Feeding and protecting our students go hand in hand with student achievement — we must nourish and safeguard them to help them learn, grow and thrive.
Both objectives are among the themes in this issue of School Leader, which highlights how student wellness and student security are essential to promoting academic success, well-being and overall development.
They were also top of mind when I recently joined several of our officers and governmental relations staff to meet a number of New Jersey representatives and their staff members on Capitol Hill, which gave us the opportunity to advocate for the allocation of federal funds to provide free meals for all schoolchildren as well as funding to ensure the safety of students, which includes focusing on mental health.
Studies have shown that children who have access to balanced, nutritious meals demonstrate better concentration, improved behavior and higher academic achievement. Conversely, students who experience food insecurity or consume unhealthy diets struggle with attention, retention and energy levels throughout the school day. While providing free meals is crucial, fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins must be prioritized in school meal programs to truly nourish students.
Equally critical to a student’s well-being is their sense of safety within the school environment – a topic that consistently comes up in our meetings with legislators. Security measures such as controlled access points, emergency preparedness plans, and mental health resources play a key role in fostering a protective learning environment. Students who feel unsafe due to bullying, violence, or a lack of adequate security are less likely to perform well academically and may struggle with emotional and psychological distress.
We also can’t forget about cybersecurity, which is more important than ever for school districts. In this issue, you will find an article by John Legere and Nick Mackres with the Robbinsville Board of Education in Mercer County, who share lessons learned from a cyber incident they confronted in November 2023 (page 17).
Investing in both healthy school meals and school security is an investment in our children’s future. By securing federal funding and ensuring that school meal programs provide high-quality nutrition while also implementing strong security measures, we address hunger and safety concerns while fostering healthier and more confident students.
These efforts create a foundation that allows students to develop lifelong healthy habits and a sense of security, both of which contribute to their success in and out of the classroom.
