March Content
- March 2nd - 6th is National School Breakfast Week
- NC School Nurse Strong Celebrating 40 Years!
- March 2nd is SEL Day!
- SPARCS Impact Call Invitation
- Registration is Open for Every Kid Healthy Week
- Youth LEAD NC Presents The North Carolina Youth Leadership Forum (NCYLF)
- Teen Depression and Autism: Unique Challenges, Effective Strategies for Support
- Registration is Open for Camp PlayWELL
- America's Healthiest Schools: AFHG Application
- NC Problem Gambling Youth Prevention Education Research Grant Program
- The Walking Classroom Captures the National Spotlight!
- 11 Principles of Character Education
- Have a Story to Share About Your School Health Efforts? We Want to Hear...
- March / April Health Observances
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This Week is National School Breakfast Week
March 2-6 is National School Breakfast Week!
Join us in celebrating the incredible school nutrition professionals who help North Carolina students start their day fueled and ready to learn. School breakfast supports academic success, attendance and overall well-being — and it wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated teams of school nutrition professionals who prepare and serve meals with care each morning.
Learn more and find National School Breakfast resources here.
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 2025 Annual School Health Nurse Conference
Annual NC School Nurse Conference: NC School Nurse Strong Celebrating 40 years!
The 40th Annual North Carolina School Nurse Conference, held December 11-12, 2025, at the Benton Convention Center in Winston Salem, brought together over 500 school nurses, vendors, and experts to explore the essential role of school nursing in advancing student health and well-being. With the theme “NC School Nurse Strong: Celebrating 40 Years!,” this year's milestone conference provided an vigorous professional development event which offered attendees valuable insights into best practices, innovative health strategies, and the latest in student care. Video messages provided by Dr. Devdutta Sangvai, Secretary of Health and Human Services, and North Carolina’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Maurice "Mo" Green acknowledged the valuable contributions of school nurses to education and public health as well as celebrating the 40th conference anniversary.
The conference, a collaboration between the Whole Child Health Section of the North Carolina Division of Child and Family Well-Being (NC DHHS) and the North Carolina Institute for Public Health at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, was filled with excitement from start to finish. The National Association of School Nurses (NASN), President-Elect, Dr. Patricia Endsley, opened the conference with her address “Developing The Leader in You” to offer an inspiring message highlighting school nurse leadership in today’s complex educational and public health landscape. Dr. Endsley outlined key leadership traits—clarity, confidence, communication, and community and encouraged nurses to overcome internal and systemic barriers that prevent school nurses from stepping into leadership roles. Plenary and concurrent sessions covered a robust range of topics including plans of care, mental health, vaccine-preventable disease, common childhood skin diseases, delegation and public health law. The event’s success was further demonstrated by the 516 attendees and over 35 vendors who contributed to a rich, collaborative atmosphere. Participants also had the chance to connect with peers and experts in the field, exchanging ideas and resources to better serve their students. The 40th Annual NC School Nurse Conference reinforced the role of school nurses as an essential part of shaping a healthier, more supportive and safer school environment for all students.
In keeping with the celebratory atmosphere of the event, the NC School Nurse Conference Apparel Spirit Shop was offered to participants. Over $1,600 of merchandise purchased! A percentage of sales was donated to HOPE of Winston Salem to support children and families with food insecurity.
March 2nd is SEL Day and there are celebrations throughout the week!
As North Carolina gears up for SEL Week, we wanted to share an overview of SEL4NC North Carolina events and invite your support in amplifying our reach and impact. We have a strong slate of offerings planned that highlight SEL across our state and align with our shared mission and vision.
To help us make the most of SEL Week, please take a few important steps:
Please ensure you are personally registered for SEL Day so your participation is counted in the national totals and NC continues to show strong engagement.
Sign up here: https://selday.org/sign-up/
- Register for NC SEL Week Events
We encourage you to register for and attend our NC-hosted events during SEL Week, and invite your teams and partners to join as well. These sessions are designed to showcase best practices, elevate local voices, and strengthen our statewide SEL ecosystem.
Access Flyer: SEL4NC SEL Week 2026 Events
- Share the Flyer with Your Networks
Please help us spread the word by sharing the SEL Week flyer with your:
District and school contacts
Organizational and community partners
Professional networks and social media channels
Access Flyer: SEL4NC SEL Week 2026 Events. Your outreach will be critical in increasing visibility, registration, and impact across NC.
- Register for the SEL Day Summit
SEL4NC and North Carolina will be featured in the 10:00 and 11:00 sessions at the SEL Day Summit. Please register and encourage your networks to join so we have strong representation and engagement during those sessions.
Register here: https://selday.org/summit/
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SPARCS Impact Call invitation
The North Carolina Child Treatment Program invites you to the upcoming SPARCS Impact Call. This call is an opportunity to connect directly with the SPARCS training team and discover the power of this evidence-based model.
