Alliance for a Healthier Generation recently recognized Wacona Elementary School as one of America's Healthiest Schools for the 2023-24 school year.
Wacona is one of only four schools in Georgia and among 879 schools across the country to earn the honor. The Ware County school was recognized as one of America’s healthiest schools for its dedication to supporting the health and well-being of students, staff, and families.
“We’re so very grateful for this national recognition, acknowledging our steadfast dedication to enhancing the well-being of students and staff,” Principal Jeri Ray said. “We’re committed to cultivating environments that foster learning and growth for every member of our school community, including students, staff, and parents. I deeply admire my staff and greatly appreciate their hard work and dedication.”
For more than 15 years, Healthier Generation’s national recognition program has honored schools that have demonstrated remarkable efforts to prioritize the essential health needs of students and staff.
Schools are recognized as one of America’s Healthiest Schools if they exemplify best practices in up to nine health topic areas related to physical, mental, and social- emotional health and well-being.
Wacona was recognized for distinction in the following topic areas:
• Cultivate Staff Well-Being: Wacona actively promotes relationship-building with staff and fosters a culture of gratitude and respect.
Building relationships with coworkers is vital for educators, as well as providing encouragement and support.
Wacona hosts an annual family cookout, monthly food contests, and other team-building activities during the year for staff. Additionally, there are opportunities to express gratitude and recognition, including staff shout-outs, spotlights, and perfect attendance rewards.
• Support School Health Services: Wacona routinely conducts health screenings, such as vision, hearing, and general wellness checks, to identify potential issues early.
For students with chronic health conditions, we develop individualized care plans are developed in collaboration with families and healthcare professionals to manage these conditions effectively. Additionally, referral pathways are created to connect students with community-based providers for further support, ensuring comprehensive care both within and outside the school.
• Increase Family & Community Engagement: Wacona gathers input from the school community, engages parents and caregivers in meaningful ways to support student success, and connects families to necessary resources.
The school achieves this by actively seeking input from the school community through surveys, meetings, and open communication channels. Parents are engaged by organizing workshops, family nights, and regular updates to keep them involved in their children's progress.
Additionally, families are connected through essential resources, such as tutoring services, counseling, and community support programs, ensuring they have the tools needed to support student success.
The students and staff at Wacona Elementary were recently recognized as one of America’s Healthiest Schools for the school year 2023-24 by Healthier Generation’s national recognition program. The Ware County school was one of only four in Georgia and 879 in the country to earn the designation.
