PTA Healthy Lifestyles Healthy Schools Healthy Families Karen

PTA Healthy Lifestyles + Healthy Schools = Healthy Families Karen Burnell Texas PTA Healthy Lifestyles Liaison

Where does PTA fit in?

It’s more than just (healthy) fundraising • PTA’s are encouraged to: – – – Communicate the need for healthy lifestyles Learn more about supporting organizations/PTA partnerships Participate and promote PTA family-oriented programs Advocate for health/safety and local wellness policies (join SHAC) Be recognized for their efforts by National and State PTA grants and awards

Why Healthy Lifestyles? • There is a still a disconnect with many parents – so what can be done to close the gap? – Healthy Lifestyles Program – provides education and tools that connect families, schools and community to collectively advocate for and support healthy changes – Healthy Lifestyles Chair – a dedicated board position who establishes a committee that provides access to training and resources and addresses the needs of health and safety for the whole child – Texas PTA has a model for adding Healthy Lifestyles as a standing committee - it is bylaws based and available to all PTAs

What does Texas PTA provide for its members? Resource Guide Web page Grants Training Workshops Exhibitors Webinars

National PTA Health and Safety Committee Create a State‐Wide Healthy Lifestyles Initiative • Develop Healthy Lifestyles Chair – Standing committee – Job descriptions – Sample committee charter – Plan of work, and Procedure book, etc. • Provide support to State, Council, and Local PTAs – Create Healthy Lifestyles coalitions for efficient, effective and economical delivery of national/state/ local data, resources, programs, grants, etc. • Develop Healthy Lifestyles Initiative outreach to Title 1 and military based schools

Impact of Healthy Lifestyles Happy Kids – Better Social/Academic Outcomes – Healthier Families – Reduced Health Care Costs Successful Schools – – Less Absenteeism >$$$ Positive Teaching/Learning Environment Reduction in Student Remediation Costs Higher Graduation Rates Healthy, Educated, Productive Citizens – Better Educated Workforce – Less Absenteeism – Reduced Health Care Cost