Des Moines, Ankeny Elementary Schools to Celebrate National Award

MEDIA RELEASE

DES MOINES – Iowa Department of Education officials will participate in student assemblies on Monday, Oct. 14, to celebrate two Des Moines-area elementary schools that received national awards for their efforts to create a healthy environment.

Hillis Elementary School in Des Moines and East Elementary School in Ankeny have been honored with a Silver Award through the USDA’s HealthierUS School Challenge, a voluntary national certification initiative for schools participating in the National School Lunch Program.

Both schools have worked to put in place healthy choices for meals, nutrition education and physical education and activity. 

Monday’s events mark school celebrations with music, an “Eat Smart, Play Hard” cheer, a special appearance from Power Panther, a USDA mascot, and remarks from local school officials as well as Iowa Department of Education officials.

For more information about the events, contact:

Principal Elizabeth Sloan at Hillis Elementary: 515-242-8412

Principal Julianne Taylor at East Elementary: 515-965-9660

Monday, Oct. 14

9:30 a.m.

Hillis Elementary School

2401 56th St.

Des Moines

515-242-8412

Monday, Oct. 14

1 p.m.

East Elementary School

710 SE 3rd St.

Ankeny

515-965-9660