School Health Advisory Council & Student Wellness

The health of young people is directly tied to academic
achievement and their potential for school success and overall quality of life. The schools alone cannot solve or prevent health-related problems. However, the schools’ ability to have a positive impact on students’ health behavior and academic gains is enhanced with the help of parents and community.

- Effective School Health Advisory Councils, October 2003

 

SHAC 2026-2029 Action Plan (DRAFT)

1. Student and Staff Wellness

Goal: Promote comprehensive wellness programs that support the physical, emotional, and mental health of both students and staff.

Action Steps:

1. Survey students and staff in August to assess current wellness needs and interests.
2. Develop a wellness calendar (by September) with monthly focus themes (e.g., Stress Awareness in April, Heart Health in February).
3. Launch school-wide wellness challenges (e.g., Step Count Challenge, Water Drinking Contest) each semester.
4. Host wellness workshops for staff (e.g., yoga, stress management, nutrition) each semester.
5. Coordinate with food services to review and promote healthy menu options.

Timeline:

• August–September: Planning, surveys, calendar creation
• October–May: Monthly campaigns & staff workshops
• May: Year-end wellness impact review

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2. Substance Abuse Awareness

Goal: Increase awareness and prevention of substance abuse among students through education, outreach, and supportive resources.

Action Steps:

1. Partner with local community resources to provide guest speakers.
2. Implement an evidence-based prevention program (e.g., CATCH My Breath, D.A.R.E.) in health classes or advisory sessions.
3. Distribute informational materials to parents during back-to-school nights or parent-teacher conferences.
4. Facilitate peer-led awareness projects (e.g., posters, skits, TikTok challenges with anti-drug themes).
5. Train staff to identify early warning signs of substance use and how to refer students for help.

Timeline:

• September: Curriculum planning and partnerships established
• October: Kickoff campaign
• Ongoing: Classroom instruction, staff training, parent communication
• April (National Drug & Alcohol Awareness Month): Follow-up programming 

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3. Social Media Awareness

Goal: Educate students, families, and staff on the healthy use of social media and its impact on mental health, safety, and relationships.

Action Steps:

1. Host digital citizenship lessons during Digital Citizenship Week (October).
2. Invite guest speakers or law enforcement to speak about cyberbullying, privacy, and digital safety.
3. Create a student-led media campaign promoting kindness, self-esteem, and digital balance (#UnplugToConnect, #ThinkBeforeYouPost).
4. Develop and share a parent toolkit with strategies for managing social media use at home.

Timeline:

• August–September: Survey students, plan Digital Citizenship Week
• October: Main campaign with lessons, speaker events, and student content
• January–February: Mid-year review, new campaign push, or parent workshop

May: End-of-year student reflection activity