CASSOPOLIS — Ross Beatty Jr.-Sr. High School is among 61 schools in the state that will soon have new water fountains and bottle filling stations.

As a result of a $200,000 partnership between Michigan Education Special Services Association and the Delta Dental Foundation, schools across the state will receive new water fountains/bottle filling stations as part of the “Rethink Your Drink: Water’s Cool at School” program, which encourages children to drink more water during the school day.

In all, 95 water fountains and bottle filling stations will be installed across the state.

“Drinking water throughout the school day is key to staying focused and energized,” said Teri Battaglieri, Delta Dental Foundation director. “Not only are sugar-sweetened beverages like pop and juice drinks bad for your teeth, they can contribute to other health issues such as obesity and Type 2 diabetes. We want more students to have access to drinking water during the day so they can keep their teeth and bodies strong and healthy.”

MESSA leaders echoed these sentiments.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Delta Dental Foundation on this important program,” said Ross Wilson, MESSA executive director. “MESSA is committed to supporting education employees as they look to improve their own health while modeling good examples for their students.”

Also, as part of their prize package, Ross Beatty Jr.-Sr. High School also received reusable water bottles for students and staff.

“We are very excited about the new bottle filling stations,” Wilson said. “ This is a great way to promote the benefits of drinking water.”