PHS Manager’s Final Year Coming to an End
After 26 incredible years with the University of Michigan, Program Manager Jean DuRussel-Weston recently announced her plans to retire in July of 2021. DuRussel-Weston has been involved with Project Healthy Schools since its inception in 2004. “This is a difficult decision to make when you love your work and the people you work with,” said […]
Project Healthy Schools wins Governor’s Fitness Award
On August 20, Project Healthy Schools won the Governor’s Fitness Award in the Extraordinary Organization category. Presented by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports and the Michigan Fitness Foundation, the Governor’s Fitness Awards recognize communities, organizations, and individuals who inspire people to eat healthy and move more where they live, work and […]
18 schools win Michigan School Wellness Awards
In June, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recognized 50 Michigan schools for fostering healthy eating, physical activity habits and tobacco-free lifestyles; 18 of the award winning schools use the Project Healthy Schools (PHS) program. Fifty percent of the Gold award winners use PHS. These schools started PHS as part of the […]
PHS now offers vaping and infectious diseases prevention lessons
This summer, the PHS team, in partnership with U-M experts from the Tobacco Consultation Service, Michigan Medicine, the School of Public Health, and the Medical School, developed two new lesson modules on vaping and infectious disease prevention. Based on feedback from teachers and wellness champions, both of these subjects are highly relevant for middle school […]
PHS wellness champion appointed to Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health, and Sports
Ryan Reichel, the PHS Wellness Champion at Ishpeming Middle School, was appointed by Governor Whitmer to serve on the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports. Reichel was appointed for a two-year term, ending in April 2022. Reichel of Negaunee, is a physical education, computers and health teacher for Ishpeming Public schools and the […]
Gender-specific physiological and behavioral differences in PHS students
Prior research has shown differences in physiologic and behavioral measurements of adolescent boys and girls. The PHS team sought to determine if similar gender-specific differences exist between PHS participants before and after the program. Health behavior data from 19,959 sixth graders (49.2% girls) and physiologic data from 2,922 sixth graders (52.8% girls) were collected between […]
Safe Routes to School grant funds bike education for under-served and disabled students
PHS is partnering with Programs to Educate All Cyclists (PEAC) to provide opportunities for increased physical activity through biking and bike education programing for under-served K-8 students and students with disabilities within the cities of Detroit and Ypsilanti. Eight schools will participate in the program, including: Dixon Educational Learning Academy, Hope of Detroit Academy, Paul […]
Nine new schools starting BHC:PHS program
Nine new schools are starting the Building Healthy Communities: Engaging Middle Schools through Project Healthy Schools program this fall. The new schools include: American Montessori Academy Upper Campus, Westland Beacon Day Treatment, Southgate Detroit Community Elementary/ Middle School, Detroit East Middle School, Farmington Hills Farmington STEAM Academy, Farmington Hills OJ DeJonge Middle School, Ludington St […]
PHS Introduces a New Website & Logo
PHS is introducing a new website and logo. You may have noticed the new logo in this newsletter’s header. The new website provides a user-friendly platform for those interested in learning more about PHS and Building Healthy Communities and includes more resources for families. PHS is beginning to replace the old logo and transition to […]
Grant supports partnership for a district-wide model for school wellness
University of Michigan’s Project Healthy Schools and Wayne State University’s Center for Health and Community Impact recently partnered to receive a two year, $500,000 Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyles grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. The collaboration will expand on the success of the Building Healthy Communities program by creating a district-wide model for school […]
