Harns Marsh Middle School, Harns Marsh Elementary School, and Sunshine Elementary School have each been named one of America's Healthiest Schools by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. More than 1,300 K–12 schools nationwide were recognized this year for their commitment to advancing whole child health.
"This award recognizes our efforts to support the whole person, whether they are a student, a staff member, or community partner," said Harns Marsh Middle School Principal Alex Dworzanski. "Ensuring people are emotionally and physically safe and supported. We strive to win this award every year as it demonstrates our pursuit of well-being and academic excellence."
Supported by Del Monte Foods, Kaiser Permanente, and Kohl's Cares, Healthier Generation's annual award program recognizes schools for implementing evidence-based policies and practices to support academic success and lifelong well-being. Schools are recognized in nine health-related topic areas. The three School District of Lee County schools were honored across three of them:
- Harns Marsh Middle School: School Health Services, Social-Emotional Health & Learning, and Staff Well-Being
- Harns Marsh Elementary School: School Health Services and Social-Emotional Health & Learning
- Sunshine Elementary School: School Health Services
Strengthening Social-Emotional Health & Learning
Recognizes school teams that positively motivate participation and learning. Harns Marsh Middle School and Harns Marsh Elementary School earned this recognition. Harns Marsh Middle was selected for its counselors' classroom presentations, the Wellness Wednesday curriculum, and student recognition programs.
Cultivating Staff Well-Being
Recognizes school teams that provide resources to support breaks for all staff during the instructional day. Harns Marsh Middle School earned this recognition for monthly wellness initiatives, staff recognition efforts, and a focus on providing intentional space and resources to support staff well-being.
Supporting School Health Services
Recognizes school teams that routinely conduct health screenings, address chronic health conditions, and provide a pathway for students with health concerns to receive additional support. Harns Marsh Middle School, Harns Marsh Elementary School, and Sunshine Elementary School earned this recognition. At Harns Marsh Middle, school nurse Sarah Reilly was selected for keeping staff informed and trained, communicating with families, and providing quality care and screenings for students.
All three schools plan to build on this recognition in the year ahead and pursue additional awards for wellness policy implementation and access to food and nutrition.
About Alliance for a Healthier Generation
Alliance for a Healthier Generation is a leading national nonprofit dedicated to advancing equitable whole child health by creating healthier school environments. Since 2005, we've partnered with over 57,000 school communities across all 50 states, reaching more than 31.3 million young people. Learn more and join the movement at HealthierGeneration.org.