What is a GMS Power-Up School?

After six successful years in elementary schools the Gold Medal Schools program (GMS) is growing to create a similar health culture for students ages 12-15.  The GMS Power-Up program will teach students to “Eat Smart, Move Smart and Be Smart”. GMS Power-Up will help schools make policy and environmental changes that support good nutrition, physical activity and staying tobacco-free by creating a sustainable and healthy school environment for students, faculty and staff to enjoy for years to come. Schools can achieve various levels in the program: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Upon completion of each level schools will receive awards including monetary incentives that can be used to purchase physical activity, nutrition or tobacco prevention resources and equipment. A unique feature to GMS Power-Up is the involvement of students. Each GMS Power-Up school has a Power-Up Committee made up of students who bring awareness of GMS Power-Up criteria to the entire school.

The GMS Power-Up program was developed by the Utah Department of Health using the guidance of the Gold Medal Schools program and the Utah State Office of Education’s Core Curriculum. GMS Power-Up is being pilot tested in four junior high schools throughout the state in the 2007-2008 school year and will open up to all junior high and middle schools in the 2008-2009 school year.

• Write a policy mandating a tobacco-free school and post tobacco-free signs at entrances.
• Establish a School Health Council.
• Establish a student Power-Up Committee.
• Write a policy establishing an ongoing faculty and staff wellness program.
• Integrate Health and P.E. into a year-long program or facilitate implementation of individualized physical activity/fitness plans for students.
• See a list of all criteria.

1. Gain support and buy-in from school staff.
2. Identify a school coordinator.
3. Submit a complete Gold Medal Schools (GMS) Power-Up application.
4. Act as a role model for students, faculty and staff.
5. Oversee implementation of the GMS Power-Up criteria within the school.
6. Provide input to your school coordinator, School Health Council and student Power-Up committee.
7. Review and approve GMS Power-Up policies.
8. Provide ongoing support to your school coordinator.
9. Attend the GMS Power-Up training.

1. Sign the GMS Power-Up application.
2. Attend the GMS Power-Up training.
3. Review resources to become acquainted with the program: listserv, Web site, GMS Power-Up guide.
4. Oversee student Power-Up committee
5. Meet with the School Health Council to:
1. Determine the best way to implement GMS Power--Up criteria in your school.
2. Complete assignments given in GMS Power-Up guide.
3. Develop the GMS Power-Up policies.
4. Implement the GMS Power-Up criteria.
5. Develop and complete mid- and end-year reports.
6. Provide ongoing information about the program to faculty and staff.
7. Serve as a role model to your school, student, faculty and staff.
8. Attend a meeting with the LHD at least three times per year.

1. Provide ongoing assistance to the school coordinator.
2. Complete Assignments given in GMS Power-Up Guide.
3. Meet monthly as a committee to discuss GMS Power-Up.
4. Create awareness campaigns for student involvement.
5. Survey students.
6. Provide assistance with mid- and end-year reports.
7. Make GMS Power-Up fun and enjoyable for the school.
8. Student representative attends the School Health Council meetings.
9. Serve as a role model to other students.

• As you reach each level your school will be awarded a cash prize. Bronze schools receive $400; Silver schools receive $600 and Gold schools receive $1000, for a total of $2000.
• The GMS Power-Up Guide is a step-by-step guide to help your school implement the GMS Power-Up program. The guide consists of five main topics: Criteria Breakdown, School Coordinator Logistics, Nutrition Resources, Physical Activity Resources and Tobacco-Prevention Resources.
• The GMS Power-Up Web site provides support and recognition to GMS Power-Up schools. The Web site is updated every two weeks.
• The Listserv is an e-mail sent to schools from the state health department every two weeks. Messages from this Listserv keep members updated on current GMS Power-Up news.
• A $100 stipend reimbursement is available to schools each year they achieve a level.
• $100 worth of Tobacco Prevention Incentives are available for schools to order through GMS Power-Up.
• A Local Health Department Representative is available for questions and support.
• The State Health Department oversees the program statewide and provides resources and trainings to the schools.