Developing Healthy School Communities Handbook

Developing Healthy School CommunitiesHANDBOOK

Handbook 2011 developing HealtHy ScHool communitieS i

overview ...................................................................................................................1

acknowledgments ...................................................................................................1

understanding the Relationship between a Healthy School community and a comprehensive School Health approach ..........................2

Definitions of Pillars (adapted from the JCSH) .....................................................4

Why do we need a comprehensive School Health approach ? .......................5

developing a Sustainable Healthy School community ......................................5

a process model that Supports the development of a Healthy School Community ............................................................................6

Focusing on a Process for Developing a Healthy School Community ............7

process ......................................................................................................................8

needs assessment .................................................................................................11

Elements Identified to Support the Development of a Healthy School community ..................................................................................12

Wellness policies ....................................................................................................14

the Research: Healthy Students learn better .....................................................15

Healthy eating ........................................................................................................16

active living ...........................................................................................................17

positive Social environments .................................................................................18

Feeling connected at School ..............................................................................19

appendices .......................................................................................................... a1

Activities and Actions within the Pillars of a comprehensive School Health approach ........................................................ a2

government initiatives Supporting the Development of Healthy School Communities ................................................. a3

tip Sheet ................................................................................................................. a4

assessment tools .................................................................................................. a7

Wellness Websites .............................................................................................. a16

acronyms ............................................................................................................. a17

glossary ................................................................................................................ a18

action plan & tracking tool ............................................................................... a19

budget .................................................................................................................. a20

developing Healthy School communities - Solutions to barriers ................... a21

References ........................................................................................................... a36

Table of Contents

developing HealtHy ScHool communitieS Handbook 2011ii

FoR moRe inFoRmation, pleaSe contact:

alberta Healthy School community Wellness FundCentre for Health Promotion StudiesUniversity of Alberta5-10 university terrace8303 - 112 Streetedmonton, albertacanada t6g 2t4

TEL: (780) 492-2537FAX: (780) 492-9579email: [email protected]

www.achsc.org/wellness_fund.htm

Handbook 2011 developing HealtHy ScHool communitieS 1

Overviewthe alberta Healthy School community Wellness Fund is a joint initiative between the:

University of Albertas Centre for Health Promotion Studies

Alberta Coalition for Healthy School Communities

alberta Health and Wellness

The objective of the Wellness Fund is to enhance the health and wellbeing of school-aged children and youth within Alberta school communities through support of school community projects, which address healthy eating, active living and positive social environments using a comprehensive school health approach.

The Wellness Fund provides funding to projects that demonstrate readiness in moving ahead with the development of healthy school communities. Wellness Fund staff provide support and assistance through facilitating school communities to build on existing strengths and address self identified needs.

The Wellness Fund works in partnership with Expanding Healthy School Communities (EHS), funded by Alberta Education. The objective of EHS is to review the work of Wellness Fund projects by describing the wide variety of approaches being used to promote healthy school communities and by identifying conditions for the successful development and sustainability of healthy school communities. The results of this review are incorporated within this handbook.

This handbook is intended to support the development of healthy school communities through a process which

promotes a culture of wellness for all stakeholders.

AcknowledgmentsFirst and foremost the Wellness Fund would like to thank our projects across Alberta for their enthusiasm, drive and commitment in developing healthy school community initiatives by creating a synergy with a range of stakeholders in school communities and with other community partners across the province.

Partnerships and community collaborations have played a critical role in the success and sustainability of Wellness Fund projects. In addition to the School of Public Health, Alberta Coalition for Healthy School Communities and Alberta Health and Wellness, other key partners who contribute to the development of healthy school communities in Alberta include Alberta Education, Alberta Health Services, Ever Active Schools, Be Fit for Life Centres and the Joint Consortium for School Health.

developing HealtHy ScHool communitieS Handbook 20112

Understanding the Relationship between a Healthy School Community and a Comprehensive School Health Approach

background

a Healthy School Community is one that supports the wellness of children and youth and the entire school community by promoting wellness through the implementation of a comprehensive school health framework. It is a school community that constantly strengthens its capacity as a healthy setting for living, learning and working.

Aligning with the International Union for Health Promotion and Educations 10 principles of a health promoting school (2007; p. 2), a healthy school community:

Promotes the health and wellbeing of students.

upholds social justice and equity concepts.

involves student activity and empowerment.

Provides a safe and supportive environment.

links health and education issues and systems.

Addresses the health and wellbeing issues of staff.

collaborates with the local community.

integrates into the school communitys ongoing activities.

Sets realistic goals.

Engages parents and families in health education.

a comprehensive school health framework or approach (also referred to as a health promoting schools approach) is the mechanism that is used to assist in the development of a healthy school community. comprehensive school health is not the end result but is rather what is used to achieve a healthy school

community.

Canadas Joint Consortium for School Health (JCSH) states that CSH is an internationally recognized framework for supporting improvements in students educational outcomes while addressing school wellness in a planned, integrated and holistic way. it is not just about what happens in the classroom. Rather, it encompasses the whole

school environment with actions addressing four distinct but inter-related pillars that provide a strong foundation for a healthy school community (JCSH, 2008).

ReFeRence

International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE). (2007). Protocols and guidelines for health promoting schools. Paris: IUHPE.


