March 10, 2026
On Saturday, March 7, the Rochester City School District honored Healthi Kids with its Shining Star Community Partner award for bringing innovative, play‑based solutions that enrich literacy experiences for students.
“Thank you for leveling up literacy through play‑based learning and for your collaborative work with RCSD to support our scholars,” said Dr. Shalonda Garfield at the Level Up Literacy Conference, when presenting the award.
Mike Bulger, Director of Whole Child Health, and Hailey Cox, Healthy Schools Project Coordinator, accepted the award. Several other Healthi Kids team members were at the conference sharing information on infant and early childhood development—and, of course, offering opportunities for play.
Cover photo by De’Jon Washington. Check out the rest of his photos from the day—which include a dancing dinosaur!