Why address health in schools?

Health-related issues can lead to poor academic performance and much evidence exists that school health initiatives have a positive impact on health behaviors and health outcomes. With over 21,000 school-aged youth in Carver County, reaching this population in a setting where they spend more than 6 hours each day is a critical part of a Healthy Carver for a Lifetime.

How are Carver County schools addressing health?

With the support of the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP), schools are working on various strategies to:

• Increase access to healthy food options
• Increase opportunities for students to be active before, during and after school
• Support mental health and well-being 
• Promote living commercial tobacco free

Local schools are making their classrooms more active by providing opportunities for movement during the school day. Before and after school programs are adding physical activity components to their existing programming. Teachers are working with students to incorporate school-based agriculture into the curriculum to encourage healthy eating and an appreciation for where food comes from and how it grows.

What can I do to support schools in Carver County?

I am a School Staff Member

• Contact Carver County SHIP to learn more about how SHIP can support your school’s wellness efforts. Opportunities are available to support student and staff wellness. SHIP can provide resources, funding and technical assistance to start new initiatives.
  • Check out examples of how SHIP can support schools during the 2021-2022 school year.
  • Apply for SHIP funding by completing an application.
• Discover ways to create healthier schools and classrooms:
  • Active Schools: find ways to increase physical education and physical activity during the school days.
  • Complete a school health assessment through the Alliance for a Healthier Generation to assess school wellness policies and practices and identify areas for improvement. The Alliance also has many resources to help support wellness efforts.
  • Update the school or district’s school wellness policy.
  • Action for Healthy Kids has an extensive resource library for promoting school wellness.
  • Take action by starting a School Wellness Committee.
• Continue to support healthy behaviors and environments during distance learning
  • Resources to support students during COVID-19 from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.
  • List of ways to increase physical activity while distance learning. 

I am a Parent, Guardian or Community Member

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Parents for Healthy Schools: CDC-developed resources to assist schools, school groups, and school wellness committees with encouraging parent involvement in school health.
• Alliance for a Healthier Generation has great resources for creating healthier schools and communities.
• Action for Healthy Kids: Parent for Healthy Kids offers resources to help parents and caregivers become effective change agents in school and student health.
• Active Schools has resources for how parents can help create positive changes at school.