School wellness practices under the motto that "healthy students make better learners." School wellness is the belief that schools are places where healthy eating happens, physical activity is encouraged and nutrition and physical education is offered to all students. It plays a role in every part of the school environment, from the lunchroom to the classroom to the playground and overall campus.
Parents, school staff and students can all influence school wellness activities, policies and practices.
Why Schools?
Health should be part of every school because:
- Schools reach most of the children within a community
- Schools have a captive audience; kids spend around 900 hours per year in school
- Schools set standards related to food choices and physical activity.
- Schools have an opportunity to support the health of its teachers, staff and administrators through worksite wellness. The adults in schools serve as role models for students.
Parents Engaged in School Wellness
Healthy Schools. Healthy Kids. Healthy Future. Missouri is a school wellness campaign that provides resources and programs for parents and schools. Missouri Team Nutrition offers outreach materials free of charge to schools and parent organizations.
- Materials such as Healthy Role Modeling, Healthy Snacks, Breakfast = Achievement, Recess before Lunch and School Wellness 101 are available in bulk. Written instructions are found within the form.
- The focus group report “Engaging Parents in School Wellness: What Parents Had to Say” offers insight on what steps elementary schools can consider to enhance parent engagement. The Missouri Nutrition Fact Sheet offers the latest in dietary trends among our students in schools and policy and program recommendations that can positively impact those trends.
- Both reports are available to download only.*
Benefits Observed when Families Are Involved in Schools
- Higher grades and test scores
- More classes passed
- Better attendance
- Better social skills and improved behavior at home and at school
- Easier adaptation to school
- Increased likelihood of high school graduation
- Increased likelihood of going to college
Publications
Check out these resources to help support parents' involvement in school wellness.
Missouri Team Nutrition is pleased to offer outreach materials free of charge for schools and their parent organizations. To place an order, download the request for literature form and follow the written instructions found within the form.
Additionally, Positive Parenting Resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Positive Parenting Tips. Click on the age group of your child(ren).
Contact
SPAN ECE Strategy Lead
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
PO Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570
Phone: 573-522-2820
Email: MoveSmart@health.mo.gov