School Wellness Councils
A school wellness council is vital to the success of a school district’s healthy living initiatives; members of a school wellness council are responsible for the development, planning and implementation of wellness programs and oversight of policy revision and maintenance. The council focuses on the health and the well-being of students and staff that concerns itself with:
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- assessing the school’s health status
- guiding school health policies
- and coordinating activities on health topics.
- An effective wellness council is diverse and comprises district wide representation, including but not limited to, administration, teachers, coaches, students, food service personnel and community members.
What qualifies as an “active” wellness council?
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- Host meetings every other month, at least four times per academic year
- Completed or is in the process of completing a school/district assessment
- As a result of completing an assessment, has identified priority areas to address via an agreed upon action plan
- Has a defined process for continual evaluation and updating of the action plan
- Annually assesses the contents of the districts wellness policy
Click here to learn how to form a school wellness council.
3 Steps to Form a Wellness Council
Step 1: Build a Team
Alliance for a Healthier Generation recommends that a school wellness council should consist of 6-12 members and include school staff, students, families and community members. The council should represent the diversity of your community and include individuals that have a passion for children’s health, have an influence in the school and community, and have time to commit to supporting the council’s goals.
Tips to get started:
Step 2: Start Recruiting
Once you’ve identified potential council members, it’s time to invite them to join your team. Email, snail mail or hand deliver a Wellness Council Invitation to each prospective team member.
Don’t forget: your council needs may change based on action plan priorities, school needs and district goals; be prepared to recruit new members to join the council as-needed to support your goals.
Step 3: Plan a Meeting
Once your wellness council is formed, use Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program Leader’s Guide to create your action plan. Start by scheduling at least four council meetings throughout the school year.
Once you’ve formed your school wellness council, it’s time to begin working on your local school wellness policy.