Student health is linked to academic success. Schools promote health and learning through school-community partnerships that address student health issues, provide HIV prevention information, and provide effective health and social services resources for the student population.

School and Community Health programs and services promote health as well as identify and intervene when health, safety and socials issues interrupt learning. At the same time, students are supported in establishing personal skills and habits that will prepare them for a lifetime of good health.

School health services is a comprehensive approach to promoting the health and safety of and prevention of illness and injury in the school population. School health services are managed by the Licensed School Nurse, a specialty practice within the field of professional nursing.

Teachers, nurses, administrators, psychologists and counselors work together to develop a coordinated approach to helping students build health-related knowledge, attitudes and skills starting in kindergarten and continuing through 12th grade.  Topics include personal health, family health, community health, consumer health, environmental health, family life education, injury prevention and safety, nutrition, prevention and control of disease and substance use and abuse.

• School Health Index 
  Assessing the school environment is a critical step in moving forward on school wellness. This assessment and planning tool from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a comprehensive framework on key health issues.
• Safe and Healthy Minnesota Students Planning and Evaluation Toolkit 
  Tips, techniques and resources to assist schools and community-based organizations plan and evaluate alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and violence prevention programs. The toolkit was developed by Wilder Research for the Minnesota Department of Education through funds from a Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities – National Programs grant