Steve Jefferies (Admin)
Board Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 45
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 25, 2005 - 2:55 pm: |       |
Posted below is a copy of the Ellensburg, WA school district Wellness policy. This policy was adopted in August, 2005. The policy is also attached in Word format at the end of this message.
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Policy No. 6700
Management Support
WELLNESS POLICY
A healthy school is one that integrates community, family, and schools to provide for students a positive continuum of intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development on which to base lifelong decisions. (Source: National Association of State Boards of Education, Healthy Schools Vision Statement.)
As required by the State of Washington, the Ellensburg School Districts School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs will follow the U.S. Nutritional Standards and Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
The board recognizes that childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels in Washington and throughout the country. Overweight children are at a higher risk for developing severe long-term health problems, and overweight children are affected by discrimination, psychological stress, and low self-esteem. However, research indicates that obesity and subsequent diseases are largely preventable through diet and regular physical activity. Research also indicates that becoming physically active and maintaining a regular physical activity program significantly reduces the risk of some obesity and some cancers, diabetes and other chronic diseases.
Families are the primary teachers and caregivers for their children.
Although the primary mission of schools is education, the present and future health, safety, and well-being of students are also the concern of Ellensburg School district. Ellensburg School District shares with families and the community the responsibility for the physical, mental, and social well-being of its students.
Children who eat well-balanced meals and are healthy are more likely to learn in the classroom. The board supports increased emphasis on nutrition as well as physical activity at all grade levels to enhance the well-being of our districts youth. Therefore, it is the policy of the board to:
A. Provide students access to nutritious food;
B. Provide opportunities for physical activity and developmentally appropriate exercise; and
C. Proved accurate information related to these topics.
Food Services
The Board authorizes the Superintendent to administer the Food Service Program, provided that any decision to enter into a contract with a private management company will require the approval of the Board.
The Superintendent shall establish rules for the sale of foods sold during the school day consistent with this policy and the goals of the district.
The district will provide free and reduced price meals to students according to the terms of the National School Lunch Program, federal law and the rules of the state. The district will inform parents of the eligibility standards for free or reduced priced meals. Reasonable efforts will be made to protect the identity of students receiving such meals. A parent has the right to appeal any decision with respect to his/her application for free or reduced priced meals to the superintendent.
The board may establish a program whereby school meals may be provided to anyone other than students of the district at the greatest price charged any student plus an amount representing the portion of the lunch cost paid for from state and federal assistance (cash and food).
Food Services shall aim to be self supportive.
Nutrition - Food and Beverages
National School Lunch Program/School Breakfast Program:
Meals must meet the USDA Nutritional Standards and the American Dietary Guidelines
Meals must contain calories according to age group with 30% or less calories from fat and 10% or less of calories derived from saturated fat.
Meals will be planned to encourage the consumption of nutrient dense foods, i.e. whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
Salad bars and other types of food bars will be encouraged.
Certified organic foods will be considered.
Foods should be served with consideration toward variety, appeal, taste and safety to ensure high quality meals.
The Food Service Program will not accept donations of food without the express approval of the Board.
The district will use food commodities made available under the Federal Food Commodity Program for school meals.
All food and beverage shall meet federal, state and local guidelines for safety and sanitation.
Nutritional meal data is available to parents, staff and students on request.
Weekly nutrient averages for school meals will be included on school menus.
Ala Carte, Vending Machines, School Stores and other Food Sales:
Carbonated beverages cannot be sold to students anywhere on the school campus during breakfast and lunch.
Elementary Schools
Vending machines will not be available to students. Ala carte sales during breakfast and lunch are limited to milk, a second meal or an entrιe item after the first meal has been received. Milk will be available for purchase to students who bring a sack lunch from home.
Secondary Schools
Healthy food and beverages, as determined below, may be sold during the school day from vending machines or the Food Service Department. The school principal will instruct teachers not to allow students to leave class during and before the end of the class period to purchase food or beverages.
No more than 40% of the total calories in a food product are from fat. This does not apply to the sale of nuts or seed or real cheese snacks.
No more than 10% of the total calories in a food product are from saturated fat.
