Grassy Pond named ‘Healthy School’

Grassy Pond Elementary was among 11 schools statewide who received Healthy Schools Awards last week for their efforts to promote healthy behaviors among students and staff.

The South Carolina Healthy Schools Awards are a joint effort of the state Department of Education, the Department of Health and Environmental Control and the Healthy Schools South Carolina Network. Banners are given as awards to schools that demonstrate a coordinated team approach to improving student health.

To receive the Healthy Schools Award, schools must meet at least one of the eight school health areas identified by the Centers for Health and Disease Control.

Grassy Pond Elementary met the award criteria in one area, “Total Health Program.” The school was recognized for its effort to start walking clubs, character education and community partnerships.

Teachers Justin Lovelace and Anne Coleman directed the school’s efforts to become a South Carolina Healthy School. A student health fair with Upstate Carolina Medical Center and an after-school walking club for teachers are among the activities the school has organized in recent years.

Grassy Pond Elementary Principal Mark Bunch said parental involvement and volunteer work has increased and teachers have developed better working relationships from being involved in programs such as the walking club.

“We are always evaluating our programs to see how we can meet the needs of our students and staff,” Bunch said. “There has been more focus on physical education and nutrition education in schools. We felt the South Carolina Healthy Schools program was a way we could promote health and wellness in our school.”

The school will work over the next year to meet the state’s healthy school requirements for health education, health services, nutrition, and guidance/ social services.