News release
For the first time ever, all schools in the Saugus Union School District were recognized in nine out of nine wellness-related categories and received the “All Star” award from the America’s Healthiest Schools program.
Overall, there were 168 All-Star schools named nationwide that received this honor. The recognition is awarded by Alliance for a Healthier Generation.
“We are so pleased to receive this recognition, as student physical and mental health play an important part of the work we do in Saugus Union School District. This is the first year that all of our schools were recognized as All Stars and we are very proud of SUSD for the work to make our district a healthy place for all,” Superintendent Colleen Hawkins said in a news release from the Saugus district.
The America’s Healthiest Schools program recognizes schools that prioritize healthy policies and practices amid numerous challenges facing schools today — including 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, the release said.
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.
Since launching America’s Healthiest Schools in 2007, Healthier Generation has recognized 3,347 schools for their pivotal role in promoting the health and wellbeing for students, staff and families, the release said.
All Saugus district schools received the 2024-25 All Star Award, as follows:
• Second-year recipients: Charles Helmers, James Foster, Rio Vista, Skyblue Mesa, Tesoro del Valle.
• Third-year recipients: Bridgeport, Emblem Academy, Mountainview, Plum Canyon, Rosedell.
• Fourth-year recipients: Cedarcreek and West Creek Academy.
“We are so deeply honored and proud to be recognized for this award and to have all of our schools be named as America’s Healthiest Schools, All Stars,” Saugus board President Patti Garibay said in the release. “This recognition is truly a testament for the hard work and dedication of our educators, staff and community, who all embrace the idea that a healthy school is a thriving school. Our district understands and prioritizes nurturing both the mental and physical health of our students, builds better learners and shapes healthier, more resilient communities.”
