Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
Schools were required by law to have a School Wellness Policy implemented by August of 2006. As part of their wellness policies districts need to establish communication with families and the community. Districts worked for the last two years forming wellness policy committees, doing needs assessments and working to begin implementation of their newly adopted policies.

Response:
Iowa State University Extension created a newsletter series for districts to use as a way to meet their requirement of communicating with families and the community about school wellness policies and ways families help ensure their youth are indeed growing up healthy and active. All school districts in Nutrition and Health Field Specialist Jill Weber's area were contacted regarding the monthly one page insert available for school newsletters. Districts e-mailed Weber to be put on the mailing list for the series. Soon, thirty-two districts reaching 25,523 families were receiving Growing Up Healthy and Active for the 2006-2007 school year. Many districts asked and received permission to post the newsletter on their district web-site.

Impact:
Schools report gratitude for the well written and high quality newsletter. Families report to districts they enjoy the monthly series and information it contains. One district was planning to do a monthly event for families and was pleased to have this newsletter to incorporate into that event.

 

Contact:
Jill Weber
Nutrition and Health Field Specialist/EFNEP Supervisor 
Iowa State University Extension
3420 University Avenue , Suite B
Waterloo, IA 50701-2008
319-234-6811; cell 319-240-3975; fax 319-234-5581