School Health Councils: A Key To Success for School Wellness Presented by; Christine Philley, CFCS School Health Adminstrator & Dale Dieckman, ATC, CSCS.

School Health Councils: A Key To Success for School Wellness

Presented by;

Christine Philley, CFCS

School Health Adminstrator

&

Dale Dieckman, ATC, CSCS

Physical Education Specialist

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

Coordinated School Health

Family/CommunityInvolvement

Health Education

Health Promotionfor Staff

Healthy SchoolEnvironment

Counseling,Psychological,

&Social Services

Nutrition Services

Health Services

Physical Education

School Health Councils

www.healthyschoolsms.orgClick on Resources Tab

Mississippi Department of Education

Office of Healthy Schools

Improving School Health:

A Guide to Effective School Health Councils

Office of Healthy Schools

Building Support for School Health

School

District

Community

“Must Have”

“Never doubt that a small group of committed people

can change the world.Indeed, it is the only thing

that ever has.”Margaret Mead

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 MembersParents

TeachersStudents

School staffHealth care providers (MD, PA, RN, NP, DDS, RD)

Business/industry representativesCommunity leaders

Government officialsExtension staff

Social service agenciesAttorneys and law enforcement officials

ClergyCollege/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

“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

Creating an Agenda

Make it easy to understand. Send copies of the agenda to members

prior to the meeting. Allow time for networking for council

members

Elements of an Agenda

Opening remarks Introductions Review the councils work since the last

meeting. Reports from school personnel on programs

and activities. Discussion of future projects. Review of meeting and setting the next

agenda.

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

http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/shi

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 (4th edition)

Physical activity Nutrition Tobacco-use prevention Safety (unintentional injury and

violence prevention) Asthma

What SHI Is and What SHI Is NOT

Self-assessment andplanning tool

Research or evaluation tool

Educational andcommunity-organizing

process

Tool to audit or punishschool staff

What SHI Is and What SHI Is NOT

Identifies low-cost orno-cost changes

Requiresexpensive changes

Focused, reasonable, anduser-friendly experience

Long, bureaucratic, andpainful process

Steps to Implement the SHI

Assemble the SHI team Conduct the SHI introduction

meeting Complete the Self-Assessment

Modules Conduct an SHI planning meeting

SHI Format

Two separate versions:

Elementary School Middle School/High School

SHI Format continued…….

Self-Assessment:Self-Assessment: 8 modules corresponding to Coordinated School Health Program Model

Planning: Planning for Improvement section

Modules = CSHP Componentso School Health and Safety Policies and

Environmento Health Educationo Physical Education and Other Physical

Activity Programso Nutrition Serviceso School Health Serviceso School Counseling, Psychological, and

Social Serviceso Family and Community Involvemento Health Promotion for Staff

Planning for Improvement

4 Steps for Improvement PlanningComplete the Overall Score CardComplete the School Health Index

Improvement Plan. Implement RecommendationsRe-assess annually and strive for

continuous improvement.

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

Benefits continued…….

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

Operating Guidelines for School Health Councils

Should meet a minimum of three times per school year.

Should maintain accurate minutes for the meeting to document the recommendations and topics of each meeting.

Should make at least one annual presentation to the local school board to approve any revisions to the local school wellness policy, identify successes and make recommendation for policy development.

SchoolSuccess 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.

Jackson Public School District

Van Winkle Elementary

Students met with the Food Service Director to make suggestions

on healthy choices for the school lunch

program.

MS School for the Blind Adjusted class schedules

for students to participate in physical activity before lunch. Also implemented a

water hydration policy.

Ocean Springs School District

N. E. Taconi Elem.

The SHC purchased posters depicting a healthy lifestyle and

proper nutrition. These were posted in the school cafeteria.

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.

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 DistrictSchools

now have Physical

Education teachers to provide PE

classes for all students.

GREAT NEWS – New initiatives!

Implementation of MS Healthy Students Act Health In Action website for educators Nutrition In Action for food service directors

and educators Regional trainings in Health and Physical

Education Health Institutes for teachers Grants to purchase PE equipment 10 NEW Bower Network Schools!

What Do I Do Now?

Ask about your school’s Health Council.

Volunteer to serve on the Council. Call the Office of Healthy Schools

for assistance – 601-359-1737

Resources for Success

For more information

601-359-1737

www.healthyschoolsms.orgMississippi Department of Education

Office of Healthy Schools

P.O. Box 771

Jackson, MS 39205