During the school day, individual food items can be no larger than . . .
o 1.5 oz or less-Snacks and sweets
o 2 oz-Cookies and Cereal Bars
o 3 oz-Bakery Items
o 3 oz-Frozen Desserts
o 8 oz-Yogurts
o 1 oz-Nuts and Seeds
Sales will be limited to those foods that make a nutritional contribution, such as corn chips, beef jerky, plain popcorn, fruit, cheese and crackers, juices, peanuts, nuts and seeds, ice cream, granola bars, yogurt, pretzels fruit leather, trail mix, etc.
Pricing of products to give healthful items a competitive edge will be implemented.
All food and beverages must meet federal, state and local guidelines for safety and sanitation.
Vending sales of candies and chewing gum will not be permitted on the school grounds.
Nonvending sales of candy will be permitted only at the conclusion of the instructional day.
Foods sold as ASB Fundraisers that deviate from the nutritional standards must have the prior approval of the principal or designee.
School Stores
No candy or beverages will be sold in school stores.
Eating Environment
Meals are scheduled at appropriate times, with adequate time and space to eat and socialize in a pleasant environment, which has attractive serving and eating areas. It is recommend that at least 20 minutes be allotted for lunch from the time the student is seated.
Lunch periods are scheduled as near the middle of the day as possible.
Elementary school principals are encouraged to schedule recess before lunch.
Convenient access to hand-washing facilities before meals will be available. Students will wash their hands before eating.
Teacher-to-Student Incentive
Strong consideration should be given to nonfood items as part of any teacher-to student incentive programs. Teachers who feel compelled to utilize food items as an incentive shall adhere to the District Nutritional Standards.
Physical Activity
A quality physical education program is an essential component for all students to learn about and participate in physical activity. Physical activity should be included in a schools daily education program from grades pre-K through 12. Physical activity should include regular instructional physical education, co-curricular activities, and recess. Substituting any one of these components for the other is not appropriate.
The school district will also adhere to the state requirements concerning the amount of time students receive Physical Education weekly.
It is recommended that the school district provide a family activity program opportunity for families that need additional attention to their health. It should specifically be available to those families who have students that are identified through Physical Education, Health Education, medical exams, or other professionally run health appraisals as needing additional physical activity and education beyond that attained through the typical school day.
It is recommended that schools provide brief exercise breaks throughout the school day to enhance student focus and attention.
Physical activity unrelated to misconduct including the denial of recess at the elementary level should not be used or withheld as a form of discipline.
Education
All instructional staff are encouraged to integrate positive health promotion themes into daily lessons when appropriate. The benefits of good health and physical activity should be emphasized.
Nutrition and health education should be provided to parents in the form of handouts, postings on the District website, newsletters, or presentations that focus on healthy lifestyles.
The district will develop and teach a health and physical education curriculum that meets Washington standards and is articulated K-12.
Wellness Policy Evaluation
The Superintendent will provide an annual report to the Board of Directors on the implementation and progress of this policy and provide recommendations to the board for policy revision.
Staff Wellness
The board believes that opportunities for school staff to improve their health status through activities such as health assessments, health education and health-related fitness activities will encourage school staff to pursue a healthy lifestyle that contributes to their improved health status, improved morale, and a greater personal commitment to the schools overall comprehensive health program. This personal commitment often transfers into greater commitment to the health of students and creates positive role modeling. Health promotion activities have improved productivity, decreased absenteeism, and reduced health insurance costs.
In fulfillment of this belief, the board encourages staff to use the health assessment, exercise and recreation equipment throughout the district, to maintain a balanced work schedule and to enjoy opportunities to rejuvenate themselves through healthy recreational activities. Healthy diet choices will be provided to staff.
Cross References: Board Policy 3241 Classroom management, corrective actions or punishment
Legal References: RCW 28A.235.120 Lunchrooms Establishment and operation Personnel for Agreement for
28A.235 Surplus or Donated Food Commodities for School Hot Lunch Programs
28A.235.130 Milk for children at school expense
28A.623.020 Nonprofit meal program for elderly Authorized Restrictions
69.04 Food, Drugs, Cosmetics, and Poisons
69.06.010 Food service worker permit
69.06.020 Permit exclusive and valid throughout state Fee
69.06.030 Diseased persons May not work Employer may not hire
69.06.050 Permit to be secured within fourteen days from time of employment.
69.06.070 Limited duty permit
7 CFR, Parts 210 and 220
7 CFR, Part 245.5
Adoption Date: August 24, 2005
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Ellensburg SD Wellness Policy, October 2005
