Coordinated School Health (CSH) connects health with education. Student health directly influences academic achievement. The CSH model, developed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), addresses physical, mental, and social health of students and staff through family, community and school resources. CSH includes eight components that affect the health of a school population and its surrounding community.

The components are:

• Student, Family and Community partners
• Health Services
• Health Education
• Nutrition
• Physical Education, Activity and Wellness
• Healthy School Environments
• Mental Health and School Counseling
• School Staff Wellness

Positive outcomes related to implementation of a CSH model in other schools have included: improved nurse to student ratio, reduced absenteeism, increase in physical education/activity, improved academic performance, and less smoking among students and staff.

In the 2010-2011 school year, CSH is expanding to include all elementary schools as well as Central Magnet. Body Mass Index Screening and Blood Pressure Screening will be expanded to include all Elementary and Middle Schools.

Coordinated School Health is a component of the Human Resources and Student Services Department - Paula Barnes, Assistant Superintendent Personnel and Student Services, ext. 22009.