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The Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a leading children’s health organization, named nine Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) as 2023 America’s Healthiest Schools awardees. Only 10 schools total were named in the state of Virginia. Congratulations to the following schools on receiving this nationwide recognition: Ashland, Bennett, Buckland Mills, Kilby, Montclair, Piney Branch, Marshall, and Victory Elementary Schools, as well as Parkside Middle School.

This highly regarded, annual distinction is awarded for demonstrating exceptional efforts to prioritize the essential health needs of the school community. These schools meet or exceed best practice standards in one or more topic areas related to the physical, mental, and social-emotional health of students, teachers, and staff.

PWCS awardees were recognized in eight categories:

  • Ashland Elementary School: Staff Well-Being
  • Bennett Elementary School: Physical Education/Physical Activity, Social-Emotional Health and Learning, Staff Well-Being
  • Buckland Mills Elementary School: Family and Community Engagement, Staff Well-Being
  • Kilby Elementary School: Family and Community Engagement, Nutrition and Food Access, Health Education, Physical Education/Physical Activity, Social-Emotional Health and Learning, Staff Well-Being, School Health Services
  • Marshall Elementary School: Family and Community Engagement, Health Education, Physical Education/Physical Activity, Staff Well-Being
  • Montclair Elementary School: Social-Emotional Health and Learning
  • Parkside Middle School: Social-Emotional Health and Learning, Staff Well-Being
  • Piney Branch Elementary School: Family and Community Engagement, Nutrition and Food Access, Local Wellness Policy, Health Education, Physical Education/Physical Activity, Social-Emotional Health and Learning, Staff Well-Being
  • Victory Elementary School: Family and Community Engagement, Health Education, Physical Education/Physical Activity, Social-Emotional Health and Learning, Staff Well-Being, School Health Services

This honor reflects the work of the social emotional learning coaches and staff throughout the school division.

Kathy Higgins, chief executive officer at Healthier Generation, praises these schools for their continued commitment to school health. “Today, and every day, we invite the nation to join Healthier Generation as we honor our schools for their resourcefulness and dedication to addressing the total wellness needs of their students."