School Specialty SPARK Program Recognized for Combating Childhood Obesity

GREENVILLE, Wis., Sept. 15, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- School Specialty's
(Nasdaq:SCHS) research-based SPARK(R) program has been identified as a
successful model for combating childhood obesity by The HSC Foundation. The
Washington, DC-based health care organization issued a report entitled,
"Fighting Obesity: What Works, What's Promising," and the SPARK program was one
of the models identified as having produced tangible success in addressing what
Foundation President and CEO Thomas Chapman referred to as "the obesity
epidemic."

SPARK provides evidence-based physical education, after school, early childhood,
and coordinated school health programs to teachers and recreation leaders
serving Pre-K through 12th grade students. Each SPARK program is a coordinated
package of curriculum, teacher training and content-matched equipment. The SPARK
pedagogy is focused on highly active games, dances and sports that maximize
physical activity, while also incorporating nutrition and health instruction.
"We are honored that The HSC Foundation has recognized SPARK as an effective
program to help reverse the childhood obesity trend and promote lifelong
wellness among our youth," said Paul Rosengard, School Specialty SPARK Executive
Director. "The foundation's validation of SPARK joins those of many other
organizations, such as the National Institute of Health and the U.S. Surgeon
General, in recognizing the positive impact our program can have as a
school-based solution for the nation's health care crisis."

Report author Elliot Segal said the programs referenced in his report
demonstrate that there are real ways to have an impact on childhood obesity.
"These models show the power that can be gained by leveraging existing
programs," noted Segal. "The models also show the effectiveness of focusing on
high-stakes places where a big difference can be made quickly and yield
life-long results."

About The SPARK Programs

SPARK is a research-based organization that creates, implements, and evaluates
programs that promote lifelong wellness. The SPARK Programs consist of Early
Childhood, K-12 Physical Education, After School, and Coordinated School Health.
Each SPARK program provides curriculum, teacher training, follow up support and
consultation, and content-matched equipment sets through the School Specialty
Sportime business line. For more information on SPARK, visit www.sparkpe.org; or
email: spark@schoolspecialty.com; or call 1-800-sparkpe.

About School Specialty

School Specialty is a leading education company that provides innovative and
proprietary products, programs and services to help educators engage and inspire
students of all ages and abilities to learn. The company designs, develops, and
provides PreK-12 educators with the latest and very best curriculum,
supplemental learning resources, and school supplies. Working in collaboration
with educators, School Specialty reaches beyond the scope of textbooks to help
educators, guidance counselors and school administrators ensure that every
student reaches his or her full potential. For more information about School
Specialty, visit www.schoolspecialty.com.

About The HSC Foundation

The HSC Foundation is dedicated to improving access to services for individuals
who face social and health care barriers due to disability, chronic illness, or
other circumstances that present unique needs. The Foundation's non-profit
operating subsidiaries are the HSC Pediatric Center; HSC Home Care, LLC; and
Health Services for Children with Special Needs, Inc. For more information about
The HSC Foundation, visit www.hscfoundation.org.

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CONTACT: The SPARK Programs
Billy Beltz, Marketing Manager
800-772-7573 x2247

School Specialty, Inc.
Mark Fleming, Corporate Communications
920-882-5646