scotia-glenville wellness policy
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.
Wellness Policy Guidelines
- Scotia-Glenville Central School District
Physical Activity
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.
Nutrition Education
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.
Foods and Beverages Available in
School and School-Sponsored Events
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:
Food as a Celebration
• 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 “reward”.
Vending Machines
• 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.
Fundraising
• 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.
Nutrition
• 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.
Other School-Based Activities
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:
Staff Development/ Health Promotion
Activities
• 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
