Healthy Schools

• Michigan Steps to a Healthy School (MDHHS and Michigan Department of Education)
  The Michigan Steps to a Healthy School were developed by a team of Michigan experts dedicated to improving the nutrition, physical activity, and academic outcomes of Michigan students. The website describes each of the five steps and suggests resources, curricula, best practices, and funding opportunities to help schools improve their nutrition and physical activity environments. The Five Michigan Steps to a Healthy School are:

1. Build or re-energize a school health team.
2. Assess the environment and create a plan. (Please see Healthy School Action Tools below.)
3. Gather tools and take action.
4. Evaluate action and continue momentum. (Please see School Wellness Awards below.)
5. Share success and plan for the future. (Please see School Success Stories below.)

The Michigan Steps to a Healthy School goal is for students, school staff, and families to: Eat healthy. Be active. Achieve More.

• Healthy School Action Tools (HSAT) (Michigan Healthy Communities Collaborative)
  HSAT is a suite of comprehensive tools designed to help Michigan schools and districts create a culture that supports learning by first measuring the health of school environments, and then planning and implementing improvements based on best practices.
   
• School Success Stories (Michigan Healthy Communities Collaborative)
  The stories on this website feature real-life examples of how schools throughout the state have successfully implemented a range of interventions to improve the health of their students and community members. Stories are categorized by topic, and instructions and tips for searching the database of stories are included. Schools may also submit a success story using the tools on the site.
   
• School Wellness Award (Michigan Healthy Communities Collaborative)
  The School Wellness Award, originally known as the Healthy School Environment Recognition Program, recognizes schools that are making significant policy and environmental improvements in their environment related to healthy eating, physical activity, and tobacco-free lifestyles. This website serves as a vehicle for schools to apply for the School Wellness Award; receive recognition for their achievements; and share the news to inspire and assist other schools.
   
• Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care (NAP SACC) (Michigan Healthy Communities Collaborative)
  Child care providers play an important role in promoting early patterns that will grow into lifelong healthy habits. Child care environments should include healthy, age-appropriate feeding, abundant physical activity, and limited screen time. This online tool promotes best practices and guides licensed child care providers in improving their nutrition and physical activity environments, including policies and practices, for the prevention of obesity in young children. This is accomplished through self-assessment, goal setting, training, and targeted technical support from NAP SACC consultants.