Programs for Schools

Overview

The objective of Highmark Healthy High 5 is to begin reversing the current trends in childhood health and create lifelong healthy habits in children. As part of the Highmark Healthy High 5 initiative, we and our partners offer several programs to help educators address nutrition and physical activity in schools.

School Challenge grant final outcome reports are due one year after the grant is awarded
Schools that receive a Highmark Healthy High 5 School Challenge grant from the Highmark Foundation in 2008 are required to submit a final outcome report no later than one year from the date the grant was awarded. Final Reports can be sent to the Highmark Foundation at finalreports@highmarkhealthyhigh5.org or through the U.S. mail. Note: If you are sending your report via e-mail, please include the school district and school name in the subject line of the e-mail. Learn more.

Information about additional programs not part of the Highmark Healthy High 5 program can be found through our Links page in our Resources section.

Programs to address physical activity and nutrition

Highmark Healthy High 5 School Challenge
So far in 2008, the Highmark Foundation has awarded more than $2 million in grants to 273 elementary, middle and high schools within its service region for programs that address one or more of the following topics: nutrition education or services, opportunities for physical education or activity, self-esteem, or bullying prevention. Highmark Healthy High 5 School Challenge grants are awarded throughout the year. See the list of 2008 winning schools.

In 2007, the Highmark Foundation awarded $800,000 to 171 schools within its 49-county service region through the Highmark Healthy High 5 School Challenge. Grants were awarded to provide schools more nutrition and physical activity offerings to help create lifelong healthy habits in children. See the list of 2007 winning schools.

Please complete the Highmark Healthy High 5 eligibility screening to see if your school is eligible to apply for funding, then complete the School Challenge grant application if you are eligible.

Highmark Healthy High 5 Health eTools for Schools
Highmark Healthy High 5 Health eTools for Schools is a Web-based portal developed by InnerLink, Inc. Customized for Pennsylvania schools, it provides a secure method to calculate, track and report student BMI, in a format required by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.  Health eTools also provides standards-based, nutrition and physical activities that can be introduced during core academic instructional time, such as Take 10!™. A Wellness Workbook feature facilitates policy change and implementation.

A Highmark Foundation subsidy program allows schools to access Health eTools at no cost. For information on how your school can become a Health eTools user, call 1-800-988-6983 or visit www.healthetoolsforschools.org.

NRG — Powered by Choice
NRG — Powered by Choice campaign was developed by Pennsylvania Advocates for Nutrition and Activity (PANA) as a physical activity and nutrition program of Highmark Healthy High 5. It is based on the knowledge that teens are capable of making healthy choices, care about their health, and want to get involved. Through NRG, everyone — from band member, to school newspaper writer, to drama club member, to athlete — is encouraged to voice their opinion while finding their own personal balance between what they choose to eat and how they choose to be active.

For more information, visit www.poweredbychoice.org.

Programs to address nutrition

Learn to be Healthy
Learn to be Healthy is an e-learning initiative created by The Susan P. Byrnes Health Education Center located in York, Pa. In the coming months, through Highmark Healthy High 5 funding and an expanded partnership with the Center, additional nutrition programming will become available at no cost to schools. Engaging, interactive learning modules, designed for students, parents and teachers provide the knowledge and skills essential for making proper nutrition choices.

Visit www.byrneshec.com for more information or log onto www.learntobehealthy.org.

Programs to address physical activity

Highmark Healthy High 5 SPARK Active Recreation
Highmark Healthy High 5 SPARK Active Recreation is a nationally recognized program that affords quality recreational experiences for children especially in an after-school setting, in-school recess or recreation period. SPARK Active Recreation engages all children despite skill level or athletic ability. Through non-competitive, fun games and activities, SPARK Active Recreation engenders life-long appreciation for and participation in an active lifestyle. Through Highmark Healthy High 5, SPARK training opportunities are available at no cost to those providing after-school or recreational programs for children ages 6 through 13.

For information on how to receive SPARK training at your site or for the nearest SPARK program call 1-800-652-9420. For more information on other SPARK programs, visit www.sparkpe.org.