Celebrate Every Kid Healthy Week with Franklin County Schools on April 20–24

Week-long celebration spotlights mindfulness, nutrition, wellness, and family connection across Franklin County schools

Every Kid Healthy Week, organized by Action for Healthy Kids, is an annual celebration of school health and wellness achievements. This year, during the week of April 20–24, The Heart Network’s Creating Healthy Schools & Communities (CHSC) program is encouraging Franklin County school districts to join in — with each day spotlighting a different dimension of student well-being:

• Monday – Mindfulness Monday
• Tuesday – Tasty Tuesday
• Wednesday – Wellness Wednesday
• Thursday – Thoughtful Thursday
• Friday – Family Friday

Funded by the New York State Department of Health, the CHSC program works to increase access to healthy food and physical activity in Franklin County schools.

Schools are already planning creative ways to participate. Ideas include starting the day with a “mindful minute” during morning announcements, hosting taste tests to introduce students to new healthy foods, organizing a wellness fair, providing vaping prevention education, and sending wellness resources home for families to enjoy together.

“Every Kid Healthy Week is a wonderful opportunity for our schools to pause and celebrate the work they’re already doing to support student well-being — and to try something new,” said Arriana Patraw, CHSC Program Manager at The Heart Network. “Whether that’s starting the morning with a mindful minute, introducing students to a healthy food they’ve never tried, or sending wellness activities home for the whole family, every effort matters. You don’t need a big budget or a week of planning. Even small moments can help students build habits that last well beyond the school day. We’re here to support any district that wants to get involved.”

Parents are encouraged to continue these activities at home. School districts interested in participating can contact Arriana Patraw at apatraw@heartnetwork.org. It’s not too late to plan activities that engage students in building healthy habits.