A family resource center, staffed by Americorps volunteers who are also parents, increases communication among school, home, and community. Contrast this with the well-intentioned but less effective activities in a Virginia school. Working at such cross-purposes not only undermines health but also represents a lost opportunity for all school staff to reinforce the contributions of teachers and school nurses. The school district in Animas, New Mexico, makes the most of limited resources to incorporate the components of a coordinated school health program. In lieu of a physical education teacher, the elementary school keeps students physically active and teaches the value of physical activity by implementing a Walking Across America program.
Students measure the distance of their regular walks and track their progress in an imaginary trip.
Because the district cannot afford to establish a school-based health center, a county health advisory council assists by identifying supplemental health resources in the area. The contributions of parents, students, and community members have produced a community health services directory and a cookbook with healthy recipes. A conflict resolution program called Take It to the Table, in which students learn to shake hands and sign a contract, contributes to a safe environment. Community Support Coordinated school health programs cannot succeed without broad support in districts and schools. Functioning programs have identified factors that contribute to their development.