New York State United Teachers, a sponsor of the event. Collaborators on the Healthy STARS program include the Statewide Center for Healthy Schools; New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; American Cancer Society; American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association; American Lung Association of New York State; Wellness Councils of America; and many other organizations.