Four Pillars of a Comprehensive School Health approach

1. Social and physical environment

2. teaching and learning

3. Healthy school policy

4. partnerships and services

Wellness Priorities for Healthy School communities in alberta

Alberta has defined three priority areas upon which school communities should focus:

Healthy eating

active living

positive Social environments

It is important not to confuse these priority areas as being part of the comprehensive school health framework, as this framework can be used to address any number of health related issues beyond albertas three priority areas

for wellness. (see diagram on right)

AC

TIVE LIV

ING

POSI

TIV

E SO

CIA

L

ENV

IRO

NM

ENTS

ALB

ERTA

'S PROVIN

CIA

L

PRIORITIES

HEALTHY EATING

Teaching & Learning

Social & Physical

Environment

Partnerships & Services

Healthy School Policy

COM

PREH

ENSIVE SC

HOOL HEALTH PI LLARS


Definitions of Pillars (ADAPTED FRom THE JCSH)

Social environment

the culture within the school community

The quality of relationships among and between staff and students in the school community

The sense of belonging and connectedness within the school community

The emotional well-being of students and staff

Relationships with families and the wider community

physical environment

the buildings, grounds, play space, and equipment in and surrounding the school and school community

Available choices that affect health and wellness

basic amenities such as sanitation and air cleanliness

teaching and learning

Resources, informal practices, activities and provincial/territorial curriculum where students gain age-appropriate knowledge and experiences, helping to build the skills to improve their health and well-being.

opportunities for staff to build knowledge and develop skills to support and influence change that improves the wellness of the school community

Healthy School policy

practices, decision-making processes, rules, procedures and regulations at all levels that promote health and wellbeing of members of the school community

partnerships

The give-and-take relationships between the school, the students, their families and the wider community

Supportive working relationships within schools (between staff and students), between schools, and between schools and other community organizations and representative groups

Health, education and other sectors working together to advance school community wellness

Services

Community and school based programs offered to assist in the promotion of student, staff and community health and wellbeing


Why do we need a Comprehensive School Health Approach?Health and education are interdependent: healthy students are better learners, and better-educated individuals

are healthier (WHo, 2003). Research has shown that a a comprehensive school health approach is an effective way to tap into that connection, improving both health and educational outcomes (Deschesnes et al., 2003).

in the classroom, a comprehensive school health approach helps to improve academic achievement and

can increase positive behaviours (Deschesnes et al., 2003). In the broader school environment, it helps students develop the skills they need to be physically and emotionally healthy for life (WHo, 2007).

a comprehensive School Health approach: Recognizes that healthy young people learn better and achieve more

Understands that schools can directly influence students health and behaviours

Encourages healthy lifestyle choices, and promotes students health and wellbeing

Incorporates health into all aspects of school and learning

links health and education issues and systems

Needs the participation and support of families and the community at large

The World Health organization (WHo) recognizes the need for education and health to work together to develop a healthy school community:

a healthy school community improves young peoples abilities to take action and generate change. it

provides a setting, within which they can gain a sense of achievement, working together with teachers and others. Young peoples empowerment, linked to their visions and ideas, enables them to influence their lives and living conditions (WHo, 1997).

Developing a Sustainable Healthy School Communitya comprehensive school health approach encompasses the whole school environment by tapping into the

knowledge, skills and energy of the school, home and community. The richness of this work is realized when all three are integrated and harmonized leading to improved learning, enhanced well-being and positive relationships.

Sustainable change can be achieved by forging partnerships between home, school and community to support the development of a healthy school community.


A Process Model that Supports the Development of a Healthy School CommunityThis diagram integrates the comprehensive school health framework with an internationally recognized community development process while embracing the key stakeholders needed to create a sustainable healthy

school community. it shows a cyclical process indicating that all elements are interconnected with no start or end

point to creating a healthy school community.

Alberta Health Services. (n.d.). Health Champion Tool Binder: Comprehensive School Health. [CD Resource].

Joint Consortium for School Health. (2008). What is Comprehensive School Health? Retrieved from http://eng.jcsh-cces.ca/

index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=40&Itemid=62

Queensland Government. (2005). Health Promoting Schools Toolbox: Booklet 2 how do we do it?...the process. Retrieved from

www.health.qld.gov.au/healthyschools/toolbox.asp

Reflect, evaluate and celebrate Prepare

Create a shared

vision

Determine the priority issues

Develop an action plan

Implement and

monitor

HO

ME

CO

MM

UN

ITY

Teaching & Learning

Social & Physical

Environment

Partnerships & Services

Healthy School Policy

SUST

AIN

ABILI

TY SUSTAIN

ABILITY

SUSTAINABILITY

SCHOOL

COMMUNICATION

COMMUNICATION


Focusing on a Process for Developing a Healthy School CommunityTwo important factors to consider throughout any process are sustainability and communication. these key elements are central to the success of a project and should be reflected upon frequently.

