PWCS
reigns
number
one
in
the
state
as
the
top
school
division
for
participation
and
promotion
of
heart
health
with
the
American
Heart
Association
(AHA).
Prior
to
the
school
closure
in
March,
49
of
our
schools
were
able
to
host
either
a
"Kids
Heart
Challenge"
or
an
"American
Heart
Challenge"
program
for
the
AHA.
Rosa
Parks,
Marshall,
and
T.
Clay
Wood
Elementary
Schools
ranked
as
the
top
three
AHA-supporting
PWCS
schools
for
the
2019-20
school
year.Heart defects are the number one birth defect, affecting approximately one-in-100 babies. And heart disease is still the number one cause of death. Through education and research, the AHA and their HEARTnership with PWCS are teaching children early about the right habits for living longer, healthier lives and teaching them how to bring those lessons home and teach others.
To date, 3,564 PWCS students have signed up to take the "Healthy Challenge. Staff members are also making pledges to be more heart-healthy, including Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steve Walts, who has pledged to be kind to his heart and others.
"The mission of AHA is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. A mission that has never been more vital and relevant than now, as we all are starting to focus more on our health," shared Marjorie ChurchBourne, American Heart Association youth market director. "PWCS has been an amazing HEARTner with AHA, year after year - together we are saving and improving lives."