Wellness Council
Policy |
Regulations |
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FAQ’s |
Why do we have a Wellness Council? A 2004 federal mandate required all schools participating in federally subsidized school lunch programs to have a Wellness Policy developed and put in place by June 30, 2006. The policy was to include the following elements: goals for nutrition education, physical activity and other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness. The mandate originated from the need to address the significant rise in childhood obesity and inactivity. Some alarming U.S. statistics which have prompted the beginning of these initiatives: - 9 million children ages 6 to 19 are overweight What does the Wellness Committee do?
Kristen Foote, Baker Guidance Counselor (Co-leader) kfoote@bville.org
The policy is to provide guidelines in the following Wellness areas: |
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WELLNESS POLICY & REGULATIONS |
Click here for Policy and Regulations in printable (pdf) format 2006 5665 Non-Instructional/Business SUBJECT: BALDWINSVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT WELLNESS POLICY The Baldwinsville Central School District is committed to providing a school environment that promotes and protects students’ health, well-being, and the ability to learn by promoting healthy eating and physical activity habits. The B.C.S.D has established a Wellness Council to develop the proposed local wellness policy, making such policy recommendations for review and adoption by the Board of Education. The B.C.S.D Wellness Council includes, but is not limited to, representatives from each of the following groups: a) Parents Goals to Promote Student Wellness The B.C.S.D will provide nutrition education with an emphasis on establishing lifelong habits of healthy eating and physical activity, and will establish linkages between health education and school meal programs, and with related community services. Communication with and training for teachers, parents, students, and food service personnel will be an integral part of the District's implementation plan. 2006 5665 2 of 6
Non-Instructional/Business SUBJECT: BALDWINSVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT WELLNESS POLICY Nutrition Education (Cont.d) a. Classroom teaching: b. Education, marketing and promotion links outside the classroom: c. Fundraising The B.C.S.D will provide opportunities for every student to develop the knowledge and skills for specific physical activities, to maintain physical fitness, to regularly participate in physical activity, and to understand the short-term and long-term benefits of a physically active and healthy lifestyle. The Wellness Council has determined that the following standards are necessary to achieve this goal: All students will be required to participate in Physical Education instruction and meet the State requirement for credits needed for graduation. 2006 5665 3 of 6
Non-Instructional/Business SUBJECT: BALDWINSVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT WELLNESS POLICY Physical Activity (Cont’d.) a. Students will participate in Physical Education each semester they are in school. b. Students with special needs will have programs set-up to meet their needs in an inclusion setting or if needed, individually. Physical activity outside physical education class: Other School-Based ActivitiesThe District wishes to establish a school environment that presents consistent wellness messages and is conducive to healthy eating and physical activity habits for all. In order to present a coordinated school approach where District decision-making related to nutrition and physical activity encompasses all aspects of the school, the Wellness Council has determined that the following standards are necessary to achieve this goal: - All students are offered the opportunity to participate in breakfast and lunch. 2006 5665 4 of 6
Non-Instructional/Business SUBJECT: BALDWINSVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT WELLNESS POLICY Nutrition GuidelinesThe District Wellness Council will recommend which nutrition standards will be established for all foods available on school campus during the school day based upon the unique needs of the student body and the community. The goal is to encourage healthy lifelong eating habits by providing foods that are high in nutrients, low in fat and added sugars, and of moderate portion size. Guidelines for reimbursable school meals shall not be less restrictive than applicable federal regulations and guidance issued pursuant to the Child Nutrition Act and the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, as those regulations and guidance apply to schools. Nutritional Values of Foods and Beverages a. Reimbursable school meals served at school will minimally meet the program requirements and nutrition standards of the National School Lunch Program. Food for Celebrations and as a Reward Celebrations and rewards in classrooms should include non-food rewards as well as foods with nutritional value that promote students’ health and well-being. Ideas for non-food related ideas for rewards and celebrations as well as healthy food choices will be promoted by the Wellness Council and are included in the attached guidelines. Implementation and Evaluation of the Wellness PolicyThe B.C.S.D will ensure school and community awareness of this policy through various means such as publication in District newsletters and/or the District calendar. Further, 2006 5665 5 of 6
