Coordinated School Health in School Union 98

A coordinated school health program is an effective system designed to connect health with education. School Union 98’s Coordinated School Health Program emphasizes the need to promote and support health-related activities that reduce tobacco use, encourage physical activity, and support healthy eating habits by school-aged children, staff and families.

Most importantly, the Coordinated School Health Program for School Union 98 emphasizes family, school, and community partnerships. School Union 98’s Coordinated School Health Program recognizes that in order to raise healthy and successful children, their families, schools, and communities must work together to provide our youth with the support they need.

The coordinated school health program consists of eight interrelated components:

* School Nutrition and Food Services: Food and snacks available at school and at school events that are balanced and nutritious.
* Physical Education and Physical Activity: Physical education classes that promote physical fitness, motor skills, social and personal interaction and life-long physical activity.
* Comprehensive School Health Education: Kindergarten through high school health education curriculum that is sequential and developmentally appropriate, and that includes instruction and assessment.
* School Climate: A school atmosphere supported by programs and policies that nurture positive behavior, assure safety, and promote a feeling of belonging and respect for all students, staff and families.
* Physical Environment: Safe and aesthetic physical structures, school grounds and transportation.
* Youth, Parent, Family and Community Involvement: Participation of these groups in policy and program development and integration of community providers with schools.
* School Counseling, Physical and Behavioral Health Services: Physical health and behavioral health services, including substance abuse services, that meet the needs of all students.
* Health Promotion and Wellness: Work-site health promotion programs that encourage and support staff in pursuing healthy behaviors and lifestyles.

For more information, contact:

Jennifer Gott, School Health Coordinator: 207-288-5011 ext. 198, jgott@u98.k12.me.us