Trending
WINTERSVILLE -- The Indian Creek Local School District is once again gaining honors for healthy habits within the district.
The district earned its second Ohio Healthy Worksite Award from the Healthy Business Council of Ohio, which is a division of the Ohio Department of Health. HCBO recognizes Ohio employers who demonstrate a commitment to employee wellness through comprehensive worksite health promotion and wellness programs, and applicants are scored on the extent of their wellness programs to facilitate and encourage employee health, enhance productivity and ensure a healthy work environment. Applicants earned one of four levels of achievement for 2023: bronze, silver, gold and platinum, in addition to an entry-level tier of recognition.
This year, Indian Creek earned a Small Business Bronze Award for promoting health and wellness among students and staff.
"Most center around healthy food practices for staff and students, building environmental controls, health and exercise options for staff," said district Assistant Superintendent John Belt. "This is the second year in a row that ICLSD has been recognized."
The award is sponsored through the HCBO and ODH and officials had submitted a lengthy description of the district's practices during the past year for consideration. It is a comprehensive process and Belt was excited to see the district achieve another accolade.
"We are thrilled that the state is recognizing us as a premier employer that cares about the wellness of our staff and students," he added. "A lot of this can be directly traced to our new and renovated facilities."
He cited the construction of the new Indian Creek High School and Cross Creek Elementary buildings and upgrades at Hills Elementary, which include the ability to maximize capturing natural lighting that contributes to overall well-being, in addition to environmental controls of the new HVAC systems with UV sterilization to help improve air quality within the facilities. Other practices include providing healthy food options such as fresh fruit and vegetables at every meal, access to both indoor and outdoor walking tracks plus weight rooms and staff discounts on gym and Weight Watchers memberships through the district's insurance plan.
Belt said the full list of winners will be announced during the next year.