Sustainability

In order to sustain any changes made and to embed those changes within the culture of the school, school communities need to consider how to build capacity within their community. Schools can:

Build skills and knowledge in staff and students

Connect to information, experts, tools and funding options

promote initiatives and successes

Develop and engage effective community partnerships

Build capacity as a wellness setting for living, learning and working through a comprehensive school health approach

Integrate health into the culture of the school

communication

Developing effective communication takes time and involves commitment and support from key individuals. Within a community, there are many different levels between which communication should occur to be effective, appropriate and of interest to the audience.

a communication strategy or plan should be put in place to raise awareness about the project the initiative,

to disseminate results and impact and to ensure all community members are considered equitably. a

communication strategy should:

Ensure there is a clear understanding of the importance of two-way communication, providing information and asking for feedback

Communicate clearly, accurately and in context with the situation

Ensure information is distributed in a timely fashion so it may be used effectively

Plan meetings and assemblies, community forums and events to engage the community

implement regular reporting schedules

Set up a communications network to reach the whole community using different media such as: minutes, newsletters, email, announcements, website, blogs, wiki, Facebook, twitter, outlook calendar reminders,

suggestion boxes, library, bulletin board, posters, displays


ProcessThe following six-step cyclical process should be applied when developing an initiative and when planning and implementing specific activities. Note, the Implement and monitor and Reflect, Evaluate and Celebrate steps should occur throughout the entire process and the cycle should be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

prepare

Careful planning is the key to achieving and sustaining success when implementing change in the school community dont lose the momentum:

Identify health champions While sharing the workload is recommended, there still needs to be a key person or persons to take

responsibility for getting the project started and leading the way

Within a comprehensive school health approach this key role has been given a variety of names; health lead, health champion, lead teacher, project lead, project coordinator, project facilitator, etc.

Form a wellness committee This committee should be formed from a cross-section of stakeholders with a range of talents and

should include students, teachers, staff, administration, parents, community partners such as health professionals and local businesses as appropriate to your project

Identify and share the roles and responsibilities for each part of the initiative identify and use the talents and strengths of committee members

Plan the implementation and evaluation of initiatives

Promote and maintain communication throughout the school community let people know what is going on

Keep track of all activities through the action plan

understanding the relationship between a healthy school community and comprehensive school health (refer to pages 2 and 4) A comprehensive school health approach is not an add-on; it should be the way a school community

thinks and operates

Be clear how to proceed to ensure the initiative is both successful and sustainable and will meet the needs of the school community

Plan how to embed the initiative within the culture of the school community from the start

understand that not everyone will be on board at the start determine the key people necessary to support the project and clearly communicate with them in order

to gain support

Devise a strategy to inform others about the project

involve as many people as possible in sharing ideas


create a shared vision

Consider what the ideal situation would be for the school community what is the project trying to achieve?

Involve a range of stakeholders from the school community

consider what a healthy school community should look like

brainstorm ways the school can become a happier and healthier place to live, learn, work and play

be ready to communicate the shared vision to the school community

determine the priority issues

Consider what has already been achieved and identify the priorities for the year ahead.

Assessment or planning tools (see Needs Assessment page xx) can help identify the current situation and highlight areas of need. Focus groups, a comment box or a self-developed survey could also provide insight about the priority issues. Feedback provided by these tools can be used to inform the direction that should be taken and assist in developing healthy school community goals

Completing an assessment of your school community can:

Provide an organized and thoughtful approach to improving health and wellness in the school community

Help with the decision-making process on what actions to take

Help increase support for change

Help identify strengths in the community

provide a means by which progress can be measured and demonstrated over time

Engage stakeholders in a prioritization process

Target issues for which there are already resources

communicate the determined priorities to the school community

accept that change will take time

develop an action plan

Develop a plan to continue moving forward to build upon what has been achieved this year or the good things already happening in the school community:

State each identified goal make it SmART (Specific, measurable, Achievable , Realistic & Time-related)

Identify strategies and actions required

List human and material resource requirements and specify a budget as required

Specify roles and responsibilities

Identify links to the curriculum

Plan to share the activities/direction contained in the action plan with the school community

Utilize the action plan (page15) as a working document to monitor, evaluate and track changes


implement and monitor

the more comprehensive the action plan, the easier the implementation will be:

Hold a launch let everyone know each time an activity is taking place and exactly what is going to be happening

Keep open lines of communication between all individuals involved

continuously track progress so that amendments or changes can be made to the plan as necessary

Ensure everyone is aware of any changes being made

Reflect, Evaluate and CelebrateBring closure to activities even as next steps are planned and take time to reflect:

Were the planned goals reached?

Review the action plan and record results

Gather input/data from the whole school community

Consider what worked and what was not successful and analyze why

How were the 4 pillars of a comprehensive school health approach impacted?

Be proud of the achievements and celebrate them

What is meant by evaluate?

The systematic collection and analysis of information about project activities, characteristics and outcomes to:

make judgments about the project

improve project effectiveness; and/or

inform decisions about future project planning

There should be a specific and intended use in mind for each evaluation activity planned.

(Adapted from Patton, 2008)

evaluation can benefit your project by providing information about:

Relevance of the project to the school communitys needs

Project operations (e.g., is the project operating as planned?)

Project strengths and weaknesses and identified lessons learned

Attainment of goals and related objectives

project issues

perceived impact

(Adapted from Love, 2007)


Needs Assessmentone type of evaluation that aids in action plan development is a needs assessment. Needs assessments can aid in project planning by highlighting the areas of the school community requiring improvement. This is also an opportunity to identify school community strengths that support making improvements.

The following list highlights tools that can be used to perform a needs assessment in your school community. these tools can be used, and we encourage their use, regularly over time. each time the tool is used, the

results will provide you with a benchmark that can be used as a comparison to the results of the previous use. This comparative process, a form of evaluation, provides regular opportunities for reflection and for making adjustments to the action plan so impact of the project is continually improved. Tools outlined in the list below are described in detail in tables in the appendix, page A7.

