healthy schools program:

Healthy Schools Program:Promoting Physical Activity and Healthy Eating

In Schools Across the United States

The Healthy Schools Program

• Works with schools to create a culture where healthy eating and physical activity is the norm and not the exception

• Provides no-cost technical assistance, tools and solutions to help schools become healthier places for students and staff

• Offers schools the opportunity to earn national recognition for their efforts toward a healthier school environment

Participating School Districts in WV• Cabell County • Jefferson County• Tucker County• Pocahontas County• Hancock County• Preston County• Mingo County• Putnam County• Mason County• Fayette CountyGraduating Districts for 2012-Raleigh County & Ohio County

Healthy Schools Program Framework

Seven Content Areas

•Policy/Systems•School Meals Programs•Competitive Foods and Beverages•Health Education •Employee Wellness•Physical Education•Student Wellness

A set of best practice criteria that provide guidelines for a healthier school environment

Six Step Process

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.

What are School Wellness Councils?

Benefits of a School Wellness Council

Increase parent and communityinvolvement in the school

Provide a means for improving school health policies and programs

Educate the communityabout the school and health issues

Link schools with community healthand social services and resources

Possible Members of a School Wellness Council

SchoolBoard

Educators

CommunityMembers

ParentsPolicy

Makers

Local HealthDept.

Students

Food Service

Directors

School Nurses

SchoolStaff

SWC

Key Elements to Making Your SWC Efficient and Effective

• Active administrative support is a valuable thing (influence and advocacy)

• Do not overlook hidden powerhouses in your school and community

• Find a common and consistent meeting time • 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• School Wellness Councils are the foundation for making sustainable

changes in the health and wellness of your school. • School Wellness Council members should be diverse and representative of

the student population.– Not just health and PE teachers –get others involved too!

• Regular meeting times, agendas, and meeting summaries will make your Council meetings more effective.

• Keep Council members energized by engaging every member, acknowledging their contributions to the team, and celebrating successes.

• Stick to the 6-step process –Regular SWC meetings, Annual inventory and Action plan, Identify resources, Take action, and Celebrate successes.

ResourcesSchool Wellness Council Toolkit

www.healthiergeneration.org/schools

Promoting Healthy Youth, Schools and Communities:

A Guide to Community-School Health Councilswww.schoolhealth.info

USDA Food and Nutrition ServicesTeam Nutrition

Local Wellness Policywww.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

Empowerme2b.org/fitnessbreaks

• 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!!!

Mataio SwainAlliance for a Healthier Generation

Youth Advisory Board Member

Thank you!Amy File

WV Relationship Manageramy.file@healthiergeneration.org

304.482.7261