The East Grand School District announced last week that Fraser Valley Elementary has been named a 2018 Healthy School Champion, and winner of the $7,500 Platinum Governor’s Award designating this year’s healthiest school in Colorado.

Fraser Valley Elementary is one of 47 champions this year recognized for its work in creating and supporting a healthy school environment and implementing school health efforts that support student learning.

“At CEI (Colorado Education Initiative), we see the positive impact healthy school environments have on student success, and this annual celebration program allows us to recognize and celebrate schools and school districts that are succeeding at this important work,” said Amy Dyett, director of school health for CEI.

Healthy School Champions are presented by the Colorado Education Initiative in association with Colorado’s Healthy School Successful Students, the Governor’s Council for Active and Healthy Lifestyles, and sponsored by The Colorado Health Foundation.

Schools and school districts are graded based on their implementation of best practices in school health, and assessed via a tool called Smart Source, as well as letters of support.

Fraser Valley Elementary credits its healthy climate to strong parent and community partnerships, as well as a healthy nutrition program, physical activities, health education, after school programming and positive student and staff relationships.

“For the winning schools and districts, health and wellness are embedded into the culture and systems,” said Dyett. “It’s about having an intentional investment to meet the needs of their students and staff in order to achieve academically.”