PORT ORANGE ELEMENTARY
NAMED ONE OF AMERICAʼS HEALTHIEST SCHOOLS
P
ort Orange Elementary was named one of America’s Healthiest Schools by the
Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Port Orange Elementary is the only school in
Volusia County to receive this distinction for the 2017-18 school year and one of only
22 schools in Florida. Read-Pattillo Elementary, located in New Smyrna Beach, received the
recognition during the previous school year.
“We are excited that Port Orange Elementary has been recognized as one of America’s
Healthiest Schools,” said Tennille Wallace, principal of Port Orange Elementary. “This
recognition reaffirms our vision to serve the whole child as a community responsive
organization where we learn, grow, and strive for excellence each day!”
Every America’s Healthiest Schools award winner must meet or exceed federal nutrition
standards for school meals and snacks, offer breakfast daily, implement district wellness
policies and update progress annually. They must also provide students with at least 60
minutes of physical education per week and ensure physical activity throughout the school
day.
Port Orange Elementary implemented a number of programs and challenges to achieve
this distinction. They conducted a step challenge with its staff and achieved 13,000 steps per
day, added a Mile Club and a Girls on the Run Club, and did a “Go Take a Hike” fundraiser to
raise $12,000, which paid for a sun shade to protect the children at the PE court.
Further, all K-5 classes had Nutrition classes through the University of Florida Extension
office. Port Orange Elementary’s PE teacher went to the Share the Wealth conference and
became Zumba and Yoga certified. Their visual culture promoted healthy eating and a general
healthy attitude, and, with the support of their PTA, added water bottle filling stations on two
water fountains at the school.
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