Health Assessment Tool for Schools

Healthy School planner

Healthy Schools Rubric

tell them From me Student

tell them From me teacHeR

tell them From me paRent

other types of evaluation resources may also support the planning and operation of healthy school community projects. additional resources are provided below:

online evaluation toolkit

The Program Evaluation Tool Kit, endorsed by the Public Health Agency of Canada, is a practical, step-by-step guide that will help you evaluate your project through a series of short modules with simple explanations and specific tools for planning, conducting and using evaluation.

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/php-psp/toolkit-eng.php

evaluation caSe Study

Active Play Project Evaluation - Appendix 6 (pg. 55) of the Physical Activity Evaluation Handbook

http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/health_professionals/interventions/handbook.pdf

evaluation ReSouRceS WebSite

Children, Youth and Families Education and Research Network (CYFERnet)

http://www.cyfernet.org/index.php?c=6

HiRe an evaluation conSultant

The Wellness Fund encourages seeking assistance from evaluation consultants. The Canadian Evaluation Society provides a comprehensive list of evaluation consultants available across Alberta at the following URL:

http://ab.evaluationcanada.ca/consultants.php

Additional evaluation guidance can be sought from Wellness Fund staff.


Elements Identified to Support the Development of a Healthy School CommunityEach year, Wellness Fund projects share what they have been doing as well as the noted effects their efforts have had on students, staff and the wider school community. In reviewing the information collected the following common elements, which support the development of healthy school communities, have been identified.

Administrator/Principal Support

to prioritize the development of healthy school communities

for school community member encouragement

dedicated time

advocate give recognition role model

Staff Buy-in

make the link between student health and student learning

build the health and wellness capacity of staff

dedicated time provide the research share successes of

student learning

staff education staff wellness curriculum resources

district-level meetings

health champion workshops

Time for Sharing Ideas

successes lessons learned

resources partners, referrrals

External Partnerships

across schools steering committee networking for leads coordination role

with community partners

alberta Health Services local businesses,

organizations community members

Student Engagement

to build ownership

to develop leadership

project planning responsibility

student-led activities peer education student council


Funding

to focus on healthy school community development

to create a strong resource base

assess and set goals plan more effectively

purchase equipment professional

development/ workshops involve community

School Health Champion

to facilitate

to motivate

project planning liaising with key people resource support

role modeling recognition personal passion!

Parent, Community Involvement

family and other school community members

to support student wellness

to promote family/community wellness

relating what a healthy school community is

regular communication updates

providing opportunities for responsibility/ for skill building

Embed Wellness

its not an add on

engrain in the schools physical and social environments

support for school health champions

establish a culture/traditions

District, Board Support

district office/board health champions

district-level coordination

support for school health champions

providing opportunities for a focus on school health

champion networking


Wellness Policiesmany school communities in alberta are creating and implementing policies and procedures designed to improve the health and wellness of their school community. Policy in a healthy school community setting refers to the management of practices, decision-making processes, rules, procedures and policies at all levels that promote health and wellbeing, and shape a respectful, welcoming and caring school environment. In a school community context, it can be considered a contract between stakeholders.

While policy is not essential, it can help create sustainability by ensuring that practice becomes embedded within the culture of the school community. The most successful way to develop policy is through consultation with all stakeholders; a top-down, bottom -up approach is more likely to achieve buy-in especially when policy is created from practice rather than by dictating practice. Below are links to examples of wellness policies in Albertan school jurisdictions.

Battle River School Divisionhttp://www.brsd.ab.ca/documents/policy/policy_21.htm

Black Gold Regional Divisionhttp://content.blackgold.ca/Publications/Policies/Policy/Policy.htm

Calgary Separate School Districthttp://www.cssd.ab.ca/default.asp?V_ITEm_ID=1456

Calgary Board of Educationhttp://www.cbe.ab.ca/policies/policies/AR3047.pdf

Chinooks Edge School Division No. 73 http://www.chinooksedge.ab.ca/docs/library/PoL%202%2014.pdf

Edmonton Public Schoolshttp://policy.epsb.ca/gbe.ar.shtml

Edmonton Catholic School Districthttp://www.ecsd.net/policies_forms/general_school_admin.html

Lethbridge School District 51http://lethsdweb.lethsd.ab.ca/ourDistrict/Documents/Policy%20504.11%20Healthy%20Nutritional%20Choices.pdf

Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Educationhttp://new.mhcbe.ab.ca/docs/library/Administrative%20Procedure%20112%20Nutrition%20Final.pdf

Red Deer Public Schools http://www.rdpsd.ab.ca/docs/library/40501-Nutrition.pdf

Wetaskiwin Regional Public School http://www.wrps.ab.ca/documents/100-general-administration

Wolf Creek Public Schoolshttp://www.wolfcreek.ab.ca/Procedures100?object=/documents_directory/Procedures%20(admin)/Section%20100%20General%20Administration&inforbar=no%templates=rwd&confposition=2


HealtHy eating

Research shows that students who are well nourished perform better in school:

Fruit and vegetables consumption and dietary fat intake is important to academic performation. Further, overall diet quality and academic performance are associated with each other. (Florence al. 2008)

Improvement of the physical eating environment can lead to an increase in student engagement and attentiveness in the classroom. (Storey et al. 2011)

Undernourished children have difficulty focusing on tasks, have lower self-esteem and are absent more often from school (School Nutrition Handbook, Calgary Health Region, 2005)

poSitive Social enviRonmentS

Research describes signifcant effects of positive social environments on the school community:

A healthy psycho-social school environment can enhance the social and emotional well-being of students, making a critical contribution to academic achievement. (Creating an Environment for Emotional and Social Well-being al. 2003)

A variety of studies have shown that social- emotional learning programs have led to increased academic performance. (Zins et al. 2011)

A school-wide approach to positive behavior effectively promotes a safe orderly and predictable environment for learning and teaching. (Supporting Positive Behavior in Alberta Schools, Alberta Education, 2008)

pHySical activity

Research suggests that physical activity improves cognitive performance and academic achievement in children:

physical activity can: contribute to the school climate by creating a sense of togetherness and acceptance create positive self-perceptions of competence create positive body-image perceptions build social skills such as teamwork, fair play and tolerance builds self-esteem reduce the likelihood of smoking and drug use behaviors improves academic performance

(WHO Promotiong physical activity in schools: An important element of a health-promoting school, 2007)

Healthy Students Learn Better!(School Nutrition Handbook, Calgary Health Region, 2005)


Healthy EatingAdapted from the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines For Children And Youth (Government of Alberta, 2010) www.health.alberta.ca/health-info/nutrition.html

(Additional resources can be obtained from: www.albertahealth services.ca/2925.asp)

Children and youth have different nutritional needs than adults, and should not be considered as little adults. proper nutrition is especially important during childhood and adolescence to:

Support optimal physical, cognitive, and social growth and development

Develop healthy eating habits now and for the future

achieve and maintain healthy body weights

Reduce the risk for chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, and type2 diabetes

Although the nutritional requirements of young people vary with age, sex, and level of activity, all children and youth benefit from a well-balanced approach to eating. A comprehensive approach to healthy eating must consider:

The components of a healthy diet

Ways to enhance access to safe, nutritious foods

Ways to create environments that support healthy food choices

While parents play a significant role in healthy food choices, personnel at childcare facilities, schools, recreational facilities and community events can all make a unique and important contribution. The Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth adopt a positive approach, and describe general and specific ways in which Albertans can be involved in supporting the health and well being of Albertas children and youth.

By following the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines to provide healthy diets for children and youth, school communities can:

make the healthy choice the easy choice by making nutritious foods more accessible, and limiting the availability of foods that are less nutritious

Enhance access to safe, nutritious foods by providing safe food handling instruction for all individuals who prepare or serve food and address the potential areas for allergies

Work together with staff, parents, children and caregivers to develop policies that support children and youth in making healthy food choices

make sure everyone is aware of food policies, including children, parents, and caregivers

Encourage adults to be positive role models. Children adopt many of the eating habits and attitudes about food, health and body weight that they observe in the significant adults in their lives

Allow children to have a positive association with food by providing an environment where they can enjoy being relaxed and comfortable

Talk and teach -Eating well for a lifetime requires both knowledge and skills. Talking to children and youth about the benefits of healthy eating, and teaching basic shopping, cooking, and menu planning skills lays the foundation for good health

Be creative with rewards. Rewards can be non-food items such as extra free time, stickers, games, craft or sports equipment

Use only healthy food items or non-food items for fundraising purposes


Create calm, pleasant atmospheres that make eating enjoyable, and promote the social development of young people

Recognize and celebrate that healthy bodies come in different sizes and shapes

Active LivingAdapted from the Healthy U website http://www.healthyalberta.com/

Active living means that you find ways to be physically active every day. Being active can help protect against heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, depression and some types of cancer. Along with healthy eating, physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight.

Canadas Physical Activity Guides recommend at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity for children and youth. promote active living to help children stay healthy and learn better by scheduling active living programs

during the school day, such as:

Getting children to and from school using active forms of transportation

daily physical education

daily physical activity

Include different activities (of different intensities)

consider each students ability

use resources within the school and the larger community

Allow students to have a choice in the physical activities offered

Scheduling activity time

increasing activity in core classes

Providing access to after-school programs

Providing physical activity resources for teachers

Children who have participated in physical education during the school day are also more likely to be active in

their leisure time.

active children are more likely to:

Feel better about themselves and their physical ability (and cope better with stress)

Do better in math, reading and memorization

be more creative and ready to learn

How daily physical activity can Work in your Schools

many schools find that daily physical activity works best when its a scheduled event each day. Its also a good idea to make daily physical activity part of a comprehensive plan that includes healthy food choices and education about physical activity and healthy eating and should involve both the home and community.

