“CELEBRATE what’s RIGHT with the world” began as an initiative of School District 6 and the District Health Advisory Committee. It has now grown to include families, the business community, the community at large and other government departments. This initiative will demonstrate how we can improve all areas of our lives when we are INTENTIONAL about celebrating what is right with the world.

The role of the District Health Advisory Committee (DHAC) in School District 6 is to address all four aspects of health - physical, mental, social and spiritual. In 2001, a survey was done by Healthy Learners Nurses in School Districts 4 and 6 which indicated mental and social health were the top priorities of health issues. Despite these findings, the District Health Advisory Committee struggled with a tangible and measurable way to impact these two aspects of health.
 
In 2002, our students reported in the Developmental Assets: A Profile of Your Youth Survey that their average number of assets were 17 to 18, far less than the 40 assets which would help them make wise decisions, choose positive paths, and grow up competent, caring and responsible. The introduction of the Year of Healthy Living became the focused activity throughout the next few years. In as much as an attempt was made to include all four aspects of health, in reviewing the activities and strategies of The Year of Healthy Living, it was the physical which was predominant.
 
Recently, a DVD entitled “CELEBRATE what’s RIGHT with the world” developed by Dewitt Jonesof the National Geographic was shown to key people in School District 6, including the DHAC. It became apparent that the message in this documentary could be the catalyst to enhance the emotional and social health of our students, and for that matter our entire community. “CELEBRATE what’s RIGHT with the world”, would be the vehicle that could help us to be INTENTIONAL about this aspect of health. The messages are consistent, everyone can contribute and as assets are nurtured in our students and community members their commitments and successes are celebrated. Realizing that impact is what happens when we are intentional, we look forward to the positive impact on the health of our students and community as this initiative unfolds.
 
Champions in every District 6 & 8 school and throughout the community are being identified to work to promote this effort, to help identify and showcase all the wonderful things happening in our schools and communities. Monthly themes which demonstrate celebration have been developed to help us focus on these key concepts from the DVD which demonstrate celebration.
We believe “CELEBRATE” will be an initiative that will support and grow the work of families, the business community, and the community at large.

BELIEVE IT! SEE IT! CELEBRATE IT!