Highlands, Deer Lakes lauded for healthy student initiatives

It’s not unusual for students at Highlands Early Childhood Center to munch on beets, peppers or squash alongside their chicken fingers at lunchtime.

The Harvest of the Month samplings are part of an effort by school leaders to provide access to nutritious foods and support a healthy lifestyle for the pre-k and kindergarten students.

A creative cafeteria menu, among other initiatives, led to the early childhood center being named as one of America’s Healthiest Schools for 2025 by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.

“I am very excited,” Principal Kristie Gizienski said. “We set the foundation for a nurturing and robust educational environment for our youngest learners.”

Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a national children’s health group, unveiled its list with 1,120 schools in 34 states that implement best practices to support the health of staff, students and families.

Deer Lakes School District celebrated three schools earning the designation — Curtisville Primary Center, East Union Intermediate Center and Deer Lakes Middle School.

East Union Intermediate Principal Jodi VanderSchaaff said her school community is honored to be recognized in seven of nine possible categories.

“This was our first year applying, and the process reminded us of the many intentional steps we take each day to ensure our students have a well-rounded, supportive school experience,” VanderSchaaff said. “From strengthening social-emotional health to improving nutrition, physical education and family engagement, this recognition reflects the hard work of our entire school community.”

The recognition comes at a time of national debate over health issues ranging from nutrition to vaccinations amid chaos in Washington, D.C., at the highest levels of the country’s health leadership.

The Centers for Disease control in August published a study that found 62% of children’s diets come from so-called ultra-processed foods. It marked the first time the CDC published a study looking at the issue.

In May, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health and Human Services secretary for President Donald Trump’s administration cited the proliferation of ultra-processed foods, and decreasing their consumption, among his top priorities.

The CDC study said diets high in such foods lead to a variety of health issues, including Type 2 Diabetes, depression and shorter life spans.

Kathy Higgins, CEO of Alliance for a Healthier Generation, said because schools play a crucial role in positively shaping the health and well-being of the nation’s youth, they deserve national recognition for their outstanding efforts when it comes to things like nutrition.

She said the commitment of school leaders to the needs of students is helping to create healthier futures for children and communities.

The award is supported by Del Monte Foods, Kaiser Permanente and Kohl’s Cares.

Schools are recognized in nine health-related topic areas, such as strengthening social-emotional health, cultivating staff well-being and promoting tobacco-free schools.

Highlands was chosen in the categories of supporting school health services and improving nutrition and food access.

The school was lauded for conducting routine health screenings and providing a path for students with health concerns to receive additional support. Highlands partners with UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and Ronald McDonald House Charities to bring a Care Mobile several times a year to the district.

Through the service, students can get medical care, such as exams and immunizations, with no out-of-pocket costs.

Stacey Waffensmith, food service director, approached Gizienski about applying for the award because she recognized “the great things happening” at the early childhood center.

The pair worked with school nurse Samantha Eiler to submit the application. Waffensmith credited Adagio Health for providing nutritional education that’s doled out in the classrooms and also for helping with the Harvest of the Month samplings in the cafeteria.

Gizienski said the district’s Career and Workforce Readiness program also played a role in landing the award. The effort introduces students to potential job paths and extends to even the district’s youngest children.

Kindergarten, Gizienski said, focuses on six different careers, including nursing, farming and baking.

“From a very early age, students are exposed to various careers and begin to identify their personal interests,” Gizienski said. “Farming, baking and nursing are explored and students begin to make connections to their personal interests and the careers that surround them.”

At Curtisville Primary Center in Deer Lakes, initiatives include increased opportunities for activity with special events including Walking Fridays, where students can join staff to walk the hallways before school.

There also are hands-on lessons with gardens cared for by students and teachers, and social-emotional lessons where students build a self-care toolbox.

“We believe that overall wellness leads to engaged learning,” Principal Jennifer Cavalancia said. “We are committed to creating a school environment that supports the whole child — body and mind.

“By integrating these habits into our everyday activities, we give children the tools they need to focus in class, feel their best and build healthy habits that can last a lifetime.”