(Resources can be obtained from www.everactive.org)


A Natural Experience - The Benefits of outdoor PlayAlmost all children (and adults) have a natural attraction to the outdoors, playing outside, and learning about nature. Being outside and playing outside is vital to a childs growth, and their physical and mental development; its important to allow and encourage our children to spend lots of time in the natural world.

children engage in more active play when they are outside, as opposed to inside. active kids are healthy kids,

and outdoor activities are especially healthy for them as it gives them a chance to burn off energy. It also:

can be calming and allow kids to recharge their energy levels

Helps kids learn to interact with and understand the natural world

offers a chance for more social interaction with peers

Helps to develop their powers of observation and their assessment of risk

offers more opportunities for creativity and free play

Helps to build a strong link between physical health and outdoor play, at a young age

Positive Social Environments Adapted from the Healthy U website http://www.healthyalberta.com/

Were all quite familiar with physical health, and we recognize the benefits of exercise and healthy food. The idea of mental health and well-being, however, tends to be more complex. Schools have a role to play in improving the mental health of students. one way to look at it is in the context of positive social environments. This means that schools strive to be a place where mental well-being is valued and take steps to provide an optimal

environment where both physical and mental health can flourish

What is mental Health?

mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness. A mentally healthy person has:

meaningful and positive interactions with other people and the environment

the ability to adapt well to change and cope with adversity

A balance in all aspects of life, including mental, physical, emotional, social and spiritual aspects

Schools are a natural place for kids to engage in activities that build their confidence and enhance self-esteem. make it a priority in your school to ensure all students have a wide variety of opportunities to achieve success. Here are some other ways to support positive social environments in schools:

Encourage mental health first aid training for school staff. Use the Alberta Health Services mental Health Kit

Ensure that each child has an adult at the school that they are comfortable talking to. many schools have staff/student connection programs, peer support programs or mental health promotion programs

Allow room for students to express themselves and be creative. Not everyone likes basketball and not everyone likes art

Pay attention to bullying and relational aggression (e.g., spreading rumours, gossiping, leaving friends out of the group deliberately). Dont sweep it under the carpet by saying something like thats just girls, or thats just boys. Step in and make a difference


Feeling Connected at School When students feel part of their school community and are cared for by people at their school, they are less likely to get into trouble. They also have higher levels of emotional well-being. This feeling of belonging, often called connectedness, can be especially important during times of stress or when difficult decisions have to be made. Adults and peers, curricular and extracurricular activities, policies and practices all affect the level of connectedness your child feels at school.

What is School connectedness?

These are some of the major elements that help kids feel they belong and are cared for at their school:

Parents and Teachers who support and care for individual students

Good friends at school

Students caring about current and future academic performance

Discipline policies that are fair and efficient

Participating in extracurricular activities

A childs sense of belonging to a school plays a key role, not only in academic success but also in decreasing risky behaviour and supporting mental well-being. (Resources can be found at www.sacsc.ca)

.


Handbook 2011 developing HealtHy ScHool communitieS A1

Appendices

Activities and Actions within the Pillars of a Comprehensive School Health Approach A2

Government Initiatives Supporting the Development of Healthy School Communities A3

Tip Sheet A4

Assessment Tools A7

Wellness Websites A16

Acronyms A17

Glossary A18

Action Plan & Tracking Tool A19

Budget A20

Developing Healthy School Communities - Solutions to Barriers A21

References A36

developing HealtHy ScHool communitieS Handbook 2011A2

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Pu

rcha

se e

art

h b

oxe

s fo

r cla

ssro

om

s a

nd/

or d

eve

lop

ou

tsid

e

ga

rde

ns

Tip

She

et


He

alth

y Sc

hoo

l Po

licy

Partn

ers

hip

s &

Se

rvic

es

Tea

chi

ng a

nd L

ea

rnin

gSo

cia

l Env

ironm

ent

Phys

ica

l Env

ironm

ent

Stud

ent

s

en

sure

Stu

de

nt

co

un

cil

is p

art

of w

elln

ess

p

olic

y c

rea

tion

u

se s

tud

en

t le

ad

ers

hip

o

pp

ort

un

itie

s to

be

in

volv

ed

in t

he

de

cisi

on

m

aki

ng p

roc

ess

re

ga

rdin

g t

he

we

llne

ss

ag

en

da

in y

ou

r sc

ho

ol

v

olu

nte

er w

ith

loc

al c

om

mu

nity

o

rga

niza

tions

pa

rtn

er o

n w

elln

ess

w

ith s

tud

ent

s fro

m

oth

er s

ch

oo

ls

d

eliv

er t

he

dpa

se

ssio

ns

Sh

are

reso

urc

es

an

d id

ea

s w

ith o

the

r stu

de

nts

C

halle

nge

yo

ur fa

mily

to

ea

t h

ea

lthie

r an

d b

e m

ore

a

ctiv

e

o

rga

nize

stu

de

nt le

d h

ea

lth

co

nfe

renc

es

or d

ays

o

rga

nize

stu

de

nt le

d

ass

em

blie

s a

rou

nd

a

we

llne

ss t

he

me

pa

rtic

ipa

te in

or l

ea

d

stu

de

nt

led

ac

tiviti

es

Id

ent

ify a

ctiv

itie

s th

at t

he

stu

de

nts

wa

nt

an

d s

ha

re

ide

as

with

th

e W

elln

ess

c

om

mitt

ee

En

ga

ge

pe

op

le fr

om

lo

ca

l co

mm

un

ity in

sc

ho

ol p

roje

cts

R

un

pe

er s

up

po

rt

ac

tiviti

es

to c

rea

te

po

sitiv

e re

latio

nsh

ips

in

the

sc

ho

ol

g

row

pla

nts

in e

art

h

bo

xes

dur

ing

the

w

inte

r an

d t

ran

spla

nt

ou

tsid

e in

th

e s

prin

g

c

rea

te a

co

mm

un

ity

ga

rde

n/g

ree

nho

use

c

rea

te a

nd

disp

lay

he

alth

po

ste

rs a

rou

nd

th

e s

ch

oo

l

Sta

ff

H

ave

a w

ritte

n p

lan

w

ith t

ime

line

s a

nd

se

t g

oa

ls th

at

ha

ve b

ee

n

sha

red

with

th

e s

ch

oo

l c

om

mu

nity

St

art

with

sm

all

ste

ps

utilis

ing

exi

stin

g

reso

urc

es

c

rea

te a

sim

ple

e

valu

atio

n p

roc

ess

rig

ht fr

om

the

sta

rt a

nd

eva

lua

te t

hro

ug

ho

ut.

