The 2009-2010 Michigan Surgeon General's Healthy School Environment Recognition Program (HSERP) award cycle begins April 1, 2009 and ends midnight (EST) January 15, 2010. Schools will be recognized at the Eat Healthy + Play Hard = Smart Students conference April 28-30, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency Dearborn, Dearborn, Michigan.We hope the additional time to apply will help schools complete the Healthy School Action Tools and implement actions to improve their school policies and environment.

The Healthy School Environment Recognition Program (HSERP), sponsored by Michigan Action for Healthy Kids, is designed to recognize and applaud schools that are making significant improvements in their environment related to healthy eating, physical activity, and tobacco-free lifestyles. Michigan's Governor and Surgeon General want to motivate and empower Michigan schools to "step up" and create healthy school environments. To find out more about the program, please visit our About the Recognition Program page. To register your school and complete the Recognition Program application, click here.

Healthy school environments help students achieve their full academic potential as well as support our children in developing healthy habits that will last a lifetime. A healthy school environment provides clear and consistent health messages, accurate health information, and ample opportunity to use it. And it helps students be fit, healthy and ready to learn. What happens in the classroom, gymnasium, cafeteria, during school activities, and via communication systems can reinforce and educate students, staff, and families on healthy eating, physical activity, and tobacco-free lifestyles.

This website also provides information and tools to help Michigan have healthier schools and healthier students. Visit the About Healthy School Environments page for the five steps to create healthier schools.