Engaging Staff, Supporting Families: How Shades Mountain Elementary in Alabama is Building a Culture of Health

Staff Well-Being as the Starting Point

This year, Shades Mountain Elementary was recognized as one of America’s Healthiest Schools in the Cultivating Staff Well-Being topic area, presented by Kaiser Permanente, for implementing best practices to build a culture of gratitude, provide space for staff breaks, and nurture positive relationships among colleagues.

“Being recognized as one of America's Healthiest Schools has helped open the eyes of our staff and faculty to the importance of maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle,” says school nurse Elisabeth Goodman, who leads health programming at Shades Elementary. “Since then, they’ve become more open and enthusiastic about embracing the health initiatives and challenges I introduce.”

Through programs like “Jump Start January” and the “Feel Good Fantasy League” (a fantasy football-style wellness challenge), Nurse Goodman encourages staff to drink more water, eat fruits and vegetables, and exercise regularly. Weekly prizes and playful touches like the “Healthiest Banana” trophy keep morale high and participation strong. These challenges also foster camaraderie among staff, creating a united culture of wellness.  

Leading By Example Inspires Students and Families  

These efforts have had a ripple effect on the students at Shades Mountain. Children cheer on their teachers, reminding them to eat fruit at lunch or drink water during the day, and proudly share their own healthy choices with Nurse Goodman, reporting on vegetables eaten at home or steps walked after school. Seeing their teachers embrace good nutrition and physical activity, students learn that these habits are achievable and fun.

Shades Mountain’s initiatives have also sparked conversations among families. “Kids are going home and talking to their parents about it, too,” says Nurse Goodman. “That’s a whole other group getting involved, which is awesome.” 

Engaging Families and Community Partners in a Shared Vision

The school’s annual Hoover City Health Fair brings together local health providers, churches, and parent volunteers to offer screenings, flu shots, therapy dog visits, and resources for families with disabilities, financial need, and more. What began as Nurse Goodman’s vision to support new families and those facing language or transportation barriers has grown into a district-wide event. Staff participation in the fair reinforces the message that health is a shared priority. Teachers, parents, caregivers, and students learn side by side, whether practicing CPR or exploring nutrition resources, which strengthens trust and connections between staff and families. 

Leveraging Healthier Generation to Drive Holistic Change  

Nurse Goodman credits America’s Healthiest Schools with helping drive healthy changes at Shades Mountain. The application process challenged staff to think holistically about health, including mental and emotional well-being. As a result, the school has implemented new mindfulness practices and tools, including an “Inhale, Exhale” breathing station, offering both students and staff a space to pause and recharge.

By aligning with Healthier Generation’s framework, Shades Mountain has cultivated a resilient school culture where staff well-being fuels student success and family engagement ensures lasting impact.

A Model for Stronger School Communities

Shades Mountain’s investment in staff well-being has benefitted the entire learning community, energizing students, engaging families, and strengthening trust and collaboration. Their experience reflects a broader truth: by prioritizing health, schools can lay the foundation for stronger, more resilient communities.

Access staff well-being and family and community engagement resources to support your school in the Healthier Generation Action Center

Learn more about how Healthier Generation supports schools nationwide through America’s Healthiest Schools:

• Hillsborough Schools Aim to Become Healthiest in the Nation
• Field Elementary Engages Students with an Accessible School Garden in San Diego
• Apply for the America's Healthiest Schools award 

By Nora Hall