Resources and tools
School health council toolkit
In 2004, the federal government enacted the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act, requiring all school districts that participate in the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program to develop a local wellness policy.
Although these policies were mandated at the school district level, establishing a School Health Council at the building level can help ensure schools are consistently working toward the goal of providing a healthy school environment.
- Form a School Health Council
- Review "School Health Council Resource Guide" (PDF)
- Schedule a meeting with school administration to receive approval to form school building health council
- Schedule and publicize first SHC meeting
- Invite suggested SHC representatives to attend meeting and serve on Council
- During first meeting, set goals for SHC and determine regular meeting Schedule
- Continue to hold regular SHC meetings and share impact of Council activities with school administration, parents, school board officials, etc.
- Develop a School Wellness Policy for your Building
- SHC reviews "School Wellness Policy FAQs" (PDF)
- Review a copy of your school district's school wellness policy.
- SHC convene School Wellness Policy development group to include: students, parents, representatives of school food authority, school board, school administration, community members and other relevant school professionals (school nurses, teachers (PE, health education and family and consumer science))
- Set timeline/work plan for developing administrative regulations
- Establish oversight committee to ensure regulations are being met and consistently communicated
- Obtain Parent/Staff Buy-in
- Mail (or e-mail) template nrgBalance Zone Parent Letter (DOC)
- Invite parent participation on SHC
- Consider suggestions from "Tips for Involving Parents in School Health & Wellness" (PDF)
- Offer ideas on how parents can support school nutrition standards through healthy school celebrations (PDF)
- Set-up SHC display at events where parents are invited to the school (i.e., Back to School Night, sporting events, choral/musical productions, etc.)
- Set-up SHC display or prepare brief presentation for faculty/staff in-service days
- Obtain Student Buy-in
- SHCs should invite student feedback, consider suggestions from "Tips for Involving Students in School Health & Wellness" (PDF)
- SHCs should consider engaging a previously established youth serving organization (i.e., Student Council, sports team, Student Press, National Honors Society, Chorus, etc.) in their school health efforts. Download the Teen Advisor Toolkit to get started.
- Share your School's Success
- Highlight your school's efforts to promote nutrition & physical activity by uploading photos, success stories and media clippings.
- Create a Healthier School Environment
- Increase physical activity opportunities before, during, and after school
- Implement nutrition guidelines in all places food and beverages are available (a la carte in cafeteria, school parties, sporting events, fundraisers, vending and school store)
- Provide instruction for lifetime physical activities (walking, biking, paddling, snow sports, hiking, dancing, etc.).
- Display nutritional guidelines choices (calorie count and nutritional values) in all food areas, especially in middle and high school. This allows students to make informed decisions about their food choices
- Healthy schools campaign
- Nutrition events
- Physical activity and education
- Resources and tools
- School spotlight
“Enrolling as a Keystone Healthy Zone school has allowed our students to participate in lifetime activities through our physical education and after-school programs.”
