Family and Community Involvement

Children need to learn and practice healthy habits both at home and at school. Family and community involvement are critical elements in this process. The Valley Mills ISD School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) is committed to working with children, families and schools to help everyone develop healthy habits and life time habits.

What is required by law?

  • All school districts must have a SHAC
  • Elementary schools must provide 135 minutes a week of
    TEKS based structured physical activity
  • By July 2006 school districts must have a Wellness Policy (FFA Local & FFA Exhibit)
  • By September 2007 elementary schools must implement a
    coordinated school health curriculum
  • Valley Mills ISD chose Healthy and Wise coordinated school health curriculum
    to meet the elementary and middle school requirements


Work with your principal, teachers, PE, food service, nurse,
counselor, parents and the community to:

  • Assist with communication of district health and wellness policy
  • Provide health and wellness information to parents, campus, and community
  • Collaborate with campus administration, food service, parents, and staff on
    health and wellness topics
  • Include health topics and/or information in newsletters and programs
  • Inform parents about school food service menu, physical activity, and
    character education components
  • Help schools with alternatives to food fundraising and food rewards
  • Help inform parents about options for healthy celebrations
  • Add health and wellness goals to your Campus Improvement Plan
  • At elementary level, assist campus implementation of Healthy and
    Wise Parent Involvement component

Do I need experience in health, nutrition or PE? No!
There are many resources available - at no charge - that are useful to principals, teachers and parents who want to create healthy school and healthy home environments.

Internet Resources Available

Action for Healthy Kids
www.actionforhealthykids.org

Healthy Schools for Healthy Kids
www.schoolhealth.info

National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion - Healthy Schools, Healthy You
www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/

National PTA
www.pta.org

Parent's Action for Children
www.parentsaction.org

Texas Department of Agriculture - Square Meals
www.squaremeals.org

Texas State Department of State Health Services - Obesity
www.dshs.state.tx.us/phn

U.S. Department of Agriculture - Food and Nutrition Service
www.teamnutrition.usda.gov