SCHOOL HEALTH COUNCILS – Beyond Development Christine Philley, CFCS School Health Administrator Office of Healthy Schools

So – Someone Told You That You Had to Have a School Health Council?

Coordinated School Health Program (CSHP) Family/Community Involvement Health Education Health Promotion for Staff Healthy School Environment Counseling, Psychological, & Social Services Nutrition Services Health Services Physical Education

Improving School Health: A Guide to Effective School Health Councils Office of Healthy Schools

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Building Support for School Health School District Community

“Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

Answer questions about School Health Councils (SHC) WHAT is a SHC? WHO are SHC members? WHAT does a SHC do? HOW do you plan SHC meeting? WHAT makes a SHC meeting work? WHAT are the benefits of a SHC?

WHAT is a SHC? A School Health Council (SHC) is an advisory group composed of committed individuals from both the school and the community. The group works together to provide guidance and leadership to the school on all aspects of the school health program.

WHO are SHC members? People with a passion for kids and health People who can commit time and energy Key influencers in the community and school Representatives of all parts of the community People with a wide variety of backgrounds and expertise

Potential SHC Members Parents Teachers Students School staff Health care providers (MD, PA, RN, NP, DDS, RD) Business/industry representatives Community leaders Government officials Extension staff Social service agencies Attorneys and law enforcement officials Clergy College/university personnel Media

Work to insure that SHC members are: Invested in the vision and mission of the SHC Part of the decision making process and implementation plan Seeing positive changes from their involvement Recognized for their efforts and accomplishments Tips for retaining SHC Members

WHAT does a SHC do? Advocates for healthy kids and healthy schools Plans programs and projects Searches for resources (money, people and materials) Coordinates with district and state agencies Insures evaluation, accountability, and quality control

HOW do you plan a SHC meeting? 3 members of School Health Network plan the first SHC meeting by: Discussing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats regarding health of children in the school and the community Developing a list of potential members to invite Writing a letter of invitation and a press release for the meeting Planning a detailed meeting agenda

“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” Henry Ford

WHAT makes a SHC meeting work? Regular meeting schedule Timely meeting reminders Punctual start and end times Planned agenda Healthful refreshments Positive environment Appropriate follow-up

Topics for SHC meetings Initial agenda items Make the organizational purpose clear Conduct training for members Conduct health needs assessment Subsequent agenda items Develop plans based upon results of ongoing needs assessment Carry out proposed plans and monitor progress Establish regular reporting to school board and community health council

CDC’s School Health Index: A Self- Assessment and Planning Guide

What is the Purpose of the School Health Index? Enables schools to identify strengths and weaknesses of health promotion policies and programs. Enables schools to develop an action plan for improving student health. Engages teachers, parents, students, and the community in promoting health-enhancing behaviors and better health.

Health Topics in the SHI (4 th edition) Physical activity Nutrition Tobacco-use prevention Safety (unintentional injury and violence prevention) Asthma

What SHI Is and What SHI Is NOT Self-assessment and planning tool Research or evaluation tool Educational and community-organizing process Tool to audit or punish school staff

What SHI Is and What SHI Is NOT Identifies low-cost or no-cost changes Requires expensive changes Focused, reasonable, and user-friendly experience Long, bureaucratic, and painful process

WHAT are the benefits of a SHC? Increase family and community involvement in schools Educate the community about current school and health issues Share information about healthy kids and healthy schools Link schools with health resources in the community and state

WHAT are the benefits of a SHC? Create ways to improve school health policies and programs Provide a range of advice and perspectives on health issues Foster cooperation by building trust and consensus among grassroots organizations, community segments and diverse citizens

School Succes s Stories

Amory School District Amory Middle School adopted a policy that allows students to drink water in the classroom - so they are properly hydrated and ready to learn.

Columbus School District All schools have completely removed deep fryers as part of their overall commitment toward healthier food preparation.

Brookhaven School District Alexander Junior High offers intramural basketball and volleyball, as well as walking, aerobics, and dance activities before school each day.

Grenada School District Grenada Middle School began a morning exercise routine via school-wide telecasting - with students standing beside their desks in classrooms.

Gulfport School District Pass Road Elementary students have daily FANtastic Movement Moments - 5 minutes of physical activity to help them be more alert and able to focus in class.

DeSoto County Schools Hernando Elementary introduced a snack program where apples, oranges, and bananas are sold to students for just 25 cents.

DeSoto County Schools Shadow Oaks Elementary offers 30 minutes of physical activity for every student - with special recognition for those who walk with principal at recess.

Petal School District W.L. Smith Elementary teachers worked with students to set personal goals for a healthier lifestyle - and helped them monitor their weekly progress.

Clarksdale School District Schools now have Physical Education teachers to provide PE classes for all students.

GREAT NEWS – New initiatives! Nutrition Grants/Training New Activity based Physical Education Lesson Plans for K-12 New Health Education Lesson Plans for K-12 Grants for Physical Education Equipment Grants for age appropriate disease prevention education programs Tennis Training

What Do I Do Now! Find out if you have a School Health Council?????? Help to form a School Health Council at your school using the School Health Council Guide – Call the Office of Healthy Schools for assistance –