Tuesday, March 3rd at 9:00 AM ET via Zoom : Register Here!
Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress (SPARCS) is a strengths-based group therapy for youth (ages 12-21) exposed to chronic trauma and/or stress. Through 16 one-hour sessions, participants are taught skills to improve communication, problem-solve, and develop coping strategies that strengthen their ability to:
- Stay present
- Be mindful
- Have healthier relationships
- Pay attention
 Registration is Open for Every Kid Healthy Week
We are excited to announce that registration is now open for Every Kid Healthy Week® (EKHW), happening April 20-24, 2026, and your school or district can sign up today! Every Kid Healthy Week is a national celebration that helps schools and districts advance student wellness through simple, meaningful activities that fit into the school day. Across the country, participants use EKHW to build on what they’re already doing, or try something new, like movement breaks, taste tests, or family wellness activities. What is Every Kid Healthy Week? EKHW is a week-long celebration focused on:
- Mental health and wellness
- Nutrition education
- Physical activity
- Vaping and nicotine prevention
- Family engagement
$1,000 Mini-Grant Opportunity All registered schools and districts are automatically entered for a chance to win one of three $1,000 mini-grants to expand future whole-child health efforts. Winners are selected through a random drawing. And good news — your EKHW celebration doesn’t need to be a large-scale event. Whether you’re hosting a schoolwide activity, introducing a new healthy practice in the classroom, or adding a wellness focus to something you’re already planning in April, every action counts. EKHW is designed to be easy to implement and engaging.
Want to learn more? Visit everykidhealthyweek.org for everything you need in one place, including an EKHW overview, a planning toolkit to help you get started, and a customizable flyer for outreach to families and volunteers. We hope you’ll join schools across the country in celebrating Every Kid Healthy Week and continuing to build healthier school environments for students nationwide. If you have any questions or would like assistance getting started, please contact us at contactus@actionforhealthykids.org.
Youth LEAD NC Presents The North Carolina Youth Leadership Forum (NCYLF)
Youth Lead NC is hosting the North Carolina Youth Leadership Forum. NCYLF is a transformative, week-long leadership experience for youth and young adults with disabilities ages 15-30. This fully accessible, no-cost program focuses on self-advocacy, independent living, and leadership development through interactive workshops, peer connections, and skill-building activities.
NCYLF will take place at North Carolina State University, with staff dates scheduled for July 18-23, 2026, and delegate dates July 19-23, 2026. Applications are now open, and the deadline to apply is March 20, 2026. Each year, 15-20 delegates are selected to participate in this unique opportunity designed to support young people navigating key transitions such as school to work, independence, and self-advocacy.
For application support, contact Parker Glick at parker@youthleadnc.org or (919) 278-7176 (texting welcome). Application assistance must be scheduled by March 6, 2026. Applications are due by March 20, 2026.
Staff Application: 2026 North Carolina Youth Leadership Forum Group Leaders' Application Please read the 2026 YLF Leadership FAQs: Roles & Expectations before applying!
Delegate Application: 2026 North Carolina Youth Leadership Forum Delegate Application
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Teen Depression and Autism: Unique Challenges, Effective Strategies for Support
Families for Depression Awareness is presenting our free webinar — Teen Depression and Autism: Unique Challenges, Effective Strategies for Support — on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM ET/ 4:00 to 5:30 PM PT. We would greatly appreciate your support in sharing this resource with your network.
Join Families for Depression Awareness for a webinar exploring the complex relationship between depression and autism in teens. Sara Rodrigues, DSW, LICSW will discuss how to recognize and respond to depression symptoms in autistic teens. We’ll explore practical strategies for assessment and treatment that respect sensory needs and individual communication styles. You’ll learn practical approaches to support your teen’s mental health, including building positive identity and developing personalized emotional recognition tools.
Register to join us for a live webinar discussion or watch on demand after it airs.
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 Registration is Open for Camp PlayWELL
Spend a summer building self-confidence by participating on hands-on activities taught by the Poe Center’s expert health educators. Campers will also have exclusive access to our newly-renovated PlayWELL Park.
The Poe Center’s fully-immersive summer camp is where health is “the heart” of the experience. Each week focuses on a different aspect of healthy living: nutrition, gardening, physical activity, mental health, body science, and community health. At Camp PlayWELL, kids don’t just learn about healthy habits, they experience and practice them.
Each week incorporates unique physical activities and games, hands-on activities that explain how body systems function and connect, and nutrition themes that support healthy lifestyles. Campers will explore how food travels from farm to table and learn about the organizations that support food systems.
WHO: Rising 1st – 5th grade students (grouped by age)
WHAT: Camp PlayWELL Summer Day Camp
WHEN: June 22 – August 14, 2026 (8 weeks total) including the week of July 4, 2026
Weekly themed sessions, Monday-Friday
WHERE: Poe Center for Health Education | 224 Sunnybrook Rd, Raleigh, NC 27610
HOW: Register online here.
