CRYSTAL FALLS — The Forest Park School District recently received two grants.

A grant from the Dickinson-Iron Health Department is part of “Project Healthy Schools,” a University of Michigan program with funding from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. The funds were used to purchase and install a cafeteria water-bottle filling station, two student pedal desks, and activity tracker/heart rate monitors that will be incorporated into the physical education curriculum.

The second “Project Healthy Schools” grant focused mainly on seventh-grade students. Ashley Bortolini, physical education and health teacher, taught hands-on PHS lessons that aim to increase healthy behaviors with these program goals:

— Eat more fruits and vegetables;

— Choose less sugary food and beverages;

— Eat less fast and fatty foods;

— Be active every day;

— Spend less time in front of a screen.

These funds also helped with the organization and carrying out of Forest Park’s wellness initiatives.

The grant Bortolini received from PHS went toward purchasing physical education equipment and the district’s wellness initiatives, including the annual 5K walk/run for kindergarten through eighth grades.

Bortolini said she and the district are beyond thankful for grants such as these that focus on young people and all aspects of their health.

Community partners, educational activities and environmental changes are all important components of PHS. For more information, go to http://www.projecthealthyschools.org/.