Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook Copyright © 2015-2016 Ophea All rights reserved. No part of this resource may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form, by any means (electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the publisher. Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016 1 About Ophea Ophea is a not-for-profit organization that champions healthy, active living in schools and communities and is led by the vision that all children and youth value and enjoy the lifelong benefits of healthy, active living. Ophea collaborates with school boards, schools, public health units and community partners to facilitate our work. Ophea has been leading provincial Healthy Schools initiatives for over 10 years, reaching hundreds of schools and demonstrating the positive impact of this approach on all members of the school community. Acknowledgments Ophea would like to acknowledge the following schools for their invaluable participation in the 2014-2015 Healthy Schools Certification pilot: School School Board Allandale Heights Public School Simcoe County Archbishop O’Sullivan Catholic School Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic Barrydowne College Rainbow District Collingwood Collegiate Simcoe County École Harris Mill Public School Upper Grand Highgate Public School York Region Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School Huron Superior Catholic Huntington Ridge Public School Peel La Salle Secondary School Limestone Lakeshore Catholic Secondary School Niagara Catholic Maurice Cody Junior Public School Toronto District Module Vanier Limestone Notre Dame High School Ottawa Catholic Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School Toronto Catholic Pierre Elliott Trudeau French Immersion Public School Thames Valley Queen Victoria Public School Greater Essex County Richmond Rose Public School York Region École élémentaire catholique Roger-St-Denis Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est Sacred Heart Catholic School Wellington Catholic St. Faustina Elementary School Dufferin Peel Catholic St. John School Kenora Catholic St. Patrick School Northeastern Catholic St. Pius X School Thunder Bay Catholic St. Thomas Aquinas School Thunder Bay Catholic Stanley Mills Public School Peel T.A. Blakelock High School Halton Unionville Meadows Public School York Region Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016 2 Acknowledgments (cont.) Ophea would also like to acknowledge all partners for their contribution to the planning and development of this initiative, in particular: • Ontario Healthy Schools Coalition • Ontario School Health Management in Public Health Network • Ontario Student Trustees’ Association • Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit • Sudbury and District Health Unit • Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care • York Region Public Health Unit • Ministry of Education • Public Health Ontario • Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport • Brock University • University of Waterloo Funding Support Ophea wishes to thank the Government of Ontario for their financial contribution to Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification. Ophea also wishes to thank Canadian Tire Corporation for contributing to Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification and for the integration of their Hero of Play program. Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016 3 Table of Contents What is Ophea’s Healthy Schools (HS) Certification? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Overview of Ophea’s HS Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Goals of Ophea’s HS Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Ontario’s Foundations for a Healthy School Resource . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Ophea’s 6-Step Healthy Schools Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Ophea Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Hero of Play Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 How Can My School Get Certified? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 1. Familiarize Yourself With the Healthy Schools Approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 2. Review Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 3. Register Your School Online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 4. Familiarize Yourself With Your School’s Online Dashboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 5. Complete Healthy Schools Process Steps 1-4 and Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 6. Complete Healthy Schools Process Steps 1-6 and Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 7. Submit Your Application for Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 8. Receive Your Certification Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Levels of Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Certification Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Key Dates to Remember . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Ophea’s 6-Step Healthy Schools Certification Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Student Engagement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Reporting Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Healthy Schools Support Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Review Process, Feedback, and Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Step 1 - Establish Your School Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Step 2 - Assess Your School Community Needs and Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Step 3 - Identify Your Priority Health Topic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Step 4 - Develop An Action Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Step 5 - Take Action and Monitor Progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Step 6 - Celebrate and Reflect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Contact Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Healthy Schools Support Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Key Dates to Remember Friday, October 9, 2015 Friday, February 12, 2016 Friday, April 29, 2016 Deadline to register for certification and to complete your school profile. Deadline to submit your action plan. Deadline to submit your completed application for certification review. Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016 4 What is Ophea’s Healthy Schools (HS) Certification? Overview of Ophea’s HS Certification The Healthy Schools approach engages the whole school community to promote and enhance the health and well-being of children, youth, school staff, and the broader community. Ophea’s Healthy Schools (HS) Certification is based on the 6-Step Healthy Schools Process, in alignment with Ontario’s Foundations for a Healthy School resource. This process guides a school through the steps needed to plan and implement a range of activities that promote well-being in the school community focusing on a selected priority health topic that is important to the school. Through a point-based system, over the course of the school year schools will be able to plan their Healthy Schools process steps online and apply to be certified as a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Healthy School. Why is the Healthy Schools approach important? Healthy students are better prepared to learn and education is a key determinant of health. Highlighting well-being as a goal for education in Ontario recognizes its importance to our students and their futures. The Healthy Schools approach motivates and supports school communities in establishing healthy, safe, inclusive, and accepting learning environments where all students can reach their full potential. Healthy Schools is an evidence-based approach supported by provincial, national and international research. It aligns with Ontario’s Foundations for a Healthy School resource (November 2014) and has the potential to make substantial contributions to Achieving Excellence - Ontario’s renewed four year vision for education (April 2014). Every school in Ontario has the potential to become a healthy school; all they need are the tools and support to get there. Goals of Ophea’s HS Certification Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification is guided by the following goals: • Support and increase the capacity of schools across Ontario to address a priority health topic through the effective implementation of the 6-Step Healthy Schools Process; and, • Celebrate and formally recognize an individual school’s achievements relating to Healthy Schools. Ontario’s Foundations for a Healthy School Resource Ontario’s Foundations for a Healthy School resource promotes and supports the well-being of school communities. It encourages the integration of Healthy Schools policies, programs and initiatives into school and school board planning and implementation processes. The resource aligns with the K–12 School Effectiveness Framework by including five interconnected areas that promote a positive school climate: • • • • • Student Engagement Curriculum, Teaching and Learning Home, School and Community Partnerships School and Classroom Leadership Social and Physical Environments Planning activities relating to these five areas will help schools, school boards, parents, public health units, and community partners work together to take a comprehensive approach to address a priority health topic in their community. To access the Foundations for a Healthy School resource, please visit: www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/healthyschools/foundations.html Ministry of Education. (2014). Foundations for a Healthy School. p. 2 Retrieved from http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/healthyschools/foundations.html 1 Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016 5 Ophea’s 6-Step Healthy Schools Process Ophea’s HS Certification is built on a 6-step process that supports school communities to take a planned, comprehensive approach to address a priority health topic over the course of a school year. These 6 steps include: Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016 6 Ophea’s 6-Step Healthy Schools Process (cont.) Health Topics School communities participating in HS Certification may choose to address one of the following six health topics: Physical Activity Healthy Eating Personal Safety and Injury Prevention Growth and Development Mental Health Substance Use, Addictions and Related Behaviours Why have one priority health topic? While a healthy school community aims to promote health in all six of the interconnected health topics, selecting a priority health topic based on your school community’s needs and assets allows you to focus the work of your school team and address that health topic comprehensively across as many of the Foundations for a Healthy School areas as possible (e.g. Student Engagement, Social and Physical Environments, etc.). Especially for schools newer to the Healthy Schools approach, focusing on one priority health topic allows the school community to direct resources towards a common goal and strengthen the message around the health topic that is most relevant. Given that the health topics are so interconnected, you’ll find that while addressing your priority health topic, your school team will address others as well. For example, if your priority health topic is “Growth and Development”, activities such as creating a Gay-Straight Alliance may also address bullying prevention which falls under “Personal Safety and Injury Prevention”, while serving healthy snacks during meetings addresses “Healthy Eating”. Some schools may also have an annual or reoccurring event or activity that seemingly has little or no connection to their priority health topic but still supports a healthy school. While the focus of HS Certification is to comprehensively implement the 6-step process and celebrate school communities for their work on a priority health topic, additional events or activities that contribute to overall school and community health are welcome additions that go above and beyond. These annual or reoccurring events also present potential opportunities to connect to your school’s priority health topic. For example, a school who has selected Personal Safety and Injury Prevention as their priority health topic and has a Terry Fox Run each year may look to increase awareness of personal safety during the event. They might do this by having each teacher talk with students in class before the event, making posters to hang during the event, or bringing in community partners to discuss first aid with students leading the run. Ophea Support Healthy Schools is a team-based approach which is why Ophea is here to help you at every step of your journey. Recognizing that all schools have unique needs, Ophea works with schools across Ontario to guide them through the Healthy Schools approach by providing tools to build their capacity to implement this process annually. To access resources to support healthy schools, please visit: www.ophea.net/HSCertification Additional questions or support requests can be submitted to: healthyschools@ophea.net at any time during the school year. Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016 7 2015 Physical and Health Education Canada National Conference sponsored by In the fall of 2014, Canadian Tire Corporation, the Government of Ontario and Ophea committed to getting Ontario kids more active every day. To support and celebrate schools who commit to getting active, we created the Hero of Play Program. Getting Canadian children and Working together with our partners, we created youth active for one hour a day. a Hero of Play toolkit available for Ontario’s school communities that include sporting equipment, resources for parents and students, multimedia, athlete visits and much more. We have onevisit simple goal: get kids more active Come us at ourtobooth, website and social media pages to learn more. We know the benefits of getting 60 minutes of physical activity per day go far beyond improved health, focus, academic performance and overall well-being. A “Hero of Play” is a student who is active every day. HERO A “Hero of Play” embodies the Olympic 2015 values Physical and Health Education of excellence, friendship and respect and Canada National Conference sponsored inspires and empowers others to by get active and live a healthy active lifestyle. OF PLAY How Can I be a Hero of Play School? Step 1: Register Register and select physical activity as your priority health topic Step 2: Submit Submit your Action Plan and receive a Hero of Play Physical Activity Kit and resources from the Canadian Olympic School Program Getting Canadian children and Step 3: Get Active & Share youth active for one hour a day. Share your stories and activities for opportunities to win prizes and visits from Olympians Step 4: Sign Up Sign up to be entered winat Come visittous an Ultimate Play Day (April) our booth, website and social media pages to learn more. Step 5: Celebrate Canadian Tire hosts Ultimate Play Days at winning schools (June) * An Active at School Program How can my school get certified? Schools participating in Healthy Schools Certification must complete all of the following stages to apply for a Bronze, Silver, or Gold level certification: 1. F amiliarize yourself with the Healthy Schools approach Before you register for HS Certification, visit Ophea’s Healthy Schools and Communities website to learn more about Healthy Schools and what’s involved. Still have questions? E-mail: healthyschools@ophea.net 2. Review Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook Review Ophea’s HS Certification Guidebook thoroughly to ensure that you (and your school team) understand what steps are required to receive points towards your school’s certification and what reporting is required. 3. Register your school online Visit www.ophea.net/HSCertification to register your school for HS Certification and set up your school profile (if you are your school’s designated School Contact). The deadline for registration is Friday, October 9, 2015 at 11:59pm EST. Please note that you will be required to upload a letter of support from your principal or viceprincipal during the registration process. A template is available in the Healthy Schools Support Tools. 4. Familiarize yourself with your school’s online dashboard After you have successfully registered your school for HS Certification, acquaint yourself with your school’s dashboard and understand the functionalities of the online system. 5. Complete Healthy Schools Process Steps 1 – 4 and Report To ensure all participating schools are progressing towards their certification and are following the Healthy Schools approach in a way that allows enough time to implement the activities in their action plans, the following process steps must be completed with supporting information submitted through Ophea’s online system by Friday, February 12, 2016 at 11:59pm EST: Step 1 Establish Your School Team Step 2 Assess Your School Community Needs and Assets Step 3 Identify Your Priority Health Topic Step 4 Develop an Action Plan (including submission of your action plan) Note: W hile schools who do not meet this timeline may still be able to complete the process steps and will continue to have access to their school profile, they will not be eligible for certification. There are no exceptions. 6. C omplete Healthy Schools Process Steps 5 – 6 and Report The following process steps must be completed with supporting information submitted through Ophea’s online system by Friday, April 29, 2016 at 11:59pm EST. Activities that occur after April 29 are valid provided they are scheduled prior to submitting for certification: Step 5 Take Action and Monitor Progress Step 6 Celebrate and Reflect 7. S ubmit your application for certification Answer all questions and submit your school’s online application by Friday, April 29, 2016 at 11:59pm EST. Note: Schools who do not meet this timeline will not be eligible for certification as timelines cannot be extended. There are no exceptions. 8. Receive your certification results After review, school certification results and feedback will be communicated during the first two weeks of June 2016. Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016 10 Levels of Certification Certification Overview Ophea’s HS Certification has been developed using a point-based system aligned with the 6-Step Healthy Schools Process. There are three levels of certification: Level Bronze Silver Gold Total Points 780-900 901-1080 1081-1200 Note: Schools who receive fewer than 780 points will be recognized as a participant but will not receive certification. The following table lists the maximum number of points that can be earned for each step of Ophea’s 6-Step Healthy Schools Process: Ophea’s 6-Step Healthy Schools Process Total Points Available Step 1: Establish Your School Team 210 points Step 2: Assess your School Community Needs and Assets 210 points Step 3: Identify Your Priority Health Topic 100 points Step 4: Develop an Action Plan 250 points Step 5: Take Action and Monitor Progress 250 points Step 6: Celebrate and Reflect 180 points Total 1200 points Key Dates to Remember Date Requirement Friday, October 9, 2015 Deadline to register for certification and to complete your school profile. Friday, February 12, 2016 Deadline to submit your action plan. Friday, April 29, 2016 Deadline to submit your completed application for certification review. Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016 11 Ophea’s 6-Step Healthy Schools Process Purpose Recognizing that all schools across Ontario have different needs and assets, Ophea’s 6-Step Healthy Schools Process offers consistency in the approach school teams take to build their healthy school. Since HS Certification is based on a school’s ability to follow the process, and not on the type or number of activities, it is adaptable for all of the unique school communities across Ontario. Each process step serves a specific purpose in a school community’s journey towards becoming a healthy school. Please note that the suggested timelines are for schools newer to the Healthy Schools approach. Schools with more experience in this area may move more quickly through the steps. Process Step Purpose Suggested Timeline Step 1: Establish Your School Team Creating a healthy school starts with building a strong, collaborative school team that is representative of your whole school community. School team members can include: students, school staff, administration, parents, public health, and community partners. September 2015 – October 2015 Note: While the initial school team is identified in Fall of Note: Many schools already have existing teams or classes each year, schools should with a common purpose aligned with Healthy Schools such as continue to strengthen/build a Student Leadership class, a Safe and Accepting Schools Team, their team throughout the year. or a Positive School Climate Team. We encourage schools to leverage these teams to avoid duplication. By the end of Step 1 your school will have established a team of diverse members of the school community committed to making your school a healthy school. Step 2: Assess Your School Community Needs and Assets It is important to understand your school community before making any decisions on your priority health topic. By utilizing local data (from a variety of sources, such as data from your public health unit, student surveys, etc.) and listing your school community’s existing assets, your team will be able to make informed decisions with a clear understanding of your current needs, strengths, and opportunities. October 2015 – November 2015 By the end of Step 2 your school team will have located and/ or collected key information relating to your school assets, needs, and opportunities in order to make informed decisions throughout the rest of the Healthy Schools process. Step 3: Identify Your Priority Health Topic Based on the key information collected during Step 2, your school team must decide on a priority health topic to focus their action plan. November 2015 - December 2015 By the end of Step 3, your school team will have jointly identified the priority health topic that they will be addressing for the school year. Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016 12 Ophea’s 6-Step Healthy Schools Certification Process (cont.) Process Step Purpose Suggested Timeline Step 4: Develop an Action Plan To be able to take meaningful steps towards addressing your priority health topic, it is important that a clear, realistic, and comprehensive action plan is developed. This plan will ensure that all team members are accountable, aware of their roles and responsibilities, and focused on addressing your priority health topic across the different areas of the Foundations for a Healthy School resource. December 2015 – January 2016 An action plan also ensures that you’re addressing the needs of your school community by utilizing your school’s assets, as identified in Step 2. By the end of Step 4, your school team will have developed an action plan demonstrating how your school will address your priority health topic in a comprehensive way across the five areas of the Foundation for a Healthy School resource. Step 5: Take Action and Monitor Progress To ensure that your school team is progressing towards your certification with enough time to implement the activities in your action plan you must complete and report on Steps 1 – 4 by Friday, January 29, 2016 including the online submission of your completed action plan. Note: Schools who do not complete their reporting for Steps 1 - 4 by this date will not be eligible for certification. Implementation of your action plan begins once all of your January 2016 school team’s planning activities have been completed – May 2016 (Steps 1 – 4). Your school team will need to monitor your intended activities to ensure that the activities in your action plan are implemented and achieve the intended impact in your school community. However, plans can change and this online monitoring allows for action plans to be updated and revised as needed over the course of the school year. By the end of Step 5, your school team will have implemented, monitored, and modified (as needed) the activities in your action plan. Step 6: Celebrate and Reflect Celebrating the school team’s efforts is an important part of the Healthy Schools process. Celebration of accomplishments can boost team morale and shows appreciation for everyone involved in your work Individual and group reflection is also important as they both allow your school team to reflect on their experience with healthy schools while documenting your successes and challenges, as well as future opportunities as you plan for sustainability of this work in your school community. May 2016 – June 2016 Note: Additional opportunities for celebration and reflection should occur throughout the school year and be included in your action plan. While celebration and reflection are often thought of as end of year culminating events, it’s also important to celebrate and reflect throughout the Healthy Schools process. By the end of Step 6 you will have celebrated your school team’s successes and reflected on the healthy schools activities implemented throughout the school year. Key Dates to Remember Friday, October 9, 2015 Friday, February 12, 2016 Friday, April 29, 2016 Deadline to register for certification and to complete your school profile. Deadline to submit your action plan. Deadline to submit your completed application for certification review. Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016 13 Ophea’s 6-Step Healthy Schools Certification Process (cont.) Student Engagement As you begin HS Certification, you will notice that student engagement is emphasized across all process steps (and is valued with higher points for certification). The Foundations for a Healthy School resource highlights student engagement as one of the five areas and defines it as “the extent to which students identify with and value their learning; feel a sense of belonging at school; and are informed about, engaged with, and empowered to participate in and lead academic and non-academic activities” (Ministry of Education, Foundations for a Healthy School, p.2, 2014). Students are at the centre of a healthy school and student engagement is key to achieving results at both the elementary and secondary school levels. Note: Refer to the Glossary for a description of the different levels of student engagement. Reporting Requirements Healthy Schools Support Tools School reporting requirements to earn points towards certification vary across each process step. In some instances, school teams are only required to provide basic information to earn points while, in other cases, additional supplementary information may be required to demonstrate your work (e.g. uploading documents). Ophea has developed Healthy Schools Support Tools that may be utilized by schools participating in HS Certification. These tools have been developed to support schools in demonstrating their reporting requirements. While schools participating in HS Certification will not be required to use all of the support tools available, it is the responsibility of each school team to ensure that alternative documents submitted contain comparable information. In cases where additional information is required, the icon below will be included to indicate that supplementary content must be provided (e.g. planning documents, pictures, communications). The icon below will be included to indicate where Healthy Schools Support Tools are available. The Assets Inventory and the Action Plan must be filled out on Ophea’s online reporting system. Templates for both the Assets Inventory and the Action Plan are available as HS Support Tools for collaborating with your action team or you may choose to plan directly through the online system, which will save your progress. Review Process, Feedback, and Recognition Ophea will thoroughly review and validate all submissions based on the points criteria prior to confirming certification levels for all participating schools. A school may receive a different certification level than the one applied for following the review process if the supplementary information provided was not sufficient in some areas to earn points. Upon audit, a school will not receive a higher certification level than the one submitted. Once a school certification level has been audited, schools will receive communication from Ophea confirming their HS Certification results (i.e. their level). All results are final. All schools receiving certification at any level will receive a recognition item to be displayed prominently at your school to celebrate your achievements Deadlines: R egistration: Friday, October 9, 2015 at 11:59pm EST / Steps 1 – 4: Friday, February 12, 2016 at 11:59pm EST Steps 5 – 6: Friday, April 29, 2016 at 11:59pm EST Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016 14 Step 1: Establish Your School Team Total Points Available: 210 points School Contact Our school has a School Contact 10 points Administrator Our school has support for Healthy Schools Certification from our principal and/or vice principal 10 points Public Health Our school has contacted our local public health unit for support Note: Points are not based on whether or not they are able to be part of the team 10 points Date and method of communication Team Members Our school team is comprised of a School Contact and: • Students • School Staff • Principal/Vice Principal • Parents/Guardians • Public Health • Community Partners 30 10 10 10 10 10 points points points points points points Number of team members representing each group Understanding Partners Poster Series Shared Healthy Schools Understanding Our school team has watched and discussed the Ophea’s Healthy Schools Introductory Video 10 points Ophea Healthy Schools Introductory Video (“Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities: How You Can Make A Difference”) (continued on next page) LEGEND Uploaded Evidence Required Healthy Schools Support Tool • Items in bold represent the information that needs to be reported online. Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016 15 Step 1: Establish Your School Team (cont.) Team Logistics Our school team has met to outline team members’ roles 10 points Document identifying the roles and responsibilities of team members Healthy Schools Team Agreement Template Our school team has a guiding document that outlines our team roles and how we will work together 10 points Guiding document for school team (e.g. Team Agreement Template) Healthy Schools Team Agreement Template Communication 10 points Our school team has a mechanism for communicating with all team members Method of Communication Documentation (e.g. meeting notes, Twitter account tweets) Healthy Schools Meeting Agenda Template Healthy Schools Meeting Notes Template Our school team uses our mechanism to communicate with the whole team on a regular basis regarding: • Ideas and Resources • Successes • Areas for Improvement • Administration and Logistics 5 5 5 5 points points points points Communications Toolkit Level of Student Engagement at Team Meetings The engagement level of our students is: • Informed • Consulted • Shared • Leading 10 20 30 40 points points points points Note: Refer to the Glossary for a description of the different levels of student engagement. Documented feedback from student team members (e.g. completed team check-in form) Healthy Schools Team Check-in Template Total Points 210 points Encountering unfamiliar terms? Please see the glossary on page 27. Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016 16 Step 2: Assess Your School Community Needs and Assets Total Points Available: 210 points Identification of Needs Enter data sources used: • 1 data source • 2 data sources • 3 or more data sources 10 points 20 points 30 points Name of data source Needs identified Type of data used: • Quantitative data • Qualitative data 5 points 5 points Our school team used data collected by: • Students • School Staff/Principal/Vice Principal • Parents/Guardians • Public Health • Community Partners 15 points 5 points 5 points 5 points 5 points Our school team used data provided by: • Students • School Staff • Parents/Guardians • Public Health • Community Partners 15 points 5 points 5 points 5 points 5 points Healthy Schools Needs Identification Template School Survey Template Data Sources List (continued on next page) LEGEND Uploaded Evidence Required Healthy Schools Support Tool • Items in bold represent the information that needs to be reported online. Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016 17 Step 2: Assess Your School Community Needs and Assets (cont.) Identification of Assets Name of asset Foundations for a Healthy School areas addressed by asset: • Curriculum, Teaching & Learning • School & Classroom Leadership • Student Engagement • Social & Physical Environments • Home, School & Community Partnerships • All Healthy School Areas 1 point per asset (30 maximum available points) Link to Health Topic • Physical Activity • Healthy Eating • Personal Safety and Injury Prevention • Growth and Development • Mental Health • Substance Use, Addictions and Related Behaviours • All Health Topics Description of asset Identification of Needs and Assets Collectively Our school community needs and assets were identified using input from: • Students • School Staff • Parents/Guardians • Public Health • Community Partners 30 10 10 10 10 points points points points points Healthy Schools Needs Identification Template Healthy Schools Assets Identification Template Total Points 210 points Encountering unfamiliar terms? Please see the glossary on page 27. Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016 18 Step 3: Identify Your Priority Health Topic Total Points Available: 100 points Health Topic Selection Our school team has identified the priority health topic we will focus on during the school year 10 points Health Topic: • Physical Activity • Healthy Eating • Personal Safety and Injury Prevention • Growth and Development • Mental Health • Substance Use, Addictions and Related Behaviours Our priority health topic was identified using the information from the Identification of Assets from Step 2 20 points Level of Engagement Our health topic was identified and prioritized in collaboration with: • Students • School Staff • Parents/Guardians • Public Health • Community Partners 30 10 10 10 10 points points points points points Total points 100 points LEGEND Uploaded Evidence Required Healthy Schools Support Tool • Items in bold represent the information that needs to be reported online. Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016 19 Step 4: Develop An Action Plan Total Points Available: 250 points Action Plan Activities Name of Activity Date of Activity Description of Activity Healthy Schools Areas In our action plan, our health topic is addressed by activities in the following Foundations for a Healthy School areas: • Curriculum, Teaching & Learning • School & Classroom Leadership • Student Engagement • Social & Physical Environments • Home, School & Community Partnerships 10 10 10 10 10 pts pts pts pts pts 30 10 10 10 10 pts pts pts pts pts Note: Points assigned are based on comprehensiveness of action plan (e.g. activities across the five Foundations for a Healthy School areas.) Individual activities will not be assessed as part of certification. Responsibilities & Timelines Resources/Materials Reach The following participated, collaborated, planned, and/or were impacted by the activities in our action plan: • Students • School Staff • Parents/Guardians • Public Health • Community Partners (continued on next page) LEGEND Uploaded Evidence Required Healthy Schools Support Tool • Items in bold represent the information that needs to be reported online. Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016 20 Step 4: Develop An Action Plan (cont.) Action Plan Activities (cont.) Setting The activities in our action plan took place in the: • Classroom • School • Community 10 pts 10 pts 10 pts Interrelated Health Topics The activities in our action plan addressed the following topics: • Physical Activity • Healthy Eating • Personal Safety and Injury Prevention • Growth and Development • Mental Health • Substance Use, Addictions and Related Behaviours 5 5 5 5 5 5 pts pts pts pts pts pts Celebration How do you plan to celebrate and/or reflect on this activity? Policies Adressed Our action plan addresses: • Provincial Policies, Procedures, and Frameworks • School Board Protocols and Procedures • School-Based Strategies 10 points 10 points 10 points Policies Addressed Provincial Policies, Procedures and Frameworks List Audiences Our action plan activities consider the capacity of our school team 10 pts Our action plan considers the well-being of adults (e.g. school staff, community partners) 10 pts Our action plan activities will occur at multiple times during the school year 10 pts Celebration Planning Celebration was included in our planning process and is reflected in our action plan 10 pts Total Points 250 points Encountering unfamiliar terms? Please see the glossary on page 27. Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016 21 Step 5: Take Action and Monitor Progress Total Points Available: 250 points Check-In Meetings Regular check-in meetings with our school team have occurred to monitor our action plan and adjust activities as needed 20 pts Team Meeting Frequency • Weekly • Bi-Weekly • Monthly • As needed Healthy Schools Meeting Agenda Template Healthy Schools Meeting Notes Template Activity Implementation While implementing our action plan, activities relating to our health topic occurred in the following Foundations for a Healthy School areas: • Curriculum, Teaching and Learning • School and Classroom Leadership • Student Engagement • Social and Physical Environments • Home, School and Community Partnerships 10 10 10 10 10 points points points points points Note: Points assigned are based on comprehensiveness of action plan (i.e., activities across the five Foundations for a Healthy School areas). Individual activities will not be assessed as part of certification. Upload examples (e.g. photos, lesson plans, teacher training certificate, social media posts) and write a brief description about each activity While implementing our action plan, the activities addressed a variety of health topics: • Physical Activity • Healthy Eating • Personal Safety and Injury Prevention • Growth and Development • Mental Health • Substance Use, Addictions and Related Behaviours 5 5 5 5 5 5 points points points points points points (continued on next page) LEGEND Uploaded Evidence Required Healthy Schools Support Tool • Items in bold represent the information that needs to be reported online. Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016 22 Step 5: Take Action and Monitor Progress (cont.) Communications Our activities were communicated and shared with our: • School Team • School • School Community 5 points 5 points 5 points Sample communication (e.g. school newsletter, posting to school website, photo of assembly) Communications Toolkit Audiences Our activities took place in the: • Classroom • School • School Community 5 points 5 points 5 points Level of Engagement The implementation of our activities included: • Students • School Staff • Parents/Guardians • Public Health • Community Partners 30 10 10 10 10 points points points points points Monitoring Activities were monitored and our action plan was reassessed before and after each activity 35 points Total Points 250 points Encountering unfamiliar terms? Please see the glossary on page 27. Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016 23 Step 6: Celebrate and Reflect Total Points Available: 250 points Celebration and Appreciation Our celebration(s) and recognition showed appreciation for: • Students • School Staff • Parents/Guardians • Public Health • Community Partners 10 10 10 10 10 points points points points points Examples of appreciation for each audience (e.g. letter, card, appreciation wall, picture of meeting/event) Team Member Recognition Letter Template Student 40-Hour Community Service Letter Template We celebrated and recognized our achievements: • Yearly • Monthly • Ongoing 10 points 20 points 30 points We have had (or have planned/scheduled) an end of year culminating event that will reach: • School Team • School • School Community 5 points 5 points 10 points Evidence of event (e.g. picture) Note: If the event has not yet taken place at time of reporting, a planning document related to the event may be submitted (e.g. flyer, event plan). (continued on next page) LEGEND Uploaded Evidence Required Healthy Schools Support Tool • Items in bold represent the information that needs to be reported online. Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016 24 Step 6: Celebrate and Reflect (cont.) Team Reflection Our school team met to reflect on our Healthy Schools experience (including successes, challenges, future opportunities) 10 points Date Healthy Schools Meeting Agenda Template Healthy Schools Meeting Notes Template During our reflection, the following people were/will be included: • Students • School Staff • Parents • Public Health • Community Partners 30 10 10 10 10 points points points points points Total Points 180 points Encountering unfamiliar terms? Please see the glossary on page 27. Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016 25 Contact Us Ophea is here to help! We all know that it takes a team to build a healthy school and Ophea wants to be a part of yours! Feel free to connect with us at any time to ask questions or talk through any challenges your school team may be facing. Ophea works with schools across Ontario to guide them through the Healthy Schools approach by providing tools to build their capacity to implement this process annually. Ophea offers support services (in English and French) to all schools participating in Healthy Schools Certification which includes: • Healthy Schools and Communities Website Ophea’s Healthy Schools and Communities website offers a host of information to support schools in their journey to become a Healthy School including research, videos, posters, funding announcements and much more! Website: www.ophea.net/HSCertification • Healthy Schools Consultations (Email) Ophea is available to answer questions you may have as you work towards Healthy Schools Certification. Feel free to connect by email: Email: healthyschools@ophea.net Healthy Schools on Social Media We’re on social media and we want to hear what you’re doing! Post on Facebook or Tweet what you’ve been up to or any questions using #HSCertES @OpheaCanada OpheaCanada r #H SCe t ES Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016 26 Glossary 6-Step Healthy Schools Process 6 steps that support school communities to take a planned, comprehensive approach to address a priority health topic over the course of a school year. These 6 steps include: Step 1: Establish Your School Team Step 2: Assess Your School Community Needs and Assets Step 3: Identify Your Priority Health Topic Step 4: Develop An Action Plan Step 5: Take Action and Monitor Progress Step 6: Celebrate and Reflect Administration The principal and/or vice principal of a school. Appreciation Showing gratitude (e.g. letter, card, picture of meeting/ event) to those involved in Healthy Schools in a school community (included in Step 6 of Ophea’s 6-Step Healthy Schools Process). Community Partner Any member of the school community who can contribute to addressing a priority health topic (e.g. parents, public health, recreation staff). These partners may vary depending of the specific school community. Data Sources List Sources of information used by school communities to identify their priority health topic (included in Step 2 of Ophea’s 6-Step Healthy Schools Process). Foundations for a Healthy School Resource A document released by the Ministry of Education that explains Healthy Schools and is designed to help contribute to a learning environment that promotes and supports child and student well-being in Ontario. Healthy Schools A collaborative approach whereby all members of a school community (including students) come together to share ideas, plan, and take action on priority health topic(s) while following a repeatable, step-by-step process to make sustainable change in their schools, homes and community. Healthy Schools Action Plan A planning document used by a school team to plan and monitor activities taking place in alignment with the five areas of the Foundations for a Healthy School resource. Healthy Schools Areas The five, interconnected components that should be addressed to support school communities to take a comprehensive approach to address a priority health topic that is appropriate for their community. These areas include: Student Engagement, Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, Home, School