OVERVIEW

New Haven Public Schools is considered a model in the State and nation for its strong commitment and progressive initiatives that support the “whole child” and “whole school”.  A multitude of collaborative efforts with community partners continues to grow which promotes the physical and social/emotional health of students and staff and helps to create healthy and nurturing schools in which to learn, work and play.

The School Health & Wellness department provides the district with leadership, oversight and guidance for many health related programs, policies, and protocols, as well as  the District Wellness Committee, which develops an annual School Wellness Plan and manual for the District, reviews proposals for school health programs and assists in developing school health policies.

HISTORY

The first school health center (SHC) in New Haven was established in 1981 with initial funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. This SBHC known as the Body Shop, was a joint venture between the New Haven Board of Education, the Fair Haven Community Health Center and the Yale Adolescent Medicine Department. In 1986, after the grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation ended, the Connecticut State Department of Public Health (DPH) awarded the Board of Education a grant to continue the School Based Health Center Program. In the same year another DPH grant was secured to establish the second school based health center at Jackie Robinson Middle School (now King/Robinson K-8 Magnet School). Since then, another 13 health centers have opened in elementary, middle and high schools of the New Haven Public Schools.

VISION

Healthy kids are better learners!

MISSION

New Haven Public Schools Health & Wellness Department works hard to coordinate, educate and support district and community efforts that promote the physical, social and emotional well-being of students, staff and families.