I started advocating for healthy schools at Palo Alto Unified back in 2016 in the area of nutrition. This then blossomed out to encompass many different areas in the larger area of health and wellness. It got me involved with the PTA, even advocacy at the City level.
Health and wellness, as defined by the CDC’s Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child Model, encompasses:
- Health Education
- Nutrition Environment and Services
- Employee Wellness
- Social and Emotional School Climate1
- Physical Environment
- Health Services
- Counseling, Psychological and Social Services
- Community Involvement
- Family Engagement
- Physical Education and Physical Activity
Yes, I’m a health nerd; I’m into ALL OF THE ABOVE! I’ve gone deep on a lot of the above, and in other areas, I know enough to be dangerous (haha!).
All of these are important to the health, wellbeing, and growth of our children, if not the school officials to whom we’ve entrusted our kids’ care. It thus lies on advocates like me to create an environment where our children can flourish, not only in education but in their bodies, minds, and spirits.