FAQ

What is the Healthy Zone School Recognition Program?

The Cooper Institute (CI) is delighted to partner with the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas (UWMD) and the Texas Education Agency (TEA) on this 2-tier program that will recognize schools for their healthy practices (Healthy Zone Schools) and assist schools who wish to become healthy zones (Healthy Zone Schools – In Training). This program will use evidence-based knowledge and best practices to assist schools in creating a school environment that is optimal in promoting healthy behaviors.

What is a Healthy Zone School?

A Healthy Zone School is a school that has established healthy policies and activities for students, teachers, and parents. It is a leading example for other schools and individuals in their community to create environments that are optimal in the promotion of healthy behaviors.

What is a Healthy Zone School – In Training?

A Healthy Zone School – In Training is a school that is committed to changing the health of its students, parents, and teachers, but may not have the resources and/or expertise necessary to do so. These schools need assistance to make their school an optimal environment for promoting healthy behaviors.

How many schools will be selected?

We will honor 3 Healthy Zone Schools and 10 Healthy Zone Schools – In Training in the first year. The program will honor 12 Healthy Zone Schools and 58 Healthy Zone Schools – In Training during the 6-year program, with the final 2 years being continuation years for schools already in the program. The schedule for honorees is below:

	Healthy Zones	Healthy Zone Schools – In Training
Year 1	3	10
Year 2	3	16
Year 3	3	16
Year 4	3	16

What are the benefits of becoming part of the program?

Schools that are part of the Healthy Zone School Recognition Program will receive guidance and leadership from experts at The Cooper Institute. These schools will also receive the incentives listed in the following table:

Healthy Zone School

Extensive media attention and recognition
Healthy Zone Banner
Healthy Zone Flag
Healthy Zone School signage
FITNESSGRAM® 9.0 license and webhosting
$1500 in funding for Physical Education equipment and/or other PE, health, or nutrition related materials
Flip camera
Funding for activity promotions

Healthy Zone School – In Training

FITNESSGRAM 9.0 license and webhosting
$1500 in funding for Physical Education equipment and/or other PE, health, or nutrition related materials
Flip camera
$1500 in funding for activity promotions per year

CI and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas will interact directly with the representative of the selected school to assist and mentor them with the implementation of activity and health promotions.

What are the program expectations?

Schools selected for the project will be expected to collect FITNESSGRAM® data twice per year (a state requirement of all public schools in Texas) and complete project surveys to provide important feedback about the program. These schools will receive assistance to conduct activity and/or health promotions and be asked to share these promotions with other schools using the project website. Additionally, Healthy Zone Schools will be expected to meet with the media and school officials as reasonably appropriate.

What do I need to do to qualify for the program?

Each level of the program has different requirements. To be selected as a Healthy Zone School, your school must demonstrate that you have best practices in place, administrative and staff support, and provide a summary of the healthy practices of the school. To be selected as a Healthy Zone School – In Training, your school must show that they have made some effort to create a healthy environment, and also have a supportive staff that is willing to make the necessary changes to establish an environment that promotes healthy behaviors.

How are schools selected for the program?

Interested schools will be required to complete an application that provides the selection panel, consisting of 9 representatives from CI, UWMD, and TEA, with a profile of their school that highlights physical activity, nutrition, health education, and health services. The panel will review applications and program highlights to determine each school’s eligibility.

How can I apply for the program?

Go to www.healthyzoneschool.org to complete the application and submit it. Once you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email. You will receive an email by May 25, 2011 informing you whether or not your school has been accepted into the program.

Can any school apply for the Healthy Zone School Recognition Program?

Yes! Any school located in Dallas, Collin, Rockwall, or Southern Denton counties is welcome to apply. Schools can be of any level (elementary, middle, high) and/or type (public, private, charter). Schools that are located on more than one campus must complete one application per campus.

Who should complete the Healthy Zone School Recognition Program application?

Many individuals at your school may be able to provide the information needed to complete the application. We recommend that you select the most appropriate individual. It also must be reviewed and signed by your school's principal.

Are there different applications for the Healthy Zone School and Healthy Zone School – In Training honors?

No. There is only one application. The Healthy Zone School Recognition Program Panel will decide whether a school should be selected as a Healthy Zone School or a Healthy Zone School – In Training.

If I apply and do not qualify, can I apply again?

Yes, you are welcome to apply one time per school year.

Can schools who are chosen for the program apply again when their term is over?

Yes, but they will need to go through the application process again. If they are selected, they will only qualify for the funding for activity promotions.

Who will choose the schools for the Healthy Zone School Recognition Program?

The schools selected for the program will be chosen by a 9-person panel, consisting of representatives from The Cooper Institute, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, and the Texas Education Agency.

How long does the Healthy Zone School Recognition Program last?

Each school selected (Healthy Zone Schools and Healthy Zone Schools – In Training) for the program will stay in the program for a minimum of 3 years, as long as they continue to fit the criteria and complete project requirements.

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