 |
| "We all reap rewards from good schools: The education of young people affects everything from the economy to national security. The key is to get involved, whether or not you have children." |
A Healthy school is vital to a healthy community. Creating and sustaining a healthy and safe school environment requires the continued commitment and involvement of the school and community to address the ever-changing needs and circumstances affecting our students’ health and safety.
Key to making this relationship effective is communication and dialogue among school personnel, parents, businesses, local health officials, and other community groups. The development of a close alliance with these groups can result in powerful coalitions that build strong support for school health programs that address the health related needs of students. There are a number of ways that schools can actively engage communities and parents in their collaboration efforts to build support for quality health education positive student development including:
- Encouraging parents, families, students, and community members to participate in the decision-making process for the selection of health and safety programs/policies, including involvement in coordinated school health planning and oversight committees (i.e. school health councils).
- Requesting community members with special skills to teach certain health units (i.e. dieticians focusing on food choices).
- Opening school buildings and facilities to the public during non-school hours for physical activity, fitness sessions, as well as family health seminars and social and recreational functions.
- Provide resources that help families on matters that are related to:
- Parenting skills;
- Child development;
- Family relationships;
- Communication with their child about relationships, safety, tobacco, alcohol & and drugs, sexuality, violence, and diet.
|
|
|
