The Suffolk County Department of Health Services presented its third annual School Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) award to the Wyandanch School District at its board of education meeting on June 15. The department’s SHARP recognizes one school district each year that has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing the health of its students through innovative programs that improve nutrition and/or increase physical activity.
Wyandanch School District has made huge strides in promoting and enhancing health among its students. The district has partnered with Western Suffolk BOCES on the Creating Healthy Schools and Communities (CHSC) grant, a five year commitment that provides technical support to create school and community environments that foster healthy practices. The district has strengthened partnerships with local organizations and received funding to expose students to more nourishing foods, such as yogurt parfaits and smoothies, and provide greater opportunities for physical activity, improved recess and classroom "brain breaks."
“The Wyandanch School District has earned the Suffolk County SHARP award for its commitment to promoting healthy lifestyle choices,” said County Executive Steve Bellone. “This commitment is consistent with our Healthy Suffolk campaign to improve health outcomes for all residents of Suffolk County.”
"We commend the strong commitment from school leaders and the expanding involvement of the District Wellness Committee in fostering healthy practices in the Wyandanch School District," said Dr. James Tomarken, Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Services.
Wyandanch School District plans to continue to engage partners, publicize successes and impact health behavior norms among its students. For further information about SHARP, contact the Department of Health Services Office of Health Education at 631-853-3162. For further information about the CHSC grant, contact kkirschb@wsboces.org.