Engaging the School Community in a Nutrition and Physical Activity Program: The Role of the 21st-Century School Nurse.

Childhood obesity is an important public health issue that can affect child health and academic outcomes. Schools are essential in promoting healthy childhood behaviors through the implementation of programs that reach the whole school community. School nurses can play a key role in designing, implementing, and evaluating feasible strategies, including school-based nutrition and physical activity messaging programs, that meet school-specific needs. This article will explain how school nurses can utilize principles of the Framework for 21st Century School Nursing Practice™ to design programs that engage the whole school community while addressing implementation barriers.