Staff report

MILTON — Santa Rosa County Schools has received the top award for the 2016-2018 Florida Healthy School District award.

This is the sixth year in a row that the school district has achieved the gold-level distinction.

Forty-five out of Florida’s 67 school districts are currently recognized as Florida Healthy School Districts through either gold, silver or bronze recognition. Okaloosa County received silver-level for 2017-2019.

The Florida Health School District award is is for a two-year designation. There are currently 14 gold, 17 silver and 14 bronze level districts statewide.

“The (Santa Rosa) school district is a very strong partner for health and wellness in our county, and their commitment to teaching children about the importance of healthy choices is evidenced by this award,” said Sandra L. Park-O’Hara, ARNP, administrator of the Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County. “We are appreciative of their collaboration with the 5-2-1-0 program to encourage healthy eating and physical activity. We are in full support of their plan to apply for the award for 2018-2020.”

The Florida Healthy District Award was created by the Florida Coordinated School Health Partnership to recognize school districts that have implemented policies and procedures that support health. The award is sponsored by the Florida Coordinated School Health Partnership, Florida Action for Healthy Kids, Florida Association of District School Superintendents and Florida Healthy Kids Corporation.

Districts are assessed in terms of health education, physical education, health services, nutrition services, counseling, employee wellness and parent and community environment.

For more information, visit healthydistrict.com.