FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Healthy Zone School Program is designed to recognize schools that have excellent health programs and to support schools looking to improve health programming. Schools are invited to participate in the program after going through a competitive selection process. Schools participate in the program for three years, during which eligible schools are given the chance to apply for promotion. It is a goal of the program to support all schools in achieving their health goals and to help each work through the three levels of the program. During their time in the program, schools receive support from the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and The Cooper Institute® as well as share best practices.

A Healthy Zone School 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 in certain areas necessary to do so. These schools receive program assistance to make their school an optimal environment for promoting healthy behaviors. Schools will work over the three years of the program to establish healthy policies, implement activities, and lead by example for other schools and individuals in their community. 

Each level of the program has different requirements. To be selected as a Healthy Zone School, your school must show that your school has made significant efforts to create a healthy environment, and also has a supportive staff that is willing to make the necessary changes to establish an environment that promotes healthy behaviors. All schools will begin the program as Healthy Zone Schools Level 1. After the initial year in the program, schools that complete an application for promotion and meet all level 1 program requirements will be promoted to the next level.

Schools that are part of the Healthy Zone program will receive guidance from The Cooper Institute® and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas to implement activities and health promotions. Schools will also receive the incentives listed in the following table:

Healthy Zone School

•  
• Healthy Zone Signage
• FitnessGram® license and webhosting
• Tablet
• $1,000 in funding for Physical Education equipment
• Up to $5,000 in funding for activity promotions over the program 

Exemplary Healthy Zone School

• Healthy Zone Signage
• Media attention and recognition
• FitnessGram® license and webhosting
• Tablet
• $1,000 in funding for Physical Education equipment
• Up to $5,000 in funding for activity promotions over the program 

Yes! Any school located in Dallas, Collin, Rockwall, and Southern Denton counties are welcome to apply. Schools can be of any level (elementary, middle, or high school) and/or type (public, private, charter). Schools that are located on more than one campus must complete one application per campus. At this time, districts are not able to apply for the program.

Many individuals at your school may be able to provide the information needed to complete the application. We recommend that you work collaboratively with your wellness team to ensure the information is accurate and comprehensive. In addition, the primary contact for the program must be a distract employee. 

Go to www.healthyzoneschool.com/application-introduction to complete the application and submit it. You will receive an email informing you whether or not your school has been accepted into the program.

Schools apply online at www.healthyzoneschool.com/application-introduction. A selection committee panel reviews each application and selects schools to participate based on the school’s physical education, nutrition policies, health best practices, and activities. The application period begins in late fall and closes in early spring. 

The selection committee considers all parts of the application when selecting schools to participate in the program. In addition to the four sections of the application (physical education, nutrition, health best practices, and activities), the committee also reviews short essays submitted. The short essays give the schools the opportunity to differentiate themselves and to indicate health goals. The selection committee also considers demographics and location. Space in the program is limited so it is important that applicants are thorough when completing the application. 

Interested schools will be required to complete an application that provides the selection panel with a profile of their school that highlights physical education, nutrition, health best practices, and activities. The panel will review applications and program highlights to determine each school’s eligibility.

Schools selected for the project will be expected to collect FitnessGram® data (a state requirement of all public schools in Texas) in the fall and spring of the first year and in the spring of the second and third year, complete project surveys, and attend trainings throughout the program. In addition, an annual district level contract must be signed.

Each school selected for the program will stay in the program for a minimum of three years, as long as they stay compliant and complete program requirements. 

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

No. After three years, schools that continue to comply with program expectations will be designated as Healthy Zone School alumni.