Policy in action: The creation and implementation of school wellness policy at Thaddeus Stevens elementary school, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn

To address childhood obesity in public schools and encourage fitness and cardiovascular health among elementary-school children, the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) was awarded a grant from the New York State Healthy Heart Program in 2005. DOHMH proposed to achieve these goals through the formation of School Wellness Councils, adoption of a Wellness Policy, and the training of school staff in a school-based physical activity program. This graduate-level research accounts the process of council formation, policy adoption, program implementation, and community coalition building in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. During the 2005-2006 school year, a needs assessment was conducted using the Center for Disease Control & Prevention's (CDC) School Health Index. During the 2006-2007 school year, the council formed, prioritized goals and created policy that would promote physical activity and nutrition education. Classrooms were randomly selected fall 2006 to complete a survey assessing baseline knowledge of nutrition and physical activity. Implementation of pilot programs began winter 2007. Surveys will be repeated at the end of the 2006-2007 school year. To evaluate efficacy of the policy, the council will conduct the CDC assessment every three years. In addition to students, the school community encompasses faculty, administrators, support staff, parents and neighbors (e.g. housing development residents, local business owners, religious congregations, CBOs). Early results indicate parent involvement is limited. School administration has made numerous failed attempts to involve parents. Successful implementation of policy and programs is dependent on the strength and efficacy of these groups collectively.