PORT ANGELES — Two Port Angeles schools have received White House awards for keeping students physically active.
Hamilton and Jefferson elementary school officials learned recently that the schools were two of three in the state recognized nationally by first lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Initiative.
“We know that incorporating physical activity into the school day sets kids up for success both in school and in life, so I commend the extraordinary work of these schools, especially the physical educators, principals, district leaders, parents and students, that have championed an active school environment,” Obama said.
A total of 698 schools in 42 states and Washington, D.C., were announced as 2014 National Recognition Award winners on Sept. 3 for their outstanding efforts in creating a physically active school environment.
The third school in Washington state to receive the award was Hazelwood Elementary School in the Renton School District.
“It was extremely exciting,” said physical education teacher Krista Winn, who teaches at both Hamilton and Jefferson schools.
“I was the national PE teacher of the year in 2006, but this recognizes what we’re doing as a whole school.”
To earn a Let’s Move! Active Schools National Recognition Award, schools must meet significant benchmarks in physical education, have physical activity before and after school, have physical activity during school, have staff involvement and have family and community engagement.
The schools’ high-quality PE program, organized recess activities, a program that had families tracking their miles walked after school and on weekends, and healthy eating program — which included students surveying their consumption of fruits and vegetables — helped them win the award, Winn said.
The Port Angeles physical education programs were nominated for the award by the Washington State Dairy Council, which has provided several grants to the school for fitness programs, she said.
Honorees will be provided with a banner, certificate and congratulatory letter from the first lady to display in their school.
The award celebrates a school’s commitment to helping students learn, focus and grow through the integration of physical activity before, during and after the school day.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.
