Holland High, Holland Language Academy receive funding for staff well-being

HOLLAND — A pair of Holland Public Schools buildings are among those across the state chosen to participate in the latest round of the Building Healthy Communities (BHC) Program.

Holland Language Academy and Holland High School were each selected to be part of the “Set Up for School Wellness Program” through BHC.

Holland Language Academy and Holland High School were each selected to be part of the “Set Up for School Wellness Program” through Building Healthy Communities.

BHC launched in 2009, supported by multiple statewide organizations including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Michigan Department of Education and MDHHS.

BHC strives to support physical and emotional health improvements in school environments. More than 1,110 schools in Michigan have benefited since the program began. This year, more than 200 schools were selected.

After submitting applications, both HLA and Holland High were awarded grants for staff well-being.

“When our teachers are at their best, they can help students be at their best,” Ashley Golin, Ottawa Community Schools Network Coordinator at HLA, wrote in a statement. “So, we want to make sure the supports we provide also take care of our most important asset for the school, which is our staff.”

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The schools will use funding to pay for staff wellness programs and seminars, plus incentives for participating in community-building and physical activities.

Holland Language Academy was among the grant recipients from last school year. Funds were used for social emotional wellness and student activity, helping pay for supplies for a “calming corner” for students, social emotional training for staff and indoor recess equipment.

— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on Twitter @SentinelMitch.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Holland High, Holland Language Academy receive funding for staff well-being