Orange County after-school programs receive new award for dedication to health and exercise education

It’s no secret Orange County schools have excellent after-school programs. But now, about 20 are being honored with a brand new award.

This week, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced the winners of the Distinguished After School Health (DASH) program certificate, which recognizes programs that excel in providing health education, nutrition and physical activities for students.

The California Department of Education released a list of nearly 200 schools statewide that received the certificate, 10 percent of which are located here in Orange County. The full list is posted here on the CDE website and is designed to help parents and students find DASH programs in their school districts.

DASH programs allow parents to make more informed choices about their children’s after-school care. These programs serve healthy meals and drinks, require 30 minutes to an hour of daily exercise and limit the amount of time students spend on computer screens.

“These terrific after-school programs show students the many benefits of good nutrition and exercise and will help our students achieve success,” Torlakson said.

Here are the award recipients in Orange County, along with their affiliated programs:

YMCA of Orange

Jordan Elementary
Orange Unified School District

Prospect Elementary
Orange Unified School District

West Orange Elementary
Orange Unified School District

Esplanade Elementary
Orange Unified School District

Sycamore Elementary
Orange Unified School District

Anaheim Family YMCA

Edison Elementary
Anaheim Elementary School District

Guinn Elementary
Anaheim Elementary School District

Franklin Elementary
Anaheim Elementary School District

Olive Elementary
Anaheim Elementary School District

Henry Elementary
Anaheim Elementary School District

John Marshall Elementary
Anaheim Elementary School District

Sunkist Elementary
Anaheim Elementary School District

Stoddard Elementary
Anaheim Elementary School District

Roosevelt Elementary
Anaheim Elementary School District

Revere Elementary
Anaheim Elementary School District

Ponderosa Elementary
Anaheim Elementary School District

Palm Lane Elementary
Anaheim Elementary School District

Orange Grove Elementary
Anaheim Elementary School District

Mann Elementary
Anaheim Elementary School District

Madison Elementary
Anaheim Elementary School District