School Educational Materials

Schools are a complex system of interactions between educators, students and parents or guardians. A safe and healthy school environment is critical for effective learning and social development. The Minnesota Department of Health provides comprehensive information and resources for school health.

In partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Cleaning Institute, the Healthy Schools, Healthy People web site is where you can make your own resources to supplement, support and promote your school handwashing program!

This hands-on initiative for schools is designed to help keep students in school and learning by promoting clean hands using fun and interactive tools. Handwashing is simple but serious! It's particularly important in schools, where lots of things are shared - desks, books, pencils, food and even germs. Without proper hand cleaning, a single infection can quickly spread among students, teachers, family and friends.

Schools can use the Healthy Schools, Healthy People, It's a SNAP program to:

Improve student handwashing
Reduce absenteeism
Help the school community stay healthy

Handwashing at school or home...

For kids, washing hands can be a fun and entertaining activity. It is simple enough for even very young children to understand. Handwashing gives children and adults a chance to take an active role in their own health. Once kids learn how to properly wash their hands, they can - and often do - show their parents and siblings and encourage them to wash hands, too. It is a practice that will last a lifetime of good health.

Parents can help keep their families healthy by: