Goodrell Middle School to be Awarded “Healthier School” Gold Medal from U.S. Department of Agriculture

Goodrell Middle School is being recognized by the US Department of Agriculture for achieving a Gold Award in the HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC). Goodrell is the only school in Iowa to achieve Gold status this school year.

An award ceremony will be held at the school on:

Wednesday, April 24
7:50 to 8:20 AM
Goodrell Auditorium
3300 E. 29th St.

As part of the ceremony, Iowa Department of Education Consultant Patti Delger will present Goodrell with the school’s Gold Award.

The goal of the HealthierUS School Challenge is to improve the health of the Nation’s children by promoting healthier school environments. To help meet the goal, the USDA identifies schools that have made changes to:

  • improve the quality of the foods served,
  • provide students with nutrition education, and
  • provide students with physical education and opportunities for physical activity.

Over the past three years, Goodrell has worked to make necessary changes to meet the criteria set out by HUSSC. Changes include revised menu items, modified vending machine offerings, healthier fund raising options, increased physical activity for students during the school day, and modified food offerings at after-school events. In addition, teachers no longer use food as a reward in the classroom.

HUSSC announced 195 bronze, silver and gold winners this year from 24 different states. As of February 13, 2013, there were 5,324 schools certified across the United States.