2. 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

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

4. Coordinated School Health Family/Community Involvement Health Education Health Promotion for Staff Healthy School Environment Counseling, Psychological, & Social Services Nutrition Services Health Services Physical Education

5. School Health Councils www.healthyschoolsms.org Click on Resources Tab Mississippi Department of Education Office of Healthy Schools

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

7. Building Support for School Health School District Community

8. “Must Have”

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

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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.

19. 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

20. CDC’s School Health Index: A Self- Assessment and Planning Guide http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/shi

21. 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.

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

23. 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

24. 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

25. Steps to Implement the SHI Assemble the SHI team Conduct the SHI introduction meeting Complete the Self-Assessment Modules Conduct an SHI planning meeting

26. SHI Format Two separate versions: Elementary School Middle School/High School

27. SHI Format continued……. Self-Assessment: Self-Assessment: 8 modules corresponding to Coordinated School Health Program Model Planning: Planning for Improvement section

28. Modules = CSHP Components o School Health and Safety Policies and Environment o Health Education o Physical Education and Other Physical Activity Programs o Nutrition Services o School Health Services o School Counseling, Psychological, and Social Services o Family and Community Involvement o Health Promotion for Staff

29. Planning for Improvement 4 Steps for Improvement Planning Complete the Overall Score Card Complete the School Health Index Improvement Plan. Implement Recommendations Re-assess annually and strive for continuous improvement.

30. 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

31. 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

32. 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.

33. School Success Stories

34. 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.

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

36. 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.

37. MS School for the Blind Adjusted class schedules for students to participate in physical activity before lunch. Also implemented a water hydration policy.

38. 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.

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

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

41. 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.

42. 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.

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

44. 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!

45. 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

46. Resources for Success For more information 601-359-1737 www.healthyschoolsms.org Mississippi Department of Education Office of Healthy Schools P.O. Box 771 Jackson, MS 39205