Now more than ever, students face challenges and risks that affect their education, health and the quality of their future. The School District of Manatee County in partnership with the Manatee County Health Department and in response to the Florida Healthy School District initiative has restructured the School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC), a requirement of Florida Statute 381.0056(5) (b).

The SHAC promotes a coordinated school health model to address the physical, social and emotional needs of students. Physically and emotionally healthy students are prepared to succeed academically and achieve the outcomes of EdVantage. The SHAC meets twice a year and includes representation from subcommittees of the eight component areas of the school health model as defined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The eight components include: Health Education, Physical Education, School Health Services, Nutrition Services, Counseling/Psychological/Social Services, Healthy School Environment, Health Promotion for Staff, and Family/Community Involvement. The SHAC will inform the Board of committee progress and recommendations for consideration to improve the health and well-being of our students.

The School District of Manatee County is currently recognized as a Bronze Level Healthy School District by the Florida Coordinated School Health Partnership. SHAC will coordinate the Healthy School District application for 2012.

Susan Troxler, Health Services Specialist; Judy Griffin, Curriculum Specialist; and Pat Bernhart, Supervisor of Student Services will present an overview of the SHAC and invite a Board member to participate on the committee.

No action required by the Board.

N/A

Student Services

Pat Bernhart/cw

01/23/12