News release
Alliance for a Healthier Generation has announced that the Saugus Union School District had 15 schools among the 879 schools nationwide to be awarded and named America’s Healthiest Schools for the 2023-2024 school year.
All schools in the Saugus Union School District were recognized for at least eight out of nine wellness-related categories to be recognized as one of America’s healthiest schools.
Additionally, Saugus had 13 out of 66 schools, nationwide, to receive the “all-star” award – awarded nine out of nine categories. The recognition is awarded by Alliance for a Healthier Generation.
The America’s Healthiest Schools program recognizes schools that prioritize healthy policies and practices amid numerous challenges facing schools today – learning loss and declining youth mental health due to traumatic events, such as school shootings, vaping and nicotine addiction, curriculum changes and school meal insecurity.
Schools had to apply and submit evidence of excellence in areas such as family and community engagement, food access. health education, physical activity, social emotional learning, staff well-being, tobacco-free schools and health services.
Saugus district schools that received the All Star award are: Helmers, Foster, Rio Vista, Skyblue, Tesoro; Second-year recipients: Bridgeport, Emblem, Mountain View, Plum Canyon, Rosedell, Santa Clarita; Third-year recipients: Cedarcreek, West Creek.
Schools that received awards in eight areas are: Highlands and Northpark.
“We are incredibly proud that each of our schools have been recognized as one of America’s Healthiest Schools,” district board President Matthew Watson said in a news release. “This achievement is a testament to our district’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of our students, staff and community. Prioritizing health and wellness in our schools is not just about academic success – it’s about ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive physically, emotionally and socially. By fostering a healthy environment, we are building a stronger foundation for our students’ future and reinforcing the importance of lifelong healthy habits.”
