Texas law (Texas Education Code, Section 28.004) requires the establishment of a SHAC for every school district. A SHAC is a school district created advisory group, consisting of members from different areas of the community and school district. The job of the SHAC is to make sure that the school district’s school health programs reflect local community values.
Healthier Students are Better Learners
Teaching children and young people how to live a healthy lifestyle is a good way to help them grow into healthy adults. Many studies show that a healthy active child is more likely to be successful in school and have healthy habits their entire life (CDC, 2011; Basch, 2011). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2011) states, “six types of health risk behaviors contribute to the leading causes of death, disability and social problems in the United States: (1) tobacco use; (2) unhealthy eating; (3) inadequate physical activity; (4) alcohol and other drug use; (5) sexual behaviors that may result in HIV infection, other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unintended pregnancy; and (6) violence.”
These six health behaviors have a direct impact on student academics and attendance and schools are an important place to increase understanding, form attitudes and develop skills that affect lifelong healthy behaviors. Additional research shows that schools can deal with the health needs of students and still meet performance goals and lessen financial costs (Action for Healthy Kids, 2013).
While schools are an important place to make a difference in the long-term health risks of its students, they cannot deal with these complex problems on their own. Schools, parents and community members can join forces to support the knowledge and skills young people need to be healthy. One way for everyone to come together is through the local school health advisory council (SHAC). Local SHACs provide a way to get involved with school health-related issues.
Volunteer to Become a SHAC Committee Member
If you would like to be considered for SHAC Committee Membership, you may fill out and submit the attached application between April 1st and May 25th each school year.