Trailside Elementary School was nationally recognized as one of America's Healthiest Schools by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. The school received honors in the Health Education Enrichment category, specifically for its implementation of evidence-based policies and practices.
In October, executives from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation visited Trailside to celebrate the achievement. Emily Thege, Director of America’s Healthiest Schools & Recognitions for the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, noted that Trailside was the only school in Utah honored with this distinction.
The recognition stemmed from a student-centered health curriculum developed by health teacher Alina Worthen. The curriculum includes lessons such as Healthy Food Choices and Decision-Making Skills, which aims to build eating autonomy by providing students with tools to make independent choices regarding food intake and its effects on the body.
Worthen stated that the program has led to visible changes, noting that students previously identified as picky eaters are now more open to trying new foods. She added that the school is seeing significant changes within both the student body and the community due to the new health class.
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation acknowledged Trailside's efforts in the Enriching Health Education topic, which honors teams that provide evidence-based curriculum and prioritize opportunities for students to practice health maintenance skills.
To fund the experiential class, Trailside Elementary utilized community partnerships, including support from Winco, which provides nearly all the food used for student activities.
Worthen encouraged parents to engage students in healthy living at home through activities like cooking and grocery shopping. She stated that the school's focus on nutrition, emotional well-being, and personal health reflects a dedication to providing exceptional learning experiences guided by Utah's Core Standards.
