Community

Coordinated School Health Programs

An integrated school, parent, and community approach for enhancing the health and well-being of students. School health advisory councils, coalitions, and broadly based constituencies for school health can build support for school health program efforts. Schools actively solicit parent involvement and engage community resources and services to respond more effectively to the health-related needs of students.

Parent & Community Involvement in the
Michigan Model for Comprehensive School Health Education

In order for health behaviors to become a part of the lives of the young people, reinforcement and support outside the classroom is critical: families, schools, and communities.

Families are our young people’s most influential teachers. Their role in partnership with the school is significant. For this reason, the Michigan Model for Health encourages the involvement of families through dissemination of family letters describing the curriculum and family resource sheets providing health information for families and activities that can be done at home to augment the learning at school. Young people are encouraged to talk with their families about what they are learning and to practice healthy behaviors at home.

Schools are encouraged to examine the health messages sent to young people outside the classroom, such as in the cafeteria, at recess, or in the principal’s office. School policies that support healthy choices for students, staff, and families are promoted. School support staff are invited into the classroom to help young people understand how they support a healthy environment at school.

Family Resource Sheets

Family Resource Sheets are copy masters included within the lessons of a Michigan Model for Health teacher's manual. (also included in the student workbook where available). Each resource sheet is designed to be sent home to parents to keep them informed about what their young people are learning in health class. These resource sheets provide information about the subject or subjects currently being discussed and suggest activities that families can do at home to support classroom work.

Family Resource Sheets are also posted to this web site for the benefit of all families. To view and/or print them, visit our Family Corner.

Volunteers

Whether it is assisting with small group activities or presenting as a community resource person, there are many places throughout the school year where Michigan Model for Health lessons provide the opportunity for teachers to reach out the community members and bring them into the classroom. Community resource professionals are suggested as guest speakers on special topic areas. Students learn about helpers in the community for special health issues or problems.