District to participate in NYS ‘Creating Healthy Schools and Communities in Orange County’ grant

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Minisink Valley is part of the next group of Orange County school districts participating in a New York State “Creating Healthy Schools and Communities in Orange County” grant, and will be working with Orange County departments of health and planning officials in this initiative.

The grant’s purpose is to increase the number of schools that improve policies, practices and environments for physical activity and nutrition. This approach supports and aligns with the New York State Department of  Health Prevention  Agenda, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the New York State Physical Activity and Nutrition Program.

“We look forward to working with county officials and our colleague districts on this initiative,” said Superintendent Brian Monahan. “We are very cognizant of how physical activity and good nutrition supports student achievement and success.”

The work involved includes having county officials provide training, and/or technical assistance and resources for school districts to establish comprehensive school physical activity programs, including high quality physical education, physical activity during the day, physical activity before and after school, staff involvement and family and community engagement.

County officials will also work with school districts to provide training and/or technical assistance and resources for school districts to increase access to health affordable foods sold outside the school meals programs.

“Our district provides a first-class physical education program to our students and our equally outstanding food services team provides fresh, healthy nutritious meals to them every school day,” added Mr. Monahan. “We look forward to hearing how we can build upon this.”