September 25, 2024 -- Ecole Kenwood French Immersion has been recognized as one of America’s 2024 Healthiest Schools by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. This national honor celebrates schools that prioritize the physical, mental, and social-emotional health of students, staff, and families.

“I am so excited that Ecole Kenwood won this award,” said Jodi Van Zile, school nurse at Ecole Kenwood. “We know that when we support students' health and well being they are better prepared to learn.” 

The District's Office of Health, Family, and Community Services plays a pivotal role in promoting student wellness across all schools. Through partnerships with organizations like Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Columbus Public Health Department, CCS ensures that students have access to comprehensive health services, from routine vision screenings to essential care provided by dental clinics. 

“Our School Nurses have many roles and responsibilities, and health promotion and wellness is definitely one of them,” said the Director of Health, Family, and Community Services, Dr. Carole Sullivan. “We are engaged in identifying needs specific to the communities that we serve. We collaborate with other healthcare professionals and organizations that offer valuable services and information to improve the health of students as well as others within the District.”

In addition to support from the District, CCS schools are equipped with nurses and gym instructors who are equally committed to encouraging a healthy environment. School staff at Kenwood work daily to support the physical and mental well-being of students. Physical education programs and wellness initiatives align with the standards set by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. These programs ensure that students thrive in every aspect of their development and bolster physical activity to strengthen social-emotional learning.

"I'm here every single day so the students get to see me and I get to be a part of their day," said Bryan Ferres, health and physical education teacher at Ecole Kenwood. "I get to know the students; I get to go above and beyond and do extra things for the school. They love physical education."

Ecole Kenwood is being recognized for their support of school health services. The America's Healthiest Schools recognition program honors schools in up to nine categories, including:

• Supporting School Health Services

• Implementing Local School Wellness Policy

• Improving Nutrition & Food Access

• Bolstering Physical Education & Activity

• Enriching Health Education

• Strengthening Social-Emotional Health & Learning

• Promoting Tobacco-Free Schools

• Cultivating Staff Well-Being

• Increasing Family & Community Engagement

To learn more about this award, click here