The Blog

Year after year, one of the things we love most about the Community Challenge is seeing how school districts rally their staff and students to get on board. From teaching healthy activities in the classroom to organizing healthy events that involve the whole community, Texas educators are living the value of health and setting the example for younger generations.

The 2020 Community Challenge kicks off on January 6, and we can’t wait to see what Texas schools will accomplish over the 8-week competition. To help start things off, we’ve listed out all the different ways that school participants can earn points on behalf of their district. At the end of the competition, the school district with the most points in each of five size categories will get $500 to put toward a school health project. Faculty, staff, students, and parents are all encouraged to get involved. Here they are, 10 actions you can take to help your school district earn points in the 2020 Community Challenge.

Fitness Tracker: 50 points/submission

You will find this happening in your PE classrooms, but what about the brain breaks happening in class? Or your after school clubs? Early morning work outs? Show us how your school gets fit!

Healthy Selfie: 50 points/submission

Turn your selfies healthy! Amplify school spirit and submit photos of your school’s healthy actions! (Faces optional.) Whether it’s eating a healthy lunch, taking a water break, or running outside on the playground, every photo submissions earns you 50 points for your school district.

Water Consumption: 50 points/submission

Track your water consumption every day as a class. This is an opportunity for students to learn volume, graphing skills, measurement and more. Getting healthy is also a way to get smart!

Teach Healthier MyPlate Lesson: 50 points/submission

Use the MyPlate lesson on the Teach Healthier App to teach your students how to build a healthy, balanced meal.

Healthy Group Activity: 500 points/submission

Before school, after school, during PE, maybe on the playground! Simply get a group of three or more people and do something healthy together! This is a great way to capture how students and staff get healthy at your school.

Living Healthier Video Tutorial: 500 points

Healthy students need healthy adults in their lives. Our Living Healthier hotline is for any Texan (18 years and up) looking to make a healthy change. Watch this informational video at a family night, potluck, staff meeting, or even at a community event! It’s a perfect way to get your parents, community members, and school faculty information about a free, confidential and supportive service.

Sign a Pledge: 500 points

A healthy school includes healthy school leaders. Your campus administration, your PTA, your SHAC, and school teachers can all sign a pledge in support of the Community Challenge.

Teach Healthier App Lesson: 750 points/submission

The Teach Healthier App is a handy classroom and school tool that helps educators deliver fun nutrition and physical activity lessons. Download the app and share a lesson with your students. Parents can also use the app at home!

Mayor Challenge Video: 10,000 points

Have your class write a letter encouraging your Mayor to create a video announcing your city’s participation in the Community Challenge. Check out some of the examples here. This is a great way to start a letter-writing campaign, supporting citizenship and teaching essential writing skills. Your school can raise awareness at a city-wide level through this healthy action!

It’s Time Texas Community Event: 15,000 points/event

Rally your community! Put on a free, healthy event for 25 or more people in your city. This could be a free exercise class, community game day, or health fair. Get moving together as a school and inspire your community to do the same. Check out our event guide for fun ideas and tips for getting the word out.

Building a healthy future takes all of us – and it’s so exciting to see how Texas schools are leading the way. Thank you for being a part of the 2020 Community Challenge. With your help, we can make this our most impactful challenge yet!