5405 WELLNESS POLICY
The Board of Education is committed to providing a school environment that enhances the learning and development of lifelong wellness practices for all of the children in the school district. In order to accomplish these goals, the Board hereby directs the Superintendent to develop regulations that are:
1. Consistent with Federal, State and local laws and wellness practice guidelines;
and
2. Support and promote a comprehensive health and physical education program for all of the students in the district.
Scotia-Glenville Central School District
Physical activity is an important factor in staying healthy and being ready to learn. The Board of Education encourages every student to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to perform a variety of physical activities, to regularly participate in physical activity, and to appreciate and enjoy physical activity as an ongoing part of a healthy lifestyle. In addition, staff, families, and community are encouraged to participate in and model physical activity as a valuable part of daily life.
In particular it is expected that:
¯ Each student participates in daily recess or physical education activities at the elementary level.
¯ Each student participates in physical education activities every other day at the middle and high school levels.
¯ Opportunities for intramural or club level physical activities be offered to students at the elementary, middle and high school levels.
¯ The district offers a physical education program that meets the state time mandates in grades 4-12 by September 2007, and in grades K-3 starting in September 2008.
The district believes that nutrition education is a key component in introducing and reinforcing healthy behaviors in students. Nutrition education that teaches the knowledge, skills, and values needed to adopt healthy eating behaviors shall be integrated into the curriculum. Nutrition education information shall be offered throughout the school campus including, but not limited to, school dining areas and classrooms. Staff members who provide nutrition education shall be appropriately certified and trained.
In particular it is expected that the district:
¯ Offers skills-based programs that meet the New York State mandates for Health Education and Family and Consumer Science.
¯ Provides educational programs for parents about nutrition and nutrition resources.
¯ Offers adult education opportunities in nutrition education and healthy food preparation.
¯ Makes nutrition information regarding foods served by the food services contractor available to students, parents and staff.
The district recognizes that a nutritious, well-balanced, reasonably portioned diet is essential for student wellness. To help students possess the knowledge and skills necessary to make nutritious food choices for a lifetime, the district shall work to ensure that all foods and beverages available in school promote good nutrition, balance, and reasonable portion sizes. The district shall strive to have reimbursable school meals meet or exceed the program requirements and nutrition standards found in federal regulations (including the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and Food Guide Pyramid).
In particular it is expected that:
¯ Classroom celebrations involving food are limited to two times per month. Because of increased concerns regarding childhood obesity and food allergies, commercially pre-packaged and store bought (and labeled) goods are expected to be used, if the celebration is to involve food.
¯ The district prohibits the use of food/candy as a ÒrewardÓ.
¯ Every drink vending machine accessible to students offers only 100% fruit or vegetable juice, water, or unsweetened tea; any snack machines accessible to students must have at least 50% healthy choices, and are prohibited from having candy as an option. A vending machine near the athletic offices in the high school can be programmed to sell sports drinks before athletic practices or games, starting at 2:30.
¯ Individual schools have advisory groups, which might include administrators, teachers, students and parents to plan fundraising calendars and healthy choice options for fundraising.
¯ Fundraising in the district involving food cannot take place until after the last period of the day.
¯ Effective March 2008, students and/or school clubs may only sell products which are commercially prepared and which follow the nutritional guidelines used by the district. (At present those guidelines are based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.) In particular, the selling of candy and soda are prohibited.
¯ Effective March 2008, school-affiliated community groups (PTA, booster club, etc.) which sell food or drinks after school hours are strongly encouraged to offer at least 50% healthy choices during their fundraising activities or events where food is sold. If these community groups provide food or drinks during the school day, they are required to follow the nutritional guidelines used by the district, including the prohibition of candy and soda.
¯ The district eliminates unnecessary trans-fat.
¯ Nutrition information to students about menu items be provided.
¯ Whole milk in the school lunch program be eliminated. However, medical needs will be accommodated.
¯ The district food service vendor provides only 100% juice, low fat and skim milk, unsweetened tea and water.
¯ The district serves prepared food to students during the school day that is only offered by the food-service vendor.
The district may implement other appropriate programs that help create a school environment that conveys consistent wellness messages and is conducive to healthy eating and physical activity. Such activities may include, but are not limited to, health forums or fairs, health newsletters, parent outreach, and employee health and wellness.
In particular it is expected that the district:
¯ Form a Health Promotion Task Force that might consist of staff, students and community members who will work with the District Health Coordinator to seek out and offer opportunities for wellness activities for staff, students and families.
Rev. 12/07