The WS/FCS Healthful Living program is guided by the district's Framework for Learning and Teaching. We strive to provide high quality learning experiences for all students and teachers, using research-based educational strategies. The framework components guide the Healthful Living program's resource selection, professional development offerings, and assessment practices.

Additionally, the WS/FCS Healthful Living program contributes to the district's mission and strategic goals. Our Healthful Living courses follow the NCDPI Standard Course of Study and establish competency goals and objectives for the teaching and learning of behaviors that contribute to a healthful lifestyle and improved quality of life for all students.  

The NC Healthful Living Essential Standards are a combination of two content areas: health education and physical education. The two courses should complement each other as reflected in the essential standard strands and clarifying objectives. Attention should also be given to ensure students experience a comprehensive and sequential educational program that involves learning a variety of skills and concepts that are health-enhancing. In addition to the elementary and middle school grade level expectations for Healthful Living (as outlined by the North Carolina Healthful Living Essential Standards), a minimum of 1 credit of Healthful Living, which reflects both health education and physical education, is required for graduation from any North Carolina public high school.

Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child Approach (WSCC)

The demands of the 21st century require a new approach to education to fully prepare students for college, career, and citizenship. Research, practice, and common sense confirm that a whole-child approach to education will develop and prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of today and tomorrow by addressing students' comprehensive needs through the shared responsibility of students, families, schools, and communities. A whole-child approach, which ensures that each student is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged, sets the standard for comprehensive, sustainable school improvement and provides for long-term student success. ASCD's Whole Child approach is an effort to transition from a focus on narrowly defined academic achievement to one that promotes the long-term development and success of all children. 

Whole Child Tenets

• Each student enters school healthy and learns about and practices a healthy lifestyle.

• Each student learns in an environment that is physically and emotionally safe for students and adults.

• Each student is actively engaged in learning and is connected to the school and the broader community.

• Each student has access to personalized learning and is supported by qualified, caring adults.

• Each student is challenged academically and prepared for success in college or further study and for employment and participation in a global environment.

WS/FCS Contact Information:
Dr. Karen Garmon
Director of Healthful Living
Email Dr. Karen Garmon 
Office phone: 748-4000 Ext. 70151