Healthy Schools Campaign

HSC is committed to making schools healthier places where children learn and thrive - we focus on what is happening in our school buildings as well as opportunities for outdoor play, gardening and engagement with nature. We support the as they get One Million Kids Outdoors this year! 1mkidsoutdoors.org.

Happy end of the school year! 🏫🎉

While students and families shift into summer schedules, schools are busy planning for next school year, and coming to terms with the devastating consequences federal cuts are having on school budgets, family incomes and the social safety net programs on which so many families and children rely.

Learn about the actions you can take right now to support public schools and student wellbeing in HSC's June newsletter: https://linktr.ee/healthyschools

Chicago’s Green Infrastructure Strategy is open for public comment through July 10th. This updated roadmap emphasizes the role of green infrastructure in mitigating flooding, supporting health and well-being and expanding access to nature and green space. We are encouraged to see Space to Grow and the citywide Maintenance Working Group, two initiatives that we help lead, highlighted as key avenues for advancing this work.

Space to Grow shows what is possible when public agencies, nonprofits, and communities partner to transform schoolyards into vibrant, health-promoting spaces. The program has created 41 schoolyards, with 4 more coming this summer, and is a partnership between Healthy Schools Campaign, Openlands, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Department of Water Management and Chicago Department of Environment.

Review the strategy and share input here:
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/2026-green-infrastructure-strategy/home.html

Photos courtesy of Space to Grow.

Join the launch webinar for Chicago’s updated Green Infrastructure Strategy during Water Week! The plan puts much-needed focus on maintenance and reinforces nature-based solutions as essential infrastructure for the health and well-being of our communities. Tune in on May 5th at 10 AM to learn more and share your input to help shape the final strategy: https://currentwater.org/events/city-of-chicago-green-strategy-launch/

Openlands

HSC's April newsletter theme is 🌱🌍 Check it out to get the latest policy updates and happenings, including a new webinar from the Healthy Green Schools & Colleges program. And if you're in the Chicago area, join us for "Growing Resilience: A Space to Grow Tour at Farmer Elementary" during on May 7! RSVP to both and see what else we're up to in our monthly newsletter ➡️ https://mailchi.mp/healthyschoolscampaign.org/jan-2026-newsletter-7229748

Chicago Water Week is almost here💧and we’re excited to be part of the action!

Join HSC, Openlands and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago on Thursday, May 7th (3-4 PM) for a green schoolyard tour at James Farmer, Jr. Elementary School in Bronzeville. Completed in 2025, this space features green infrastructure like bioswales and permeable pavers that help address flooding and protect water quality. You’ll also get to explore the schoolyard's health-promoting elements like edible gardens, outdoor learning spaces and areas for sports and active play.

Free to attend, register at https://luma.com/1420w62n

Did you miss HSC's last newsletter? It's not too late to get caught up on our work supporting healthy schools! Read the latest about the Healthy Green Schools & Colleges program, Space to Grow happenings and even an interview with Chicago Public Schools' new Head of Nutrition Support Services ➡️ https://mailchi.mp/healthyschoolscampaign.org/jan-2026-newsletter-7229616🌷🍎😊

💬 When students feel seen, valued and connected they are more likely to show up and stay engaged in learning. Join us on April 1 at 12pm PT / 3 ET for Attendance Awareness Campaign Webinar 1: Nurture Belonging in the Spring.
- Learn how to build school environments that support belonging
- Explore data-informed strategies to identify students who may feel disconnected
- Hear how schools and districts are strengthening relationships to support attendance

📢 Don’t miss this free event

🔗 Register: https://www.attendanceworks.org/resources/webinars/