and Community Partnerships, School and Classroom Leadership, and Social and Physical Environments. Hero of Play Canadian Tire Corporation’s Hero of Play program recognizes healthy schools that select physical activity as their priority health topic and develop an action plan that creates opportunities for students to achieve 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Ophea A not-for-profit organization that champions healthy, active living in schools and communities and is lead by the vision that all children and youth value and enjoy the lifelong benefits of healthy, active living. Ophea has been leading provincial healthy schools initiatives for over 10 years, reaching hundreds of schools, demonstrating the positive impact of this approach on all members of the school community. Priority Health Topic The specific health focus identified by a school community (e.g. healthy eating, mental health) to be addressed by their Healthy Schools activities for the school year. Note: Referred to as “health-related topic” in Foundations for a Healthy School resource. Public Health The public health system is an extensive collection of governmental, non-governmental, and community organizations operating at the local, provincial, and federal levels with varying roles, perspectives, and linkages. Schools are supported by a system of 36 local public health units that collectively cover the entire province and are individually responsible for serving the population within their geographic borders. Public health can play a key role in supporting schools communities as it relates to Healthy Schools. Qualitative Data Source of information that deals with descriptions and can be observed (but not measured). Examples include: meetings notes, assets inventory and action plans. This type of data can be used to support Step 2 of Ophea’s 6-Step Healthy Schools Process. Quantitative Data Source of information that deals with numbers and can be measured. Examples include: school-level surveys. This type of data can be used to support Step 2 of Ophea’s 6-Step Healthy Schools Process. Reflection An exercise that allows members of a school action team to discuss their healthy schools experience (including successes, challenges, future opportunities). This exercise is included in Step 6 of Ophea’s 6-Step Healthy Schools Process. Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016 27 Glossary (cont.) School Contact The School Contact is the school staff member who will lead their school through the Healthy Schools Certification. The School Contact is the key contact at the school who ensures that the Ophea HS Certification application is completed online. This position is decided by the school, not by Ophea. The School Contact is the main contact for Ophea and must be an employee of the school. School Community All individuals who contribute to the health and well-being of students. This includes individuals who can influence students at school, in the surrounding neighbourhood and at home. School Staff Staff who are employed (in a paid position) by the school, including but not limited to educators, early child educators, principals, vice-principals, office staff, and custodial staff. This does not include volunteers. they would like to do but the decision-making and planning are done by adults). Student Engagement (Informed) An informed level of engagement for students means that students are aware of what is happening and may participate in the activities but do not plan, influence, develop or implement the activities (e.g. letting the students on the school team know about new initiatives the school plans on doing). Student Engagement (Shared) A shared level of engagement for students means that while adults may initiate the conversations, students are actively involved in making decisions, planning and implementing activities (e.g. an educator brings forward a potential idea for an event based on the interests of the students and the students take on key responsibilities such as fundraising, awareness or recruiting other students). School Team A group or committee operating in a school that supports planning and action as it relates to Healthy Schools. Members of the team should include individuals who are within (e.g. students, educators) and outside (e.g. public health, parents/guardians) the physical school grounds. Student Engagement (Leading) A leading level of engagement means that students generate ideas and decide how activities are carried out. Adults are available for support and trust in the leadership of students (e.g. a student or group of students bring forward an idea for an event and plan and host the event with minimal support from adults). Student Engagement (Consulted) A consulted level of engagement for students means that students are asked for input on all activities and adults respect their views, but adults decide on the activities and lead the planning, implementation and follow-up (e.g. students on the school team are polled on what activities Student Well-Being Refers to students developing enhanced mental and physical health, a positive sense of self and belonging, and the skills to make positive choices. (Definition adapted from: Achieving Excellence: A Renewed Vision for Education in Ontario - Ministry of Education) Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016 28 Healthy Schools Support Tools The following are some of the tools/templates available to support school communities in following the 6-Step Healthy Schools Process. The tools are available to registered schools only and can be found on the main dashboard of the school’s online profile. • Healthy Schools Administrator Letter Template • Ophea Healthy Schools Introductory Video (“Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities: How You Can Make A Difference”) • Understanding Partners Poster Series • Healthy Schools Team Agreement Template • Healthy Schools Meeting Agenda Template • Healthy Schools Meeting Notes Template • Healthy Schools Team Check-in Template • Healthy Schools Needs Identification Template • Healthy Schools Assets Identification Template • Healthy Schools Action Plan Template • Communications Toolkit • Team Member Recognition Letter Template • Student 40 Hour Community Service Letter Template • Provincial Policies, Procedures, and Frameworks List • Data Sources List • School Survey Template Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook | 2015 - 2016 29