Deer Lakes primary school named among 'America’s Healthiest'

It’s not uncommon to see students at Curtisville Primary School dancing and stretching during class.

The youngest students in the Deer Lakes School District have movement breaks, when they are encouraged to shake off “the blahs” and reenergize themselves to learn.

Elsewhere in the school on Saxonburg Boulevard, tower gardens sprout with fruits and vegetables, and the school’s movement lab provides time for structured exercise.

A focus on overall wellness is part of the school’s vibe, and it helped Curtisville earn the America’s Healthiest Schools award.

It is the only one in Pennsylvania to earn the highest rating in each of nine categories from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation — and one of 66 schools across the country to make the top rank.

“Being recognized for an award of this scale reflects our staff’s full commitment to the well-being of every student,” Principal Jennifer Cavalancia said.

“This is a culmination of everyone’s hard work and attention to every student’s success inside and outside of the classroom, and it starts with our attention to their overall wellness.”

Schools are ranked in various categories that include emotional health and learning, nutrition and food access, and enriching health education.

At Curtisville, some of the initiatives that helped capture the honor include:

• Promoting a tobacco-free school through a partnership with Adagio Health on a anti-nicotine and vaping program called “Why Animals Don’t Smoke.”

• Improving nutrition by use of indoor tower gardens. Students harvest plants and food service workers prepare a taste-test for them.

• Hosting social events like “Get Moving Night,” where students can engage in healthy treats while staff share lessons on how to make balanced food choices.

• Promoting well-being through tools such as deep breathing and mindfulness and applying the techniques to manage stress before exams or situations that might be overwhelming. Students learn to differentiate between critical situations and minor issues, honing problem-solving abilities and building resilience.

• Cultivating staff well-being through a challenge based on healthy habits. Tasks include increasing water intake, eating fruits or vegetables and performing acts of kindness.

Superintendent Janell Logue Belden credited her staff for their diligence and called the efforts inspiring.

“We are fully invested in the wellness of every student so that they have the best educational experiences possible,”she said.