Northeast Elementary Magnet School Commits to Health and Wellness
Northeast Elementary Magnet School in Danville, Illinois, is home to a diverse student population in a rural area of the state that suffers from high unemployment and a subsequent lack of health care. Over a four-year period, supported by the Healthy Schools Program, Northeast Elementary worked to become one of the healthiest schools in America — overcoming obstacles and creating solutions to ensure its students and staff had ongoing and consistent access to nutritious food and physical activity. As part of their commitment to health and wellness, Northeast Elementary increased physical education by 50 minutes for all grades each week; started an evening activity program through which students and families have the opportunity to walk or jog on the school’s outdoor track; provided a climbing wall for students to use during PE classes; improved school meals; and earned a grant from the Illinois State Board of Education to serve fresh fruits and vegetables to students every day.