Buena Vista Schools Release Survey for Health Program Evaluation – by Carly Winchell

Photo by Jesse Orrico on Unsplash

Those signed up to receive the Buena Vista (BV) BV Schools Health Committee communications recently received a link to a survey as the BV Schools Health Program Evaluation continues. The survey allows community members to provide feedback on the vision statement, offer suggestions for data to review, and express expectations for the program.

Buena Vista School District Logo courtesy bvschools.org

The survey shared in the message is available online. Responses are requested preferably by November 22 but no later than November 29.

The program evaluation kicked off with a community engagement event on October 9.

The message states, “To date, the committee has drafted its vision statement. We are seeking the feedback on the vision statement that will guide our future recommendations.”

The committee is also seeking community input regarding other data that they may review and seek community expectations for what is taught in health class at different grade levels.

According to the message, the committee has begun analysis of a “variety of data related to health education and doing research in the field.” The committee is identifying strengths and areas of growth about which they will seek feedback “from those interested” in January 2025.

The survey asks for specific feedback related to the draft vision statement, including suggestions for revisions.

The survey also states that the health review committee is looking at different data to determine strengths and areas of growth, such as information related to:

• Substance use
• Sense of belonging among peers
• Sexually transmitted disease
• Student achievement
• Perceptions of health education from students and families
• “Extensive research”
• National and state standards

The survey asks for suggestions of other data the committee could review during the program evaluation. It also asks about what skills respondents expect to be taught and at what grade levels. Lastly there is room for respondents to ask a question or request more information.

The message states that this will not be the sole opportunity for feedback, and that this survey just covers “initial questions to date.”

The current draft vision statement reads:

“In the Buena Vista School District, we believe that an intentional, balanced, and comprehensive approach to teaching health is essential for our students. The health program is a component of the district Wellness policy which addresses student, staff, and family well-being.

We believe our schools’ health programming should focus on students’ physical, mental, social and emotional well-being, and seek to develop the whole self in a multitude of ways, including: health education across all grade levels, health services and counseling, mental health support and social services, lessons/activities to enhance social and emotional learning, risk and prevention management, and ongoing promotion of and support for safe and healthy choices and lifestyles.

We believe that if our students are physically, mentally, socially and emotionally healthy individuals, they will be more successful academically.

We believe that if our students learn about and embrace lifelong health practices, the overall well-being of our school community will be positively impacted.

We believe that health education is a responsibility that our schools share with our families and our community, and that our role includes helping our students and families access school and community health resources.”