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The success of all students
is supported by families, schools and communities working together in true
partnerships. |
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Increased Focus on Student, School Wellness Can Create
a Healthier Learning Environment
By Chris Barron
CISL Writer/Researcher
chris.barron@k12.wa.us |
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Do your students and children like soda pop? Did you know
students who consume two or more soda pops a day are two times
more likely to see their grades fall than students who have one
or none?
Do your students and children regularly exercise? Those who do
decrease their odds by nearly 50 percent for academic risk.
Are your students and children overweight? Like those who drink
two or more soda pops, overweight youth are at 50 percent increased odds
for academic risk. |
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Those numbers come from the biannual
Healthy Youth Survey, released in spring 2007 (more
information on the survey can be found by
clicking here). The results
show, many experts say, that student health is the equal
responsibility of families and schools.
“We have these kids in our schools for very significant periods
of time and during some high-quality time in terms of the day,
so it’s really important that the schools provide the same kind
of health supportive environment that we expect parents to at
home,” said Pam Tollefsen,
School Health Programs
coordinator at the Office of the Superintendent of Public
Instruction.
“Sometimes kids get two of their three meals at school. They
need to learn good eating habits at school. But there are also
many things parents can and should do.” |
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Tips for Healthy Kids
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Get a good night's sleep -about 10 to 11 hours for elementary
school students.
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Backpacks should weigh no more than 15 percent of a child's body
weight - about 9 pounds for a 60-pound child. Get a rolling
backpack, or make sure your child uses both shoulder straps.
- Eat a nutritious breakfast. The cells in the brain are the
first to be deprived from a lack of food. Stay away from sugar
cereals.
- Skip the soda. Too much caffeine and sugar can overload the
brain and cause jitteriness and nervousness and make
it difficult to concentrate.
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Schools and families can learn about keeping students healthy
and ready to learn at a new Website,
www.healthyschoolswa.org. The Website, recently launched in
cooperation with a number of state agencies and partner
organizations, is part of the Coordinated School Health focus in
this state.
As defined by the new site, “Coordinated school health is an
organized, effective and efficient approach to maximizing the
health and well-being of both students and school staff.”
Instead dozens or programs and organizations coming at a school
at different times and in different ways, they are grouped into
eight components that complement each other (click here for
illustration). Schools are also encouraged to apply for the
Healthy Schools Leadership Program, where they are eligible
to receive small grants, training and technical assistance.
Schools are also being encouraged to start School Advisory
Councils that make decisions on school health programs. The
councils, which can include school nurses, counselors, families,
staff and community members who have a link to health issues,
can help forge a healthier path for students and school staff.
“When issues come up in the school related to health, they can
be the body that considers all the factors that are involved,
the depth of the problem and can help to strategize help
and solutions,” Tollefsen said. |
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When the most recent Healthy Youth Survey was released, many of
the results were surprising – such as soda pop consumption
related to academic risk. Overall, it appears clear that student
health, both physical and mental, greatly impacts students.
“Even though we find it intuitive that kids who are more healthy
are ready to learn, we were surprised to see how strongly
correlated some of those factors were, and how clear it was,”
Tollefsen said.
While most agree children’s health starts at the home, teachers
and schools can have a significant impact in that area as well.
If, for example, a student is struggling in the classroom with
academics or behavior, one or more of the factors could have to
do with health – little or no breakfast, lack of sleep, poor
nutrition, feeling unsafe. If teachers can recognize such
issues, it might be a positive step in helping turn the child’s
behavior or performance around.
“When they notice a child who is misbehaving and as they work
with parents, they need to review and go over with them some of
the things that might be causing it,” Tollefsen said. “These
health factors aren’t solely responsible, but they can make it
worse.”
Tollefsen also said teachers can be good examples for students
when it comes to health. It’s a role they should take seriously
not only for their own health, but for their students’.
“When kids see teachers modeling healthy behaviors, they take
notice and they comment on it,” she said. “Teachers are role
models for kids, whether the kids acknowledge it or not.”
Did
this story help you? Please send your comments, suggestions and
questions to cisl@k12.wa.us. |
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