scotia-glenville wellness policy
5405 WELLNESS POLICY
(updated August 2012)
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;
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
club/intramural level physical activities are 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 K-12.
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 Consumer Science.
• Provides educational information
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
should be used, if the celebration is to involve food.
• The district prohibits the use
of food/candy as an incentive.
Vending machines:
• Every drink vending machine
accessible to students offers only 100% fruit or vegetable juice,
Vitamin water, Gatorade Perform, water or tea; any snack machines
accessible to students must have at least 50% healthy choices, and
are prohibited from having candy as an option. Vending machines
will not be available for sales during scheduled meal times.
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 during scheduled meal
times.
• 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.
• School-affiliated groups
(clubs, 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 is provided.
• Whole milk in the school lunch
program is eliminated. However, physician documented medical needs
will be accommodated.
• The district food service vendor
provides only 100% juice, fat-free white milk, fat-free chocolate
milk, 1% white milk, Powerade Zero, tea and water.
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 opportunities
for 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.
Download the Wellness Policy (PDF)
Rev. 8/12
