Health Promotion Schools of Excellence (HPSE)

HPSE is an example of a coordinated school health program as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. The purpose of the HPSE program is to promote and maintain healthy lifestyles, and reduce health risk behaviors related to cardiovascular disease, cancer control, injury prevention and physical fitness. These are the areas of focus because research and data identifies them as having the highest risk behaviors. Focusing on these areas can have a positive impact on the growing problem of childhood obesity and its effects on the early onset of diabetes, and also addresses the injuries students are suffering from because of risky behaviors. A school selected to be an HPSE school develops programs and resources to improve their health knowledge, attitudes, skills and behaviors, and adopt healthy lifestyles for students, staff, and parents.

The HPSE program was first implemented in August 1992 with 15 JCPS schools participating, nine elementary schools, three middle schools and three high schools. In its seventeenth year of operation, HPSE has grown to 59 JCPS schools. HPSE has been recognized at the state and national level. HPSE was selected to receive the top award for the Models that Work award from the Foundation for A Healthy Kentucky and has since been replicated throughout the state. The program has also been replicated in Oklahoma with 40 schools participating in their Schools for a Healthy Lifestyle program modeled after HPSE. For complete program information and a listing of schools, click on the Program Booklet tab.

Health Promotion Schools of Excellence (HPSE) program specialists provide selected schools with assistance in implementing their coordinated school health programs. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Assisting the school site coordinator with implementing their school’s plans
  • Helping to facilitate the school site HPSE committee meetings
  • Assisting with assessments and coordination of community and district resources
  • Assisting with the purchasing and budgetary process
  • Assisting with various other HPSE requirements being met

To contact HPSE directly please call 485-7920.

 

Date Modified 6/20/11