Addressing the Challenges:  A Safe, Supportive, and Healthy School Environment A safe, supportive, and healthy school environment creates a setting for positive learning experiences. A safe, clean, well-maintained school with a positive atmosphere and social climate can increase student and staff self-esteem and student achievement. A school’s physical environment includes the physical and aesthetic qualities as well as conditions such as noise, temperature, and lighting. The psychological environment is also important and includes the attitudes, feelings, and values of the school community. A healthy school environment support students’ ability to learn by minimizing distractions and physical, psychological, and social hazards. A supportive environment also creates a climate where students can do their best work; students are expected to succeed; and supportive policies are implemented. For more information Wingspread Declaration: A National Strategy for Improving School Connectedness  Environmental Protection Agency: Healthy School Environments  Healthy Schools Network, Inc.

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document last updated 1/27/2009