Tipton County
Coordinated School Health
Funding and support provided by the Tennessee Department of Education Coordinated School Health Improvement Act TCA 49-1-1002
Sherrie Yarbro, Coordinated School Health, Coordinator
Cindy Hogg, RN, BSN, School Health Services, Director
Schools are the common destination for most of Tennessee's youth each weekday. In Tipton County, we currently have 14 schools with over 12,000 students and over 1,000 staff members. Our Students today need to know how to preserve and promote their own health by developing lifelong healthy habits. The No Child Left Behind Act advocates for focusing on the child as a whole; including social skills, physical health, nutrition, and safety.
Coordinated School Health (CSH) provides that the overall school environment is coordinated within and between the school, home, and community to address health-related concerns and accomplish shared goals.
The Eight Components of Coordinated School Health
- Comprehensive Health Education
- Physical Education/Physical Activity
- Health Services
- Nutrition Services
- School Counseling, Psychological, and Social Services
- Healthy School Environment
- School-site Health Promotion for Staff
- Student, Family and Community Involvement
Why is Coordinated School Health Important?
- Students learn to make healthy decisions
- When nutritious food is available at school, students are not hungry and can learn better.
- More students have access to health care
- Students and families get emotional support during critical times
- Physically active students are more alert and concentrate better in the classroom.
- Teachers and staff can be role models for fitness and health.
- With family involvement in schools, programs reflect the needs, priorities, and values of the community.
- Students who feel secure and cared for can focus on learning.
What are the Measurable Effects of Coordinated School Health?
- Improved attendance
- Less smoking among students and staff
- Lower rates in teenage pregnancy
- Increased participation in physical fitness activities
- Greater interest in healthier diets
- Increased use of school health and counseling services
- Decreased disciplinary problems
- Increased awareness and involvement by families and community in health needs of students.
Focus Areas of CSH
- Tobacco Prevention Education and Cessation
- Nutrition Education and Healthy Eating Habits
- Physical Activity to Counteract Sedentary Lifestyles
- HIV / AIDS Prevention Education