RBUSD Schools Earn Healthy Living Honors

Four schools in the Redondo Beach Unified School District are among the 267 schools nationwide, including only 15 in California, recognized by President Bill Clinton for making significant improvements toward improving students' and employees' health, according to a news release sent Monday from RBUSD.

Beryl Heights Elementary earned a Silver Recognition Award from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, while Lincoln Elementary School, Redondo Union High School and Redondo Shores High School earned a Bronze Recognition Award from the same organization. The schools were honored at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Ark. at the end of September.

Beryl is one of only three schools in California to earn a Silver Award; a total of 11 schools statewide earned Bronze Awards. Only one school in California earned a Gold Award.

According to the news release, the four Redondo Beach schools "addressed and made significant improvements in the following categories: policy and systems, healthy cafeterias, healthy vending, health education, physical education, employee wellness, and student wellness.

Additionally, all four schools—as well as the 263 others recognized—meet or exceed federal nutrition standards.

"We have worked diligently to incorporate physical activity and health education throughout the day," said Beryl Heights principal Karen Mohr in a statement. "Our commitment to staff and student wellness is evident by our daily teaching of healthy choices and added programs to our school."

Beryl Heights is one of the first schools in the Beach Cities to be named a Blue Zones school, according to the release. Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach are participating in the Blue Zones Project, formerly known as the Healthways-Blue Zones Vitality City initiative, which encourages healthy living. 

"We are very excited to receive national recognition this year (from the Alliance)," said RUHS assistant principal Jens Brandt, who serves as the representative for the Alliance, in a statement. "The healthy schools program has helped us create a healthier and happier environment for students and staff alike, and we are proud of the great results we've had so far."

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation was founded by the American Heart Association and the Clinton Foundation. The organization is dedicated to reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity.