Healthy Schools Campaign

Chicago’s Green Infrastructure Strategy is open for public comment through July 10th. This updated roadmap emphasizes the role of green infrastructure in mitigating flooding, supporting health and well-being and expanding access to nature and green space. We are encouraged to see Space to Grow and the citywide Maintenance Working Group, two initiatives that we help lead, highlighted as key avenues for advancing this work.

Space to Grow shows what is possible when public agencies, nonprofits, and communities partner to transform schoolyards into vibrant, health-promoting spaces. The program has created 41 schoolyards, with 4 more coming this summer, and is a partnership between Healthy Schools Campaign, Openlands, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Department of Water Management and Chicago Department of Environment.

Review the strategy and share input here:
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/2026-green-infrastructure-strategy/home.html

Photos courtesy of Space to Grow.

Join the launch webinar for Chicago’s updated Green Infrastructure Strategy during Water Week! The plan puts much-needed focus on maintenance and reinforces nature-based solutions as essential infrastructure for the health and well-being of our communities. Tune in on May 5th at 10 AM to learn more and share your input to help shape the final strategy: https://currentwater.org/events/city-of-chicago-green-strategy-launch/

Openlands

HSC's April newsletter theme is 🌱🌍 Check it out to get the latest policy updates and happenings, including a new webinar from the Healthy Green Schools & Colleges program. And if you're in the Chicago area, join us for "Growing Resilience: A Space to Grow Tour at Farmer Elementary" during on May 7! RSVP to both and see what else we're up to in our monthly newsletter ➡️ https://mailchi.mp/healthyschoolscampaign.org/jan-2026-newsletter-7229748

Chicago Water Week is almost here💧and we’re excited to be part of the action!

Join HSC, Openlands and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago on Thursday, May 7th (3-4 PM) for a green schoolyard tour at James Farmer, Jr. Elementary School in Bronzeville. Completed in 2025, this space features green infrastructure like bioswales and permeable pavers that help address flooding and protect water quality. You’ll also get to explore the schoolyard's health-promoting elements like edible gardens, outdoor learning spaces and areas for sports and active play.

Free to attend, register at https://luma.com/1420w62n

Did you miss HSC's last newsletter? It's not too late to get caught up on our work supporting healthy schools! Read the latest about the Healthy Green Schools & Colleges program, Space to Grow happenings and even an interview with Chicago Public Schools' new Head of Nutrition Support Services ➡️ https://mailchi.mp/healthyschoolscampaign.org/jan-2026-newsletter-7229616🌷🍎😊

💬 When students feel seen, valued and connected they are more likely to show up and stay engaged in learning. Join us on April 1 at 12pm PT / 3 ET for Attendance Awareness Campaign Webinar 1: Nurture Belonging in the Spring.
- Learn how to build school environments that support belonging
- Explore data-informed strategies to identify students who may feel disconnected
- Hear how schools and districts are strengthening relationships to support attendance

📢 Don’t miss this free event

🔗 Register: https://www.attendanceworks.org/resources/webinars/

On March 24, from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. eastern, join AFT Share My Lesson for "From Mandatory Reporting to Mandated Support: Understanding Educator Power to Transform Family Crisis Response."

Miesha Parker navigated family separation through the child welfare system based on school reports. Parker will discuss five ways educators hold power as mandatory reporters, then share a three-tier framework for using power to support families before crisis escalates.

In this free, for-credit professional learning opportunity, educators will practice distinguishing between situations that require emergency response versus opportunities for resource connection. Register and share: bit.ly/3MWXcVW

Green schoolyards are critical public infrastructure for learning, health, well-being and climate resilience. The Green Schoolyards Action Agenda has been refreshed and calls on communities and cross-sector leaders to work together to expand equitable access to green schoolyards nationwide. Healthy Schools Campaign is proud to support this work and remains committed to working alongside Space to Grow partners to bring green schoolyards to life in Chicago. Add your voice to this national call to action at https://www.childrenandnature.org/green-schoolyards-action-agenda/

📸Photos 2-3: Chicago Space to Grow schoolyards - students playing at Bradwell Elementary (opened 2025) and gardens at O’Keeffe Elementary (opened 2021).

Children & Nature Network

From expanding Medicaid-funded school-based health centers to fostering collaboration with other health organizations, states recognize the vital role schools play in delivering care in rural areas.

While school Medicaid programs can bring in more money for school districts, implementing a Medicaid reimbursement program can be administratively complex, especially in rural districts. States can use Rural Health Transformation (RHT) funds for time-limited projects that will increase their ability to successfully receive Medicaid reimbursement.

Check out our new blog post to learn more about our ideas for using these funds to support more rural school districts in drawing down critical federal funds to support student health. Also included is a breakdown of how how some states are involving school health programs in their project plans, based on grant abstracts and state spotlights compiled by CMS.

How States Are Partnering With Schools to Advance Rural Health Programs From expanding Medicaid-funded school-based health centers to fostering collaboration with other health organizations, states recognize the vital role schools play in delivering care in rural areas. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently

Students succeed when they are healthy – and schools play a crucial role in improving and maintaining kids’ health. But school health efforts and funding for student health services are under threat. Medicaid, which supports around $8 billion in school health services annually, faces the largest cuts in its history, totaling nearly $1 trillion over the next 10 years.

Strong, strategic and effective advocacy is needed to ensure all kids can continue to access the care and support they need to learn and thrive.

Join us on Thursday, Feb. 26, for a roundtable discussion with school health and advocacy experts about the role you can play in protecting school Medicaid and student health in your state.

This conversation will be audience-driven: Submit a question when you register or bring your questions to the session. No question is too wonky for our panel! Register and submit your questions today: bit.ly/protect-student-health