pe

rso

na

l ob

serv

atio

n

and

info

rma

l fe

ed

ba

ck

ca

n b

e a

qu

ick

an

d

po

we

rful

ga

uge

c

on

ne

ct

with

alb

ert

a

He

alth

Se

rvic

es

to

sup

po

rt y

ou

r in

itia

tive

c

rea

te a

We

llne

ss

co

mm

itte

e w

ith

a c

ross

se

ctio

n o

f st

ake

hold

ers

; ta

ke a

ll vi

ew

s in

to a

cc

ou

nt

as

gro

up

su

pp

ort

is

ne

ed

ed

to

ma

ke

ch

an

ge

.

in

volv

e s

tud

en

ts in

a

ll a

spe

cts

of y

our

p

roje

ct

In

itia

te s

taff

we

llne

ss

ac

tiviti

es

Pr

ovi

de

evi

de

nce

of t

he

imp

ac

t of h

ea

lthy

cho

ice

s o

n le

arn

ing

u

se a

HW

reso

urc

es

suc

h

as

the

Sc

ho

ol n

utr

itio

n

edu

ca

tion

Re

sou

rce

list

, a

lbe

rta

nu

triti

on

gu

ide

line

s,

Sug

ar S

ho

cke

r kits

, etc

Sh

are

we

llne

ss re

sou

rce

s a

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blin

ks w

ith

co

llea

gu

es

in

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e a

ctiv

ity in

yo

ur

less

on

s

Fa

cili

tate

ind

ep

en

de

nc

e

by

valid

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g s

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en

t vo

ice

a

nd

pe

rsp

ec

tive

St

ud

en

ts a

re y

ou

r big

ge

st

reso

urc

e -

en

ga

ge

th

em

in

pe

er l

ed

ac

tiviti

es

g

ive

stu

de

nts

ow

ne

rsh

ip

by

allo

win

g t

he

m t

o

ch

oo

se a

ctiv

itie

s a

nd

p

art

icip

ate

in t

he

d

ec

isio

nm

aki

ng p

roc

ess

Pr

ovi

de

no

n-fo

od

re

wa

rds

pr

ovi

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intr

am

ura

ls su

ch

a

s c

oo

kin

g o

r ru

nn

ing

c

lub

s fo

r stu

de

nts

who

d

on

t b

elo

ng

to

sc

ho

ol

tea

ms

m

ake

th

e h

ea

lthy

ch

oic

e t

he

ea

sy

ch

oic

e in

ho

t lu

nc

he

s, v

en

din

g a

nd

c

on

ce

ssio

ns

c

rea

te a

wo

rk o

ut

circ

uit

thro

ug

ho

ut

the

sc

hoo

l fo

r ac

tive

b

rea

ks a

nd

pro

vid

e

eq

uip

me

nt fo

r c

lass

roo

ms

Pu

rcha

se e

art

h b

oxe

s fo

r cla

ssro

om

s a

nd/

or d

eve

lop

ou

tsid

e

ga

rde

ns

He

alth

y Sc

hoo

l Po

licy

Partn

ers

hip

s &

Se

rvic

es

Tea

chi

ng a

nd L

ea

rnin

gSo

cia

l Env

ironm

ent

Phys

ica

l Env

ironm

ent

Ad

min

istr

atio

n

m

ake

we

llne

ss p

art

of

the

sc

ho

ol 3

-ye

ar p

lan

a

nd

em

be

d it

into

th

e

cul

ture

of t

he s

cho

ol

im

ple

me

nt

a s

ch

oo

l or

dist

rict

we

llne

ss p

olic

y.

m

ake

we

llne

ss a

st

an

din

g it

em

on

th

e

sta

ff m

ee

ting

ag

end

a

in

co

rpo

rate

he

alth

re

late

d q

ue

stio

ns

into

th

e in

terv

iew

pro

ce

ss

m

ake

eva

lua

tion

a

sch

oo

l re

qu

irem

en

t a

nd

ma

ke t

ime

.

