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FitWorth, FWISD partner to promote student well-being

January 26,2021

See full City of Fort Worth article here.

The Fort Worth ISD and the University North Texas Health Science Center (HSC) at Fort Worth have teamed up to build healthier and safer communities in 2021.

HSC/FitWorth is working with the school district’s physical education department to introduce the Spring Wellness Challenge to an estimated 84,000 Fort Worth students.

“The partnership could not come at a better time, considering the pandemic and the effects it has had on our students, staff and families,” said Cherrelle Tillis, physical education curriculum specialist for the school district.

HSC FitWorth is an initiative started by Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price and the City Council. It is supported by HSC with community corporate involvement.

“This past year has really shined a light on the importance of health and well-being in our community,” Price said. “I am encouraged by the work FitWorth is doing in collaboration with our schools to promote a culture of wellness that is impacting students and their circles of influence.”

As part of the challenge, students participate in two short surveys and receive health education on topics such as nutrition, physical activity and mental health.

Students/teachers spend about 10-15 minutes a month on the newly-created health challenge. The data is collected anonymously to gauge what students learned from the instruction.

HSC/FitWorth added an incentive to the program – $50,000 for support supplies, monthly healthy luncheons for schools with the highest participation rates and grand prizes for the three schools with the most participation across all five months. Elementary, middle and high schools with the highest participation will earn wellness makeovers through $10,000 in grand prizes.