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Haywood Schools begins Coordinated School Health Program
Sharon Thornton
Haywood County Schools have initiated a new Coordinated School Health Program
in line with state guidelines, according to Assistant Director of Schools Doris
Battle. Sharon Thornton of Brownsville was appointed to the position in August.
Mrs. Thornton holds a bachelor of science degree from the University of
Tennessee-Martin in human environmental sciences with an emphasis in dietetics
and a master’s degree in nutrition science from the University of
Tennessee-Knoxville. She is a native of Huntingdon, Tennessee, and is married to
Robert Thornton.
The state developed this program over the last few years in 10 pilot sites,
and Haywood County is one of 130 systems starting the program this year. State
standards for the program include:
- Comprehensive Health Education
- Health Services
- Nutrition Services
- Physical Education
- Healthy School Environment
- School Counseling, Psychological and Social Services
- Family and Community Involvement
- School-Site Health Promotion for Staff
Mrs. Thornton said she will be working with school officials, the school
nutrition department, counselors, physical education teachers, the school nurse,
and classroom teachers as well as families and community members to put into
place the many facets of the program.
“It will take several years to fully integrate the program into the school
system,” she said, “because there are so many components.” Her plans are to
begin by evaluating students and communicating with administrators, teachers,
and counselors before starting the program at each school.
Thornton also said she will be researching different community resources, and
developing community partners for the program.
For more information about the program or to contact Mrs. Thornton, call
772-0432.
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