Hardin Co. schools named on ‘America’s Healthiest Schools’ list

SAVANNAH, Tenn. — All seven Hardin County schools have been listed among America’s healthiest schools.

“Healthy schools program offers us a guideline to show us what we’re already doing for our students to promote positive health and instill those healthy habits, and then it also gives us a chance to see where we can improve, or what can push us over the edge,” Director of Coordinated Health for Hardin County Schools Kristy Barlow said.

The schools received the bronze status and had to meet certain criteria.

“So all of the schools in our county have certified physical education teachers, and they teach structured physical education, then they randomly take them out for recess just to teach them how to play appropriately and instill those lifelong skills,” Barlow said.

Physical activity wasn’t the only criteria that put Hardin County schools on top. They also weighed what the students eat.

“We currently have free breakfast and lunch offered by the community eligibility provision, so all students eat at no cost,” she said.

Student health also means more time to focus on the reason they are at school in the first place.

“We expect as a healthy school to experience higher attendance rates, which will also encourage greater academic success,” Barlow said.

Arlington Elementary and Community Montessori in Jackson were also named on the list.