North Valley Military Institute Recognized for Addressing Student Health Needs Relevant During COVID-19 Crisis

School nationally recognized for implementing best practices in nutrition and physical activity

(SUN VALLEY, CA) August 25, 2020 – The North Valley Military Institute (NVMI) is one of only six schools nationwide to earn a GOLD AWARD on the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s (Healthier Generation) 2020 list of America’s Healthiest Schools” for their commitment to promoting quality nutrition, regular physical activity and strong wellness policies.

Though NVMI was evaluated on practices taking place prior to the COVID-19 school closures, they leveraged their strong foundation in wellness and were positioned to prioritize healthy habits throughout the pandemic. NVMI continued to sustain and promote good health by:

• Conducting synchronous daily physical education classes with lots of movement designed to promote fitness and wellness
• Incorporating both physical activity breaks and activities to promote student socioemotional health into ALL academic classes daily – with at least 30% of students’ screen time including those physical and socioemotional components; and
• Training staff to identify students struggling emotionally or otherwise during the pandemic and providing access to robust counseling and other social services for both students and families.

For nearly 15 years, Healthier Generation’s annual recognition program has honored schools that are implementing best practices that support children’s learning and development, including meeting or exceeding federal standards for nutritious school meals and providing regular opportunities for students and staff to be active throughout the school day. It remains one of the country’s longest-running, nationwide recognition programs honoring schools for achievements in nutrition, physical activity and wellness policies.

“The teachers, parents, students and staff at NVMI recognize the critical role that health play in learning,” said Dr. Mark Ryan, Superintendent of the Academy. “We’re honored to receive this national recognition for our dedication to supporting the well-being of students and staff and remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering environments where all members of the school community can succeed. We are particularly humbled at being one of only six schools in the nation recognized with the Gold Level Award.”

“We commend this cohort of school leaders for prioritizing the essential health needs of students and staff in a time of great challenge and with limited resources at their disposal,” said Kathy Higgins, chief executive officer of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. “Over time, these awardees established strong foundations in health – allowing them to pivot and adapt to meet acute health and wellness needs in a year unlike any other.” 

As members of Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program, NVMI works to implement wellness policies and practices that meet federal requirements and support a comprehensive approach to kids’ health. Any school can join Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program to access trainings, resources and technical assistance by visiting HealthierGeneration.org.

To view the complete list of awardees, visit HealthiestSchools.org.

About North Valley Military Institute

The North Valley Military Institute College Preparatory Academy (NVMI) is a free public charter school authorized by the Los Angeles County Board of Education serving about 750 students in grades 6-12. NVMI promotes excellence in its four pillars of ACADEMICS, LEADERSHIP, CITIZENSHIP and ATHLETICS by providing a rigorous program that supports the academic, socio-emotional, leadership, and physical development of cadets, many of whom have been unsuccessful in other school settings, with the mission of helping them gain entry to two- and four-year colleges and universities and making our world a better place as LEADERS OF CHARACTER.

About the Alliance for a Healthier Generation

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation believes every child deserves a healthy future. For over a decade, Healthier Generation has empowered kids to develop lifelong healthy habits by ensuring the environments that surround them provide and promote good health. Driven by our passion that all young people deserve a chance to live healthier lives, our work, in total, has reached more than 29 million kids across the country. To learn more and help make a difference, visit HealthierGeneration.org and join us on Facebook and Twitter.