In a recent nod to health and well-being, Ecole Kenwood French Immersion from Columbus City Schools has been declared one of America's Healthiest Schools for the consecutive year, an accolade given by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, which recognizes schools that exemplify a commitment to fostering the physical, mental, and social-emotional health of everyone in their community. According to a report by Columbus City Schools' official website, the school managed to secure high marks across a range of categories.
Bryan Ferres, the school's gym teacher, expressed his delight in an interview with Columbus City Schools, "I'm ecstatic about this award, it's a prestigious award, we put forth a lot of effort into applying, and to be awarded for things that we do each and every day, and being honored on a national stage is a great honor." The achievement is a direct reflection of the comprehensive approach the school adopts, incorporating nutritious meals, daily exercise, social-emotional learning, and engaging families to create a positive environment for its culturally and linguistically diverse student body.
Norma Ortega, Ecole Kenwood's school counselor, underscored the collective effort in a Columbus City Schools interview, stating, "This award is not just about what one person does in this building, that's why I think this award is so important because it recognizes what all the adults in this building do to care for our students, but it also speaks to our students and their ability to succeed." The school's innovative practices, like featuring menus in various languages and managing a food pantry for families, have played a role in strengthening the sense of inclusion and community.
Achieving recognition in various categories, from improving nutrition and food access to promoting tobacco-free spaces and enriching health education, Ecole Kenwood not only demonstrates a passion for their students' physical health, but also mental and social aspects as stated by Jodi Van Zile, school nurse, "Being healthy can mean many things," she told Columbus City Schools, "It’s not just about physical health, it’s also mental, medical, and social. The collaboration among our gym teacher, counselor, and classroom teachers supports the whole child, not just individual pieces." Sitting amongst a prestigious list of schools, Ecole Kenwood is an example of how prioritizing health is integral to academic achievement for Columbus City Schools.
