The Gold Medal Schools program (GMS) was developed by the Utah Department of Health in 2001 to address overweight and obesity in elementary schools. GMS is a state-wide program that makes it possible for elementary schools to provide physical activity and healthy nutrition choices at a time when budget cuts and testing requirements overshadow the need for a healthy school environment. GMS improves students’ academic success as well as their physical health through policies and environmental changes that support good nutrition, physical activity, and staying tobacco-free. Best of all, schools receive financial incentives for participating in the program.
Is your school a Gold Medal School? For a list of Gold Medal Schools throughout the state and the level they accomplished for the 08-09 school year, click here.
If your school is not on the list, and you’d like more information on how your school can become a Gold Medal School, contact Rochelle at (801) 399-7187. If you’re a principal who would like to bring the program into your school, you can apply online.
For general information on the Gold Medal Schools program, please visit www.hearthighway.org/gms.
GMS Power-Up:
GMS Power-Up is a Jr. High/Middle school version of Gold Medal Schools. As with the elementary program GMS Power-Up works to improve schools’ health environments through policies and environmental changes that support a healthy lifestyle. The program was piloted in the 07-08 school year, and opened up to all schools in the 08-09 school year.
Weber and Morgan Counties currently have two schools participating in GMS Power-Up.
Congratulations to our Power-Up schools for achieving their levels this year!
If you’d like more information on GMS Power-Up, please visit www.hearthighway.org/gms/powerup.
If you’d like more information on how your school can become a GMS Power-Up school, contact Rochelle at (801) 399-7187. |