In

clu

de

foo

ds

tea

che

rs

in p

lan

nin

g a

nu

triti

on

p

olic

y

en

co

ura

ge

th

e

We

llne

ss c

om

mitt

ee

m

em

be

rs t

o a

dd

ress

sc

ho

ol a

sse

mb

lies

an

d

sta

ff m

ee

ting

s

Pl

an

for p

are

nt

en

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ge

me

nt

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rtn

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ith lo

ca

l b

usin

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in

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pa

ren

t vo

lun

tee

rs t

o ru

n

cla

sse

s

Su

pp

ort

an

d

en

co

ura

ge

pa

ren

ts t

o

me

et

the

req

uire

me

nts

o

f He

alth

y e

atin

g

po

licy

wh

en

se

nd

ing

in

foo

d

in

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th

e c

om

mu

nity

to

att

en

d e

ven

ts

c

on

side

r em

plo

yin

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sp

ec

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t te

ac

he

r

U

se p

rofe

ssio

nal

de

velo

pm

en

t to

inc

rea

se

he

alth

kn

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led

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lin

kin

g

with

AH

S st

aff

pr

ovi

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te

ac

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r re

lea

se

time

for W

elln

ess

in

teg

rate

we

llne

ss a

cro

ss a

ll c

urr

icu

lum

are

as

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art

sta

ff m

ee

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ith a

d

pa a

ctiv

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ac

ks

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we

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me

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en

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eve

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ple

me

nt

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pro

gra

ms

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em

e

bu

ild w

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ess

into

th

e

cul

ture

of t

he s

cho

ol

bu

ild e

mo

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tions

hip

s w

ith s

taff

be

pro

-ac

tive

in

en

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gin

g c

ultu

ral

pra

ctic

es

in

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in

form

atio

n fro

m d

iffe

rent

c

ultu

res

en

ga

ge

co

mm

un

ity

me

mb

ers

su

ch

as

loc

al

seni

ors

for p

roje

cts

e.g

. d

eve

lop

ing

a s

ch

oo

l c

om

mu

nity

ga

rde

n

es

tab

lish

rela

tion

ship

s b

etw

ee

n s

tud

en

ts a

nd

lo

ca

l Rc

mp,

pe

ac

e

offi

ce

rs

o

bta

in m

ore

sp

ac

e

for a

ctiv

itie

s b

y ut

ilisin

g

the

reso

urc

es

in t

he

lo

ca

l c

om

mu

nity

Sc

he

du

le a

ctiv

itie

s so

th

at

eve

ryo

ne

ca

n

pa

rtic

ipa

te

m

ake

ch

an

ge

s to

pro

vid

e m

ore

o

pp

ort

unity

for a

ctiv

e

bre

aks

in t

he

cla

ss a

nd

th

rou

gh

ou

t th

e s

ch

oo

l

pa

int

tarm

ac

ga

me

s o

n t

he

pla

ygro

un

d

pu

t u

p s

ign

ag

e t

o

sha

re a

ctiv

itie

s w

ith

the

co

mm

un

ity

Scho

ol D

istr

ict

d

eve

lop

ing

a s

ha

red

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sion

is im

po

rta

nt

bu

t st

ruc

ture

an

d

gu

ida

nc

e is

req

uire

d

c

olla

bo

rate

with

o

the

r sc

ho

ol d

ivisi

on

s th

en

co

nsul

t be

fore

im

ple

me

ntin

g a

dist

rict

wid

e W

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ess

po

licy

d

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d

imp

lem

ent

fro

m

the

gro

un

d u

p t

o

aid

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. pu

t a

n

imp

lem

en

tatio

n p

lan

in

pla

ce

with

rea

listic

g

oa

ls. a

cc

ep

t c

ha

ng

e

will

ta

ke t

ime

pu

t w

elln

ess

on

th

e

ag

en

da

wh

en

visi

ting

sc

ho

ols

in

itia

te o

pp

ort

un

itie

s w

ith c

om

mu

nity

an

d

bu

sine

ss p

art

ne

rs t

o

wo

rk w

ith t

he

sc

ho

ol

dist

rict

m

ake

co

nn

ec

tion

s b

etw

ee

n s

ch

oo

l d

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t w

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ess

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ctiv

es

an

d

co

mm

un

ity a

nd

m

un

icip

al p

lan

s

in

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rate

he

alth

pro

gra

ms

into

th

e c

urr

icu

lum

pr

ovi

de

dist

rict

wid

e p

d

aro

un

d w

elln

ess

pu

t a

We

llne

ss t

ab

on

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e

dist

rict

we

bsit

e a

nd

pro

vid

e

links

an

d re

sou

rce

s

en

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ge

all

dist

rict

leve

l c

urric

ulum

sta

ff to

co

nsid

er

ho

w t

o e

mb

ed

we

llne

ss

with

in t

he

ir su

bje

ct

are

as

Sh

are

th

e re

sea

rch

to

ga

in

buy

-in fr

om

sta

ff

pl

ac

e a

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rict

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len

da

r o

f we

llne

ss e

vent

s o

n w

eb

site

in

volv

e t

he

co

mm

un

ity in

d

istric

t W

elln

ess

pro

gra

ms

a

llow

stu

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p

art

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ng

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ce

ss

Fo

ste

r a c

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thy

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p a

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rict

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exc

hang

e

W

ork

with

foo

d

ven

do

rs t

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re

the

y m

ee

t th

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ng


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alth

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hoo

l Po

licy

Partn

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hip

s &

Se

rvic

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ea

rnin

gSo

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l Env

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ent

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l Env

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ent

Pare

nts

/ Pa

rent

C

oun

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Be

pa

rt o

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po

licy

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pm

en

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ess

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sk q

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tion

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rtic

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te in

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e H

aSS

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nk

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ity

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itie

s w

ith

the

sc

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ct

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alth

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pro

gra

m

m

ake

fund

raisi

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Education

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calgary health

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world health

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