ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF THE WHOLE CHILD TO PROMOTE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), provides professional development and resources to assist school personnel with addressing the needs of the whole child in the school setting. The Coordinated School Health program (CSH) and activities are supported with funding provided to DESE through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) RFA-DP18-1801 Improving Student Health and Academic Achievement through Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Management of Chronic Disease grant. This program is designed to develop the capacity for school personnel to utilize a team approach to address today’s most relevant public health issues inhibiting academic achievement.

 The CSH meetings will highlight evidence-based tools and resources to assess and implement health strategies. Meeting topics will include areas such as:

• Expanding school health wellness priorities into the school plans for improvement

• Incorporating Nutrition and Physical Activity during the school day

• Health and Physical Education Supports

• School Safety and School Climate Resources

• School-based Health Care Services & Resources

• Family Engagement & Community Involvement Resources

• Funding Sources for School Health Initiatives

• School-Based Mental Health Services

• Social-Emotional Learning Resources

Participants may expect to gain information and resources from content experts. Each meeting will include hands on activities to assess and plan for implementing the strategies learned. The CSH meetings are open to all Arkansas public school district personnel. District wellness committee chairs are strongly encouraged to attend.

Next Meeting Dates: 

November 12, 2025

February 11, 2026

May 13, 2026