COST: Starting at $350 per camper per week. Cooking- and garden-themed week rates are $380.
QUESTIONS: Alaina Hart, Camp Coordinator | (919) 231-4006
 America's Healthiest Schools
Healthy Schools Help Everyone Thrive
A 2025 survey of past participants in our national recognition program revealed:
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99% increased their knowledge of student health and well-being policies and practices
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96% agreed the program enhanced their school's reputation as a leader in student and staff health and wellness
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92% agreed their participation contributed to new or sustained wellness initiatives for staff
Being named one of America’s Healthiest Schools is more than just an accolade. It’s a reflection of your team's dedication to creating school environments where everyone thrives. Submit your application by April 14, 2026!
View the 2026 Award Guide | America’s Healthiest Schools | Alliance for a Healthier Generation.
💡 TIP💡 Join your school or district team in the Healthier Generation Action Center to collaborate.
NC Problem Gambling Program Youth Prevention Education Research Grant Program
Request for Proposals:
Grants of up to $10,00 are available for middle schools, high schools and at-risk community-based programs in North Carolina to implement the NC Problem Gambling Program Youth Prevention Education (YPE) 10 modules. Instructors are trained, provided technical support and given the materials needed to implement the program.
The North Carolina Problem Gambling Program addresses youth problem gambling as part of a broader effort to prevent high-risk behaviors among young people. The program educates students about how their environments—social, physical, and digital—can create toxic stress. This stress impairs critical thinking and emotional regulation, often leading young people to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms. Over time, these patterns can evolve into harmful behaviors and addictions that compromise brain health.
Important Information:
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All grant applicants must attend one of the three Request for Proposal Webinars options.
- Grant applications will be provided to those who attend.
- Please review the grant guidelines to better understand the application procedure.
- Please click on the link below to register for one of the webinars.
- https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RFPWebinar2026
RFP Webinar Dates: One last webinar opportunity TODAY!
Monday, March 2 from 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Dates to Remember:
- Grant applications are due on March 15, 2026
- Grant award announcements will be made on April 15, 2026
- Grant contracts are due by April 30, 2026
- Funding dispersed by June 1, 2026
- All awarded grantees must complete UNC-BHS Adolescent Gambling and Gaming Series asynchronous modules by July 15, 2026
- All awarded grantees must attend NCFADS summer school on July 19 – July 21, 2026, in Wilmington, NC
Please read the grant guidelines thoroughly before applying: YPE_Reserach_Grant_Program_2026_Guidelines_1.26.26.pdf
 The Walking Classroom Captures the National Spotlight
This week, Healthier Generation CEO Kathy Higgins and teacher Tara O'Shea joined The Kelly Clarkson Show to talk about the impact of The Walking Classroom on schools across the country. Watch the segment to hear more about how this evidence-based podcast program is helping students thrive academically, physically, and emotionally.
11 Principles of Character Education
Building School Culture Where Every Student Thrives
March 25, 2026 | 9:00-4:00 Register Harnett County Schools Gentry Educator Development Center 114 Porter Drive Erwin, NC 28339
Join NCDPI for an interactive workshop on the 11 Principles of Character Education. Learn practical strategies, explore NC success stories, and gain tools to strengthen school culture and support your School of Character application.
Participants will gain:
- A clear overview of each principle
- Strategies to improve school culture
- Guidance for the School of Character application
Questions? Contact Justyn.Burgess@ncdpi.nc.gov
 Have a Story to Share About Your School Health Efforts? We Want to Hear...
We want to help elevate the work you are doing to address the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child across NC.
Please take a moment to share about your district and school-level efforts to enhance wellbeing for students, staff, and families. And provide any pictures you may have to help convey your story.
Email Susanne.Schmal@dpi.nc.govto share your initial success (just a few statements) and we can collaborate to develop further and include in upcoming issues of the NC Healthy Schools Update.
Thank you!
March / April Health Observances Include:
- March 1st - 7th is National School Social Work Week
- March 2nd - 6th is National School Breakfast Week
- March 8th - 14th is National Sleep Awareness Week
- March is Women's History Month
- March is National Nutrition Month
- March is National Kidney Month
- March is Brain Injury Awareness Month
- March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
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- April 2nd is National Walking Day
- April 7th is World Health Day
- April 10th is National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NYHAAD)
- April 6th - 12th is National Public Health Week
- April 12th - 18th is STI Awareness Week
- April 20th - 24th is Every Kid Healthy Week
- April 22nd is Earth Day
- April is Minority Health Month
- April is Autism Awareness Month
- April is Alcohol Awareness Month
- April is Defeat Diabetes Month
- April is IBS Awareness Month
- April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
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