Douglas County School District was recognized at the second annual Commissioner’s Choice Awards, hosted by the Colorado Legacy Foundation. These awards recognize efforts of school districts to apply best practices in health and wellness.
“Schools are ideal settings for developing healthy habits that last well into adulthood,” says Dwight D. Jones, Commissioner of Education, in a released statement.
Douglas County Schools was recognized for our work in promoting health in the workplace with the Commissioner’s Choice Award for Workplace Wellness. In April, the District kicked off a pilot program to become the Healthiest School District in America by 2015. More than 1,000 District personnel volunteered to be CHAMPIONS of Wellness in the pilot program, testing the Sonic Boom Pedometer Program, which encouraged increased exercise.
“Healthy employees means lower healthcare costs, an important consideration right now,” says Interim Superintendent Steve Herzog. “But they also serve as healthy role models for the students and for the community. The teachers who are participating are modeling healthy behaviors to our students and taking greater interest in their well-being.”
The District is not only focused on wellness among its employees, however. There has been increased emphasis on school nutrition and healthy activity for the students of DCSD. More wellness initiatives are planned for the coming months as Douglas County continues toward its goal of becoming the Healthiest School District in America!
