West Mifflin Area recognized by Pa. Healthy School program

For the MVI

The West Mifflin Area School District was recognized by Healthy Schools Pennsylvania, a division of Women for a Healthy Environment, for the strides the district has made in creating a healthy and green learning environment in its schools.

Pecola Abele, MPH, the Director of Healthy Learning at Women for a Healthy Environment, recently visited West Mifflin Area High School and toured the building and grounds with Lisa Novosel, the district’s administrative assistant for buildings and grounds and food services.

Novosel was presented with a plaque that will be displayed for West Mifflin earning a spot on the Honor Roll in the 2023-24 Healthy Schools Pa. Recognition Program.

To be considered for the Healthy Schools recognition, there is a checklist of several items districts must make progress toward or complete in the following categories: health and well-being, water, air quality, waste and recycling, energy, school grounds, community engagement, transportation, curriculum integration, school philosophy and culture, professional development and sharing successes and lessons learned.

Mark Zidek, WMASD facilities director, said the district has made steady progress on the list of items in each category and plans to continue do so in the short and long term.

“High Honors with Distinction” is the next level of Healthy Schools recognition the district is working towards, Zidek stated.