AACPS CELEBRATES HEALTHY ANNE ARUNDEL MONTH THROUGH WELLNESS INITIATIVES

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As a partner of the Healthy Anne Arundel Coalition, Anne Arundel County Public Schools proudly announces a few key wellness initiatives as part of Healthy Anne Arundel Month this April.

Earlier this month, County Executive Laura Neuman and Acting County Health Officer Dr. Jinlene Chan sought to “motivate individuals and groups of all ages toward better physical and mental health” as they kicked off Healthy Anne Arundel Month at the Anne Arundel County Farmers’ Market’s first session of the spring.

Under its own Wellness Council, AACPS addresses the overall well-being of students, employees, and school community members by applying the eight components of a coordinated school health program as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control. This month, the school system is:

  • highlighting the many partnerships that make the school system’s wellness efforts a statewide model. Members of the AACPS Wellness Council will make a presentation to the Board of Education detailing the impact of such collaboration on April 23.
  • introducing a new regulation that encourages healthy choices at school-sponsored meetings and events.  Implemented across the county as a best practice, the Healthy Events and Meetings initiative includes an eight-page booklet that offers ideas and examples of making make events and meetings healthier by incorporating physical activity and providing sample menus.
  • opening the window for schools to apply for the 2014 Wellness Schools of Distinction Award, which is given annually to schools that demonstrate a high priority for the health and wellbeing of students, staff, and school support­ers by going beyond the curriculum to produce positive outcomes for the entire school community.  
  • promoting its extensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to school system personnel.  Through an employee survey, AACPS staff members identified stress as a leading factor in their lives.  In response, the EAP supplies a variety of resources to help employees beat stress and handle stressors.

Healthy Anne Arundel Month leads the way to National Physical Fitness and Sports Month in May, which is also highly celebrated by Anne Arundel County Public Schools.