Vision

The Ellsworth Coordinated School Health Program was created in 2003 with funding from a CHHC grant from the Office of Substance Abuse. In the first three years of the program, a School Health Leadership Team was formed that included school principals, the superintendent, curriculum coordinator, school nurse, food service director, substance abuse counselor, physical education and home economics teachers, school physician, school board members, and representatives from Union River Healthy Communities. The team worked with Kelly McKenney, the School Health Coordinator, to address all eight components of health, and to assess and develop plans.

Accomplishments of the program include:

• Tobacco-free campus policies for all the schools and school athletic fields,
• Comprehensive nutrition policies,
• Changes in school lunch offerings,
• Removal of all soda from machines on school property and replacement with water, milk, yogurt, and healthy snacks,
• A cooperative grant with other county school health programs that brought in $50,000 to Ellsworth schools for climbing walls, snowshoes, fitness and nutrition software,
• A system-wide Wellness Policy that meets state requirements,
• Revision on the K-12 health curriculum,
• Court diversion program (with CHHC) for youth caught using tobacco,
• Multiple physical activity challenges, nutrition programs, and awareness activities for health issues including date violence, and drinking and driving,
• Implementation and classroom integration of the Second Step anti-bullying program K-8,
• Creation of and support for the Student Health Awareness Group, a student-led committee that educates fellow students about tobacco, alcohol, and other health issues.

What is a Coordinated School Health Program?

"A Coordinated School Health Program (CSHP) is a coordinated approach to school health improves students' health and their capacity to learn through the support of families, communities, and schools working together."

Eight Components of a Maine Coordinated School Health Program

Youth, Parent, Family, Community Involvement:
Encourage the participation of parents and youth in policy development and school involvement. This includes the integration of community providers with schools.

Comprehensive School Health Education:
Kindergarten through high school health education curriculum that is sequential, developmentally appropriate and includes instruction and assessment.

Physical Education & Physical Activity:
Physical education classes that promote physical fitness, motor skills, social and personal interaction and life-long physical activity.

School Counseling, Physical & Behavioral Health Services:
Physical health and behavioral health services including substance abuse services that meet the needs of all students.

Nutrition Services:
Food and snacks available at school and at school events that are balanced and nutritious.

Health Promotion & Wellness:
Work-site health promotion programs that encourage and support staff in pursuing healthy behaviors and lifestyles.

Physical Environment:
Safe and aesthetic physical structure, school grounds and transportation.

School Climate:
A school atmosphere supported by programs and policies that nurture positive behavior, assure safety, and promote a feeling of belonging and respect for all students.