In an effort to promote healthy environments for all Arkansas public schools, the Arkansas Department of Education’s Comprehensive School Health Program (CSHP) is proud to announce the 2002 Arkansas Star Award Program. This program is designed to recognize those schools that are examples of the wonderful work being done in Arkansas schools and communities in addressing the eight components of the Comprehensive School Health Program. Schools interested in participating in the program should complete the attached application packet. The packet should be completed and returned to the Comprehensive School Health Program Office by FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2002.
This recognition program is based on individual school responses to the eight components of the Comprehensive School Health Program as listed below:
COUNSELING, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL SERVICES. Services provided to improve students’ mental, emotional and social health; including assessments, interventions and referrals.
FAMILY/COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT. An integrated school, family and community approach for enhancing the health and well-being of students.
HEALTH EDUCATION. A planned, sequential K-12 curriculum that addresses the physical, mental, emotional and social dimensions of health.
HEALTH PROMOTION FOR STAFF. Opportunities for school staff to improve their health status through activities such as health assessments, health education and health-related fitness activities.
HEALTH SERVICES. Services provided for students to appraise, protect and promote health.
HEALTHFUL SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT. The physical and aesthetic surroundings and the psychosocial climate and culture of the school.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION. A planned, sequential K-12 curriculum that provides cognitive content and learning experiences in a variety of activity areas. (e.g., physical fitness, rhythms and dance, etc.)
NUTRITION SERVICES. Access to a variety of nutritious and appealing meals that accommodate the health and nutrition needs of all students and that reflect the U. S. Dietary Guidelines of Americans.
As schools work to provide all Arkansas students with a safe and healthy learning environment, it is important to remember that involvement in CSHP offers many benefits to schools and communities. Research has found these benefits to include:
Reduced school absenteeism.
Fewer behavior problems in the classroom.
Improved student performance-higher test scores, more alert students, and more positive attitudes among students.
New levels of cooperation and collaboration among parents, teachers, school and health officials, and organizations within the community.
A more positive spirit among educators and their students.
The inclusion of health awareness into the fabric of children’s lives.
Young people who are more prepared to become productive members of their communities and who can better cope with the world around them.
ALL schools should submit the attached application, along with the component area questionnaires. IMPORTANT: The application form must be signed and dated by the school district superintendent and the school building principal. Each application will be judged based on the eight (8) components in place at the school site, as well as positive responses given to questions within each component area.
The deadline for schools to submit the application to the CSHP Office is APRIL 26, 2002. A panel representative of the eight (8) component areas will review all applications. The review panel will make the final selections by MAY 3, 2002. The winning schools will be notified no later than MAY 10, 2002. The winning schools will each receive a commemorative plaque, as well as a banner designating the school as an Arkansas Star School. Presentations will be made at the winning school sites beginning on MAY 17, 2002.
The winning Arkansas Star Schools will serve as models for public schools across the state. This program represents a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate the invaluable link between a healthy school environment and student academic achievement. The winning schools will be featured in news releases that will be distributed to the state media by the Department of Education; education and health-related newsletters; Department of Education sponsored publications, i.e., brochures and flyers; and the Web pages of the Departments of Education and Health.
For more information, interested persons should contact:
Otistene Smith, Coordinator
CSHP Office
Arkansas Department of Education
2020 West Third, Suite 320
Little Rock, AR 72201
501-683-3600
or
Gayle Morris, Communications Manager
501-682-4217
gmorris@arkedu.k12.ar.us