Administrators and Healthy Champions
BHC Orientation
Administrator support
Administrator support is one of the most significant factors in the success of the Building Healthy Communities program. Schools’ leaders play a key role in transforming the climate of their buildings and impacting the health of their students. In fact, our research suggests that Administrator support (observing, encouraging, discussing, or participating in physical activity with students) has more of an impact on increasing students’ in-school physical activity than any other factor, including support provided by parents! When school leaders champion issues related to healthy eating and physical activity, students are more likely to adopt healthy behaviors. Promoting healthy choices shouldn’t stop with your students – encouraging your staff to emphasize overall wellness personally and in their classrooms will also have benefits for your school community. During this year administrators will
- Participate with the healthy champion in a virtual orientation session and assist with BHC program guide planning.
- Introduce the BHC program to parents and students. There is a parent letter included in the below resources
Championing the cause
The Healthy School Champion role (HSC) essentially serves as a liaison between our Building Healthy Communities staff and your school stakeholders – teachers, administration, students, and families. You’ll work alongside your BHC Coordinator this year to support your schools’ wellness efforts. This page will house a monthly checklist along with the monthly survey for you to complete. The job of the HSC changes a bit as we progress throughout the year, but your main responsibilities are to:
-
-
- Promote the BHC program in your building and assist your school staff with implementing the program,
- Navigate challenges that may arise in your building (along with the help of your BHC School Coordinator), and
- Report on your school’s success.
-
September Monthly Goals
Welcome to the Building Healthy Communities (BHC) program! Throughout this school year, we’ll supply you with everything you need to have a successful, healthy school transformation, including a dedicated BHC staff member whom you should have been introduced to via email.
The BHC website will be your main resource for programming materials. In order to access these materials, you must first register and create an account at bhcwsu.org. Here are directions on how to register in 4 easy steps!
- Step 1: Familiarize yourself with the BHC website. There are short orientation modules (just a few minutes each) available on the website for how BHC will work in your building this year. You can also view a website tutorial here.
- Step 2: Meet your BHC Coordinator! Ideally, we’ll schedule a quick, 30-minute Zoom meeting, so that we can get you oriented to the BHC program, create a general implementation plan for your school, and you’ll have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the program.
- Step 3: Review the BHC planning guide before your initial meeting with your BHC coordinator. This will be used as the agenda for your BHC orientation meeting.
