HEALTHY SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

Healthy school environment concerns the quality of the physical and aesthetic surroundings; the psychosocial climate, safety, and culture of the school; the school safety and emergency plans; and the periodic review and testing of the factors and conditions that influence the environment. Factors and conditions that influence the quality of the physical environment include the school building and the area surrounding it; transportation services; any biological or chemical agents inside and outside the school facilities that are detrimental to health; and physical conditions such as temperature, noise, lighting, air quality and potential health and safety hazards. The quality of the psychological environment includes the physical, emotional and social conditions that affect the safety and well-being of students and staff. Qualified staff, such as facilities and transportation supervisors, principals, school and community counselors, social workers, psychologists, school health nurses, health educators, and school safety officers, assess and plan for these factors and conditions in the school environment.

E.L. Ross Elementary, Cleveland Middle and Cleveland High were selected to participate in the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Green Schools Program. TVA has agreed to provide these schools with the tools and support needed to achieve significant savings in energy costs. According to TVA, previous Green Schools have achieved an overall savings of 5-15% on average the first year. Students will be exposed to information about energy efficiency throughout the year. They will be encouraged to initiate school-wide behavioral changes that will help the school cut costs on energy while also helping to keep the planet green. Each school will have faculty sponsors and a select group of 10-25 students that will become the Green Team. Middle and High School Green Team members are given the opportunity to participate in Student Energy Audit Training (SEAT), and will conduct a thorough audit of the school�s energy consumption. Elementary-aged students will receive an abbreviated toolkit training, in which younger students learn to use special tools in order to assist faculty members with an energy audit of the school. Students will regularly participate in energy related activities. The lessons, which align with TN State Standards, are designed to teach Science and Math concepts in a hands-on way that is fun and exciting for students.