TN Department of Education Announces School Health Institute

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Education today announced the commencement of the 2008 Coordinated School Health Institute to be held in Nashville starting tomorrow.

This year’s theme is, “Where Health and Academics Meet”, and the four-day event will focus on the physical, social and emotional health of students in relation to their time spent in the classroom. State and national data reveal that many Tennessee students engage in unhealthy behaviors that are detrimental to both their health and academic success.

“It is important for us as educators to not only focus on students’ academic progress, but to ensure the health and well-being of every child,” said Education Commissioner Timothy Webb. “This conference will help educators across the state become better acquainted with the health issues facing children these days and develop the leadership skills necessary to create solutions at the school and community level.”

The CSH Institute will begin tomorrow, Sept. 9, with an opening reception. For the remainder of the week CSH Directors, school nurses, teachers, school board members and many others will discuss issues related to adolescent and school health.

“We all know the importance of having healthy students and it is our duty to ensure that each child’s health does not hinder their academic progress, but rather supports their growth as a student and in the future as an adult,” said Connie Givens, Director of the state Office of Coordinated School Health.

Located at the Sheraton Music City Hotel in Nashville, keynote speakers include Pat Cooper of the Childhood and Family Learning Foundation, who will speak Wednesday, and Hal Weschler, of the Division of Adolescent and School Health for the Center for Disease Control, who will speak Thursday.  Please contact us for additional scheduling details.

For more information, contact Rachel Woods at (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@state.tn.us.