Transcript Healthy Schools Program: Promoting Physical Activity and Healthy Eating In Schools Across the United States.

Healthy Schools Program:
Promoting Physical Activity and Healthy Eating
In Schools Across the United States
The Healthy Schools Program
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Works with schools to create a
culture where healthy eating
and physical activity is the norm
and not the exception
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Provides no-cost technical
assistance, tools and solutions to
help schools become healthier
places for students and staff
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Offers schools the opportunity
to earn national recognition for
their efforts toward a healthier
school environment
Participating School Districts in WV
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Cabell County
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Jefferson County
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Tucker County
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Pocahontas County
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Hancock County
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Preston County
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Mingo County
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Putnam County
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Mason County
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Fayette County
Graduating Districts for 2012Raleigh County & Ohio County
Healthy Schools Program Framework
A set of best practice criteria that provide guidelines for a healthier
school environment
Seven Content Areas
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Policy/Systems
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School Meals Programs
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Competitive Foods and Beverages
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Health Education
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Employee Wellness
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Physical Education
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Student Wellness
Six Step Process
School Wellness Councils
What are School Wellness Councils?
A School Wellness Council (SWC) is a group
made up of individuals who represent the
school and community population. The SWC
works together to lead and implement all
aspects of developing a healthy school
environment.
Benefits of a School Wellness Council
Educate the community
about the school and health issues
Provide a means for improving
school health policies and programs
Increase parent and community
involvement in the school
Link schools with community health
and social services and resources
Possible Members of a
School Wellness Council
School
School
Staff
School
Nurses
Board
Food
Service
Educators
Directors
SWC
Community
Students
Members
Local
Health
Parents
Policy
Makers
Dept.
Key Elements to Making Your SWC
Efficient and Effective
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Active administrative support is a valuable thing (influence and
advocacy)
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Do not overlook hidden powerhouses in your school and community
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Find a common and consistent meeting time
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Have an agenda at every meeting –use your action plan as a
“standing agenda” (or use the template agenda in the SWC toolkit!)
Take Home Message
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School Wellness Councils are the foundation for making sustainable
changes in the health and wellness of your school.
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School Wellness Council members should be diverse and representative of
the student population.
– Not just health and PE teachers –get others involved too!
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Regular meeting times, agendas, and meeting summaries will make your
Council meetings more effective.
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Keep Council members energized by engaging every member,
acknowledging their contributions to the team, and celebrating successes.
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Stick to the 6-step process –Regular SWC meetings, Annual inventory and
Action plan, Identify resources, Take action, and Celebrate successes.
Resources
School Wellness Council Toolkit
www.healthiergeneration.org/schools
Promoting Healthy Youth, Schools and
Communities:
A Guide to Community-School Health Councils
www.schoolhealth.info
USDA Food and Nutrition Services
Team Nutrition
Local Wellness Policy
www.fns.usda.gov/tn/Healthy/wellnesspolicy.html
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
- Margaret Mead
Physical Activity Break!
www.jamschoolprogram.com
FastBreak Fitness Breaks Toolkit
• Create an environment of
physical activity
• Great for winter months and
lack of space
• Requires no equipment
• Students and staff can
participate and benefit
• Includes:
• movement (walk, jog,
skip)
• exercise (squats, lunges)
• stretches
• Print, Post, and Move!!!
Empowerme2b.org/fitnessbreaks
Mataio Swain
Alliance for a Healthier Generation
Youth Advisory Board Member
Thank you!
Amy File
WV Relationship Manager
[email protected]
304.482.7261