Presented by: Regional School Wellness Specialists Cheri Hall, RESA 4 Emily Meadows, RESA 1 How can wellness affect school climate? School Climate

What does school climate mean to you? An Activity in Using the Coordinated School Health Approach to assist with School Climate

School Climate School climate refers to the quality and character of school life. School climate is based on patterns of students', parents' and school personnel's experience of school life and reflects norms, goals, values, interpersonal relationships, teaching and learning practices, and organizational structures. -National School Climate Council

Positive School Climate A sustainable, positive school climate fosters youth development and learning necessary for a productive, contributing and satisfying life in a democratic society. This climate includes: – Norms, values and expectations that support people feeling socially, emotionally and physically safe. – People are engaged and respected. – Students, families and educators work together to develop, live and contribute to a shared school vision. – Educators model and nurture attitudes that emphasize the benefits and satisfaction gained from learning. – Each person contributes to the operations of the school and the care of the physical environment.

WV Model for Positive School Climate The Goal is that: WV schools will have a safe and orderly environment that is conducive to learning for all.

WV Model for Positive School Climate The model requires schools to examine the norms of their school in relation to: – Students – Staff – Administration – Parents/Community

How Does Respect and Protect Fit into CSHP Comprehensive approach to violence prevention and intervention Everyone is obliged to respect and protect the rights of others Both adult and student centered Promotes a system-wide ethos: Violence is not tolerated

Prevention and Intervention Coordinated School Health fills the Prevention and Intervention Gaps Prevention- – Teach students expectations, acceptable behavior, and respect for themselves and others Intervention – Teaches students to take responsibility for their actions

Coordinated School Public Health

Health Education (HEAP data) Addresses all dimensions of health Tailored to each grade level Effect on School Climate Motivates students Develops knowledge, attitudes, and skills Improved student attitudes

Physical Education (Fitness Gram Data) Promotes lifelong physical activity Develops basic movement skills Develops physical fitness Effect on School Climate Enhances social and emotional ability Increased self-esteem Decreased depression and anxiety

Nutrition Services ( DP-21) Integration of: – Nutrition Education – Nutritious and appealing meals – Environment that promotes healthy dietary behaviors – Food Safety Effect on School Climate Reduced absenteeism and tardiness Decrease in anxiety, hyperactivity, depression, and psychosocial dysfunction

Monthly Indicators from DP-21 –Attendance –Discipline –Dropouts/Entries –TechSteps –Acuity –Child Nutrition –WV Writes

Health Services (Community Mental Health) Preventative Services Education Emergency Care Referral Management of acute & chronic conditions Effect on School Climate Higher proficiency scores Higher attendance and graduation rates

Guidance/Counseling, Psychological, and Social Services (WVEIS Data) Effect on School Climate Decrease in bullying and violence Decrease in dropouts Improved attitudes and relationships Decrease in substance abuse Cognitive Emotional Behavioral Social Needs Individuals Groups Families

Family, Business, and Community Involvement (Local Wellness Councils- Students) Develop partnerships among schools, families and community groups. Individuals will share and maximize resources and expertise in addressing the development of healthy children, youth, and their families. Effect on School Climate Improved school achievement and academic environment Higher attendance rates and GPA Decrease in violence in and out of school

Safe and Healthy School Environment (Governors Highway Institute DP-21) Provides a safe physical plant, as well as a healthy and supportive environment that fosters learning Effect on School Climate Higher attendance rates Sense of connectedness to school Decrease in violence and poor behavior Promotes learning and healthy behaviors

Staff Support and Wellness Promotion (Hospitals, Administrators, teachers) Staff Activities – Assessment – Education – Fitness Effect on School Climate Improved attitudes toward students and job Better retention of staff Decreased staff absenteeism

Activity: Apply data through the Coordinated School Health Approach

Contact Information Cheri Hall RESA Old Main Drive Summersville, WV ext. 19 Emily Meadows RESA Neville St. Beckley, WV ext