Health and Wellness
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School Wellness Councils
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Boston Public Schools understands that physical, social, and emotional well-being and positive development are inextricably linked with academic success. School-based wellness councils are the primary engines for creating safe, healthy, and sustaining learning environments at each school. School Wellness Councils act as a shared leadership team to implement the District Wellness Policy and wellness-related policies at each school. All Boston Public Schools are required to establish and maintain a school-based Wellness Council.
School-based Wellness Councils must, annually:
- Convene at least 4 times per year (though monthly meetings are recommended)
- Review wellness-related policies in the 8 policy areas
- Complete an assessment of their school health environment
- Write a Wellness Action Plan for the school year based on the assessment
- Implement the Wellness Action Plan
WELLNESS ACTION PLAN
Wellness Councils are responsible for assessing the school on implementation of the District Wellness Policy, developing a Wellness Action Plan, and implementing the Wellness Action Plan. A Wellness Action Plan is a dynamic tool to guide a school’s wellness work and is a required component of the Quality School Improvement Plan (QSP). Wellness Action Plans are due on November 17, 2023.
NEED HELP?
Check out our new videos to support wellness councils in creating a plan and working together to improve well-being in their school.
Technical assistance can be provided for starting a Wellness Council, improving Wellness Council functionality, completing the Alliance’s Healthy School Program Assessment, writing a Wellness Action Plan, and other school wellness initiatives. Short-term technical assistance usually involves one or two sessions in person or via phone or email.
The Wellness Council Coaching Program helps school leaders and staff who need more assistance in starting a wellness council or implementing a specific part of the Wellness Policy. Coaching is a longer-term relationship with your school that involves at least 3 meetings and monthly check-ins to provide assistance that meets your school’s needs.
RESOURCES
