Wellness Policy

  • Campbell County School District #1
    Wellness Policy 5205

    Intent
     
    Campbell County School District shall promote student well-being and academic achievement by supporting quality nutrition and physical activity as part of the learning environment. The District recognizes that collaborating with parents, students, school personnel, health professionals, and community members is the most effective method of creating a healthy environment where children can learn about and adopt positive lifestyle habits that are essential for students to achieve their full academic potential, as well as lifelong good health and well being.
     
    Rationale
     
    Healthy eating patterns, respect for body size differences, and physical activity are essential for students to reach their academic potential, full physical and mental growth, and lifelong health and well being. Studies have shown a strong link among nutrition, physical activity and learning. Positive correlations have been made regarding academic performance as measured by test scores, concentration, tardiness, attendance rates, and discipline.
     
    Healthy eating and physical activity are also clearly linked to the reduced risk for mortality and development of many chronic diseases. Over the past 20 years the percentage of overweight children has doubled and the percentage of overweight adolescents has tripled. Being overweight increases the risk of children developing Type 2 diabetes, asthma, and cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, as well as some forms of cancer. Overweight children often experience low self-esteem and even depression. In economic terms, the effects of students' poor nutrition and physical activity patterns can potentially cost vital dollars to schools each year.
     
    Because students are in school for a substantial portion of the day, school districts have a responsibility to help students establish and maintain lifelong, healthy and enjoyable eating and physical activity patterns, while creating environments that reflect respect for body size differences.
     
    Increasing evidence suggests that schools are more effective in preventing long-term health problems when they work together with students, parents, and the community. A school wellness council that includes parents, community leaders, health professionals, students, and school personnel can facilitate communication, efficiently use resources, and provide consistency in decision making.
     
    ADOPTION DATE: Adopted August 28, 2006

    Nutrition Education:
    •Following district curriculum, students will receive behavior-focused nutrition education that is interactive and teaches the knowledge, attitudes, skills and behaviors they need to adopt healthy and enjoyable eating habits that last a lifetime.
    •State and district health education curriculum standards and guidelines will be met or exceeded.
    •The staff teaching nutrition education will be adequately prepared and participate regularly in professional development activities to effectively deliver an accurate nutrition education program. Professional development activities will provide basic knowledge of nutrition, combined with skills practice in program-specific activities and instructional techniques and strategies designed to promote healthy eating habits and the importance of body size acceptance.
    •The school cafeteria will offer a supporting link with lessons learned in the classroom and the practice of making health-promoting food choices.
    •The District will build awareness among students, teachers, food service staff, coaches, nurses and other school staff about the importance of nutrition, physical activity and body size acceptance to academic success and lifelong wellness.
    •The District will encourage parents, teachers, school personnel, and students to serve as role models in practicing healthy eating and being physically active.

    Physical Education:
    •State and district physical education curriculum standards and guidelines will be met or exceeded.
    •Physical education will actively engage all youth, regardless of skill level, and teach the knowledge, attitudes, skills and behaviors that students need to adopt and enjoy a physically active lifestyle.
    •The District will provide ongoing professional training and development for staff in the area of physical activity.
    •The District will not allow courses or activities to be substituted for physical education or physical activities without the express permission of the building principal.
    •Elementary school students will receive a minimum weekly average of 250 minutes of physical activity.
    •Secondary students enrolled in physical education will receive a weekly average of 225 minutes of physical activity.
    •Physical activity opportunities will focus on individual activities in addition to competitive and non-competitive team sports.
    •Students will be given opportunities for physical activity whenever possible during the school day including but not limited to daily recess periods, physical education (PE) classes and walking programs.
    •The District will provide an environment that encourages safe and enjoyable activity for all students, including those who are not athletically gifted.
    •Teachers and other school personnel will not use physical activity (e.g., running, laps, pushups) as punishment.
    •The District will encourage families and community members to support programs outside of the school that encourage physical activity.

    Nutrition Standards for All Foods Available on Each School Campus During the School Day:
    •The District shall use the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the USDA School Meal Program requirements, and the criteria for the USDA Healthier US School Challenge when deciding what foods and beverages will be available to students through:

    (Vending Machines, a la carte, snacks, student stores)
    •A school authority will be responsible for monitoring the content of food and beverages in vending machines and school stores to ensure that only health-promoting foods are available for sale to students.
    •During each school day Nutrition Services will offer meals, if possible, which meet the guidelines of the USDA's National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs.
    •Schools may not sell any food (in vending machines, school stores, or otherwise) that competes with the School Meal Programs during service.
    •Nutrition Services shall provide appealing and attractive meals to children that offer a variety of fruits and vegetables and ensure that half of the served grains are whole grain.
    •The promotion of healthy foods - including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products - will be encouraged.
    •The District will arrange bus schedules and utilize methods that encourage breakfast participation, including serving breakfast in the classroom and grab-and-go breakfasts.
    •Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) guidelines will be implemented.
    •Parents and teachers will be encouraged to model healthy eating habits while on school property.
    •Advertising messages will be consistent with and reinforce the objectives of the education and nutrition environment goals of the school.

    Other School-Based Activities Designed to Promote Student Wellness:
    •Recess will be encouraged for elementary grades before lunch so that children will come to lunch less distracted and ready to eat.
    •Lunch periods will be scheduled as near the middle of the day as possible.
    •The District will provide enough space and serving areas to ensure student access to school meals with a minimum of wait time.
    •Convenient access to facilities for hand washing shall be available.
    •Safe drinking water will be available throughout the school day.
    •The District shall promote healthy eating and enjoyable physical activity and respect for body size differences, using posters, special promotions, media events, newsletters, and health fairs throughout the school year.
    •The District will discourage the consistent use of unhealthy snacks or treats as a reward.

    Maintain a District Wellness Advisory Council and Monitor and Review the Policy:
    •The District shall utilize a district Wellness Advisory Council.
    •It is recommended that the District Wellness Advisory Council include: nutrition service director/manager, dietitian, medical professional, school nurse, parent representative, student representative, teacher, school board member, PE/health teacher, family and consumer science teacher, and community members.
    ADOPTION DATE: Adopted August 28, 2006; Revised April 24, 2007