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Healthy Schools PA Will Honor Pittsburgh Public Schools for its Commitment to Create Healthier Learning Environments
PITTSBURGH October 18, 2019 – Healthy Schools PA, a program of Women for a Healthy Environment, will honor Pittsburgh Public Schools during its annual convening. The Healthy Schools Summit, which takes place on Friday, October 25, 2019, will also address solutions to preventing environmental hazards such as lead in the school environment.
Open to the public, the Summit, designed to educate those involved with schools such as teachers, nurses, administrators, and school board members, will be held at the DoubleTree Hilton – Greentree from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
“We are proud to be a part of the Healthy Schools PA network, and look forward to this year’s summit,” said Dr. Anthony Hamlet, Superintendent of Schools. “A healthy learning environment is beneficial to not only our students and families but the teachers and staff who support them as well. Pittsburgh Public Schools will continue to ensure that our schools are upholding and enhancing a healthy environment inside and outside of the classroom.”
Pittsburgh Public Schools and two other local school districts will be honored at the event for their year-long participation in Women for a Healthy Environment’s Healthy Schools Program and to celebrate their progress in creating healthier learning environments.
“Educating and informing parents, educators, and administrators is central to our mission and we look forward to engaging these crucial advocates for the health and well-being of our children,” says Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis, executive director, Women for a Healthy Environment, “We are also excited to honor schools that have taken steps to improve their environments. They serve as excellent role models and mentors for other schools in the community.”
The morning of the Summit, PPS school nurse Cassandra Brown and teacher Vicki Ammer will serve as panelists on a discussion about creating a healthy school. In the afternoon session, Monté Robinson, Community Schools Coordinator, will lead the Engaging Parents and Community Partners for Healthy Schools workshop.
Limited seating is available for the Healthy Schools Summit. The cost is $40, which includes meals. Scholarships and discounts for parents are available. Act 48 and Nursing CEUs are available. For information, call Women for a Healthy Environment at 412-404-2872. Register at www.healthyschools2019.evenbrite.com
Two Schools Named Among America’s Healthiest Schools
In other news, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, one of the nation’s preeminent children’s health organizations, named two District schools, Pittsburgh Classical 6-8 and Pittsburgh Phillips K-5, “America’s Healthiest Schools.” Both schools earned the Alliance for a Healthier Generations’ National Healthy Schools prestigious bronze award for their efforts in creating a healthier school environment for students and staff.
More than 300 schools, representing 23 states, are on this year’s list. Schools earn the distinction by successfully meeting a rigorous set of criteria, serving healthier meals and snacks, getting students more physically active throughout the school day, implementing district wellness policies, and empowering school staff to become healthy role models.