Fifty-five Mesa Public Schools Earn National Recognition for Commitment to Health and Wellness
Mesa Public Schools
September 6, 2024
Fifty-five schools within Mesa Public Schools have been recognized by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation as part of their 2023-24 list of America's Healthiest Schools. This distinction honors their dedication to promoting health and well-being among students and staff.
Across the nation, 879 schools were selected based on strict criteria, emphasizing the importance of nutritious food availability and access to quality physical education programs to support student health and wellness.
The district's 2023-24 awardees are:
Adams, Brinton, Bush, Crismon, Edison, Eisenhower Center for Innovation, Emerson, Entz, Falcon Hill, Field, Franklin at Brimhall, Franklin Downtown Campus, Franklin East Campus, Franklin Jordan Campus, Guerrero, Hale, Hermosa Vista, Highland Arts, Holmes, Hughes, Irving, Ishikawa, Jefferson, Johnson, Kerr, Las Sendas, Lehi, Lincoln, Lindbergh, Longfellow, Lowell, MacArthur, Madison, Mendoza, Mesa Center for Success, O'Connor, Patterson, Pomeroy, Porter, STEM Academy at Red Mountain Ranch, Redbird, Robson, Roosevelt, Salk, Sirrine, Sousa, Stevenson, Taft, Washington, Webster, Whitman, Whittier, Wilson and Zaharis elementary schools; and Summit Academy.
Deb Pangrazi, District Elementary P.E. Department Specialist, credits the collaboration and commitment of elementary physical education teachers for this accomplishment. "Our P.E. teachers worked together to submit a detailed application to the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, highlighting the comprehensive wellness-related services provided by Mesa Public Schools' elementary schools and departments," says Pangrazi.
Mesa Public Schools' commitment to promoting health and wellness is further exemplified by having 55 elementary schools consistently recognized on the America's Healthiest Schools list for the past five years. This sustained achievement highlights the district's dedication to fostering supportive and thriving environments for students and staff.
Kathy Higgins, chief executive officer at Healthier Generation, shares, “As educators nationwide face challenges ranging from historic levels of chronic absenteeism to a youth mental health crisis, America’s Healthiest Schools stand as models of resilience and determination. With support from Healthier Generation’s resources and staff, these award-winning schools are implementing best practices and policies to better serve their learning communities.”
The curriculum is aligned with National, State and District Content Standards for Physical Education (see Curriculum Guides). Each thirty-minute lesson is composed of four parts: the introductory activity, the fitness activity, the lesson focus and the game activity. The four-part lesson provides a well-rounded experience and allows for higher rates of student activity time. Mesa’s highly qualified EPE teachers excel in their ability to integrate State and District academic standards into their daily instruction.
Arizona Physical Education Standards
The EPE Department serves as a demonstration center for the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (Active Lifestyle Centers) for visitors from across the United States and around the world. In addition, the EPE Department is involved in developing innovative national youth activity programs in conjunction with GOPHER Sport (Active and Healthy Schools), HOPSports (Brain Breaks), Blue Cross Blue Shield (Walk On!), Phoenix Children’s Hospital (Kids Rock Stars and Families in Training), the First Tee Golf Organization, the United States Tennis Association (USTA School Tennis), Az Health Zone (CATCH Kids Club), and the Cooper Aerobics Institute (FITNESSGRAM). The ASU Polytechnic Physical Education Department and the MPS Elementary PE Department are partners in teacher preparation.