School Health

Schools play a critical role in promoting the health of young people and helping them establish lifelong healthy behaviors. Research shows that healthy schools can help improve student’s academic performance and overall health.

Well-Ahead Louisiana works to support healthier schools through partnership development and technical assistance to schools and school districts. Our goal is to ensure all youth have a healthy start to a healthy future.

Did YOU KNOW?

The school health 411

The Center for Disease Prevention's (CDC) model for integrating health-promoting practices in school settings is called the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) Model. Well-Ahead Louisiana and the Louisiana Department of Education encourage schools and school districts across the state to implement components of this model. The model can be used by schools and community partners to improve population health and academic achievement outcomes through a collaborative approach with schools, communities, children, and families. Watch this video to learn more about the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child Model.

TAKE ACTION TO SUPPORT HEALTHY SCHOOLS

Well-Ahead Louisiana helps schools and school districts take action to positively impact the health of students and school staff. Well-Ahead supports healthy schools by providing direct WellSpot technical assistance, delivering professional development, and cultivating statewide partnerships.

School WellSpot Designation

Through our WellSpot Designation Program, Well-Ahead Louisiana works with schools to help them meet

wellness benchmarks. Wellness benchmarks for schools include things like creating a School Wellness Committee, incorporating physical activity energizers in the classroom, and implementing Smart Snacks.

Becoming a School WellSpot is a great first step to implementing the WSCC model at your school. There are many resources that can help your school implement WSCC components and WellSpot Benchmarks. Click here to visit our school benchmark webpage to learn more.

Healthy Training Schools Krewe

The Healthy Schools Training Krewe is a group of expert trainers from different organizations that have joined forces to support healthier schools. At no cost, the Krewe provides professional development to those working to create healthier schools. To learn more, click here.

Louisiana schools and school districts can request a training by emailing Emily Pineda at Emily.Pineda@la.gov.

Louisiana Healthy Schools Collaborative

With support from the Louisiana Department of Education, Well-Ahead coordinates the Louisiana Healthy Schools Collaborative, a network of statewide partners working to support healthy schools.

On November 7, the Healthy Schools Collaborative will be hosting a New Orleans Summit. Click here to view the agenda. Click here to register! Individuals from the local community, education, public health, and school health sectors are encouraged to attend.

Join the conversation! Email Emily Pineda at Emily.Pineda@la.gov to receive meeting dates and updates.

Louisiana Team Nutrition

The Louisiana Department of Education and Well-Ahead Louisiana have teamed up to support healthier schools with funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Team Nutrition Training Grant.

The three-year grant will allow the Louisiana Department of Education and Well-Ahead Louisiana to support healthier school environments that are conducive to healthy eating and physical activity through resources, funding and professional development to schools.

To learn more visit Louisiana Fit Kids.

Geaux Tobacco-Free

A tobacco-free school environment encourages a healthier and more productive learning environment for Louisiana students. Going tobacco-free reduces initiation of tobacco use among young people and lessens their exposure to secondhand smoke.

Act 351 of the 2017 Legislative Session requires a review and potential update of all tobacco-free policies in schools throughout our state. Check out the links below for a sample of a compliant tobacco-free policy, as well as sample language that will help you communicate your revised policy with your school board and school staff.

Questions? Email wellahead@la.gov for additional assistance!

Get Connected!

Well-Ahead Louisiana has worked to identify resources that can assist schools and school districts in making healthy changes. Check out the resources below!