Murray Elementary School and Murray Middle School of the Murray Independent School District are among 781 schools nationwide across 36 states to be named as America’s Healthiest Schools for the 2022-2023 school year. The recognition, awarded by Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a leading children’s health organization, honors schools’ dedication to supporting the health and well-being of students, staff, and families.
This year, Murray Elementary and Murray Middle schools were recognized in eleven combined categories. Murray Elementary has been recognized as a silver awardee for the past four years, and Murray Middle is recognized as a first-year recipient. Through the new application process, there were no silver, bronze, or gold color distinctions awarded, only recognition in the school's application submissions.
Murray Elementary School was recognized in seven topics including: Family and Community Engagement, Nutrition and Food Access, Local Wellness Policy, Health Education, Physical Education/Physical Activity, Staff Well-Being, and School Health Services.
In Murray Middle School's first-year four category submission, they earned four recognition nods: Increasing Family and Community Engagement, Enriching Health Education, Bolstering Physical Education and Activity, and Supporting for School Health Services.
Murray Elementary and Murray Middle schools prioritize healthy policies and practices amid numerous challenges facing schools today such as, learning loss and declining youth mental health due to traumatic events. The Murray Independent School District Wellness Leadership Group has met as a community initiative annually since 2017 to continually improve the district’s wellness plan. The group’s mission to sustain and promote good health through Wellness Challenges, Physical and Health Education, and Collaboration with School nurses in promoting health services has resulted in implementing best health practices student participation events including Red Ribbon Week, Safe Schools Week, and specific physical education classes.
Emily Hill, MISD Nurse/Health Coordinator said Students learn through lessons and examples. “Our school district strives for a healthy school environment and this in turn teaches our students by example to value their own health and to value the environment around them.
“The Murray Independent School District is grateful to receive this national recognition for supporting the well-being of students and staff. Murray Schools are committed to establishing an educational environment where members of the school community can learn and succeed,” stated Coy Samons, MISD Superintendent.
Kathy Higgins, Healthier Generation chief executive officer, commends America's Healthiest Schools for demonstrating resilience and adaptability amid challenging times for the nation's schools. “This year, Healthier Generation continues to meet districts, schools, and educators where they are, recognizing it takes a considerable degree of effort to serve as a model of best practice in whole child health for students, teachers, staff, and community.”
America’s Healthiest Schools remains one of the country’s longest-running, nationwide recognition programs honoring schools for achievements in supporting whole child health equity for students, teachers, and staff. Any school can connect with Healthier Generation to access trainings, resources, and technical assistance by visiting HealthierGeneration.org.
Visit HealthierGeneration.org/HealthiestSchools to view all 781 America’s Healthiest Schools for the 2022-2023 school year.
About Alliance for a Healthier Generation
Alliance for a Healthier Generation is a leading children's health organization that advances equitable whole child health. Driven by our passion to ensure that every mind, everybody, and every young person is healthy and ready to succeed, our work has reached over 31 million young people across the country. To learn more and help make a difference, visit HealthierGeneration.org and join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram