(from Education)”The Healthy Schools Recognition Program promotes and celebrates healthy behaviours and practices in Ontario’s schools. Schools pledge to take on a healthy activity in their school – and receive recognition for it. Schools can start a new activity or build on an existing one.

The Premier and the Minister of Education will recognize participating schools with a certificate and pennant. A list of participating schools will also be posted on the Ministry of Education’s website.

Research shows that a healthy school environment supports student success. Students, teachers and the larger community benefit when children learn in a healthy school.”

• Walking or biking to school is encouraged as the healthiest choice for students.

• Nutrition and the four food groups is taught as part of the curriculum.

• Two mornings a week we offer all students a healthy snack, including fruits and vegetables, to begin their day.

• School council has supported the “no junk” food fundraiser mandate. Instead of selling chocolate bars we have a physically active “Dance-a-thon”.

• We maintain the 20 minutes a day “DPA” (Daily Physical Activity) program for all students.

• A wide variety of intramural and sports teams are offered throughout the year.

• Articles about healthy lunch choices and nutrition tips are included in our newsletter.

• To promote social health we subscribe to the “Tribes” character education philosophy, and undertake a number of anti-bullying activities including participating in “Pink Shirt Day”.

• A healthy school includes caring about and creating a healthy planet. Ken Danby P.S. undertakes numerous environmental initiatives and is a gold EcoSchool.