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 Downtown Campus, Franklin at Brimhall, 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, 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 Deb.
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.”