Non-Instructional/Business SUBJECT: BALDWINSVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT WELLNESS POLICY Implementation and Evaluation of the Wellness Policy (Cont’d.) professional development activities for staff and student awareness training will be provided, as appropriate, on the goals of the District's wellness program, including activities/programs for the development of healthy eating habits and the incorporation of physical activity as part of a comprehensive healthy lifestyle. The B.C.S.D has established an implementation and evaluation plan in order to monitor the effectiveness of this policy and the possible need for further modification over time. Accordingly, the Superintendent has designated the following staff members within the District to have operational responsibility for ensuring that the District meets the goals and mandates of the Wellness Policy. Designated staff members may include, but are not limited to, the following personnel: a) Administrators; These designated staff members shall report to the Superintendent on the District's compliance with the Wellness Policy and the Superintendent shall inform the Board of Education of such findings. These designated school officials will also serve as a liaison with community agencies in providing outside resources to help in the development of nutrition education programs and physical activities. Evaluation and feedback from interested parties, including an assessment of student, parent, teacher, and administration satisfaction with the Wellness Policy, is essential to the District's evaluation program. Further, the District shall document the financial impact, if any, to the school food service program, school stores, or vending machine revenues based on the implementation of the Wellness Policy. 2006 5665 Non-Instructional/Business SUBJECT: BALDWINSVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT WELLNESS POLICY Implementation and Evaluation of the Wellness Policy (Cont’d.) To the extent practicable, students and parents shall be involved in the development of strategies designed to promote healthy food choices in the school environment; and the school cafeteria will provide a variety of nutritionally sound meal and beverage choices. The school will encourage students' active, age appropriate participation in decisions regarding healthy lifestyles and choices. Positive reinforcement such as letters of recognition and acknowledgment will be utilized as a means to encourage healthy eating patterns among the student population. In addition, the school will share information about the nutritional content of meals with parents and students; such information may be made available on menus, a website, or such other "point-of-purchase" materials. Also See: Policy #7430 Fund Raising By Students Adopted: 06/05/06 2006 5665R 1 of 10
Non-Instructional/Business SUBJECT: BALDWINSVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT WELLNESS POLICY (Regulations) Physical Activity Outside PE Classes We will encourage students to participate in our intramural program, fitness program and/or our inter-scholastic program after the school day. Depending on the activity, students will be encouraged to participate 3 to 6 days per week in some sort of physical activity for 20 to 120 minutes per session. Sport camps throughout the summer will also be organized and run by booster clubs and recreation departments to provide opportunities for students to stay active and physically fit. Physical Education Instructors will also include in their lessons the available community resources that our students could use to continue their goal to achieve a healthy lifestyle and to maintain and improve on their overall fitness level. The B.C.S.D will continue to provide community access to District facilities for physical activity. Such activity will be approved and scheduled through the District Office. Recess time should be designed in a manner that encourages physical activity as weather permits. Classroom Rewards: Promote Good Habits While Protecting Students’ Health, and the Harm in Using Food to Reward Students Rewarding students in the classroom need not involve pizza parties, cake and ice cream, candy and other foods that undermine students’ diets and health while reinforcing unhealthy eating habits. We need to teach students how to make healthy choices and to eat to fulfill nutritional needs, not as a reward for performance or behavior. Providing food based on performance and behavior connects food to mood, and can encourage students to eat treats when they are not hungry. The habit of comforting oneself with food can result in illness, disease, obesity and even a shortened life-span. The best practice is not to use food as a reward, and at a minimum not to use low-nutrition foods at all. 2006 5665R 2 of 10
Non-Instructional/Business SUBJECT: BALDWINSVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT WELLNESS POLICY B.C.S.D Wellness Council’s Suggestions for Non-Food rewards, Alternative Ideas for Fund-Raising and Nutritious Classroom Foods Classroom rewards can be an effective way to encourage positive behavior. In our efforts to encourage positive behavior, it is important that the results do not include encouraging and reinforcing unhealthy habits related to food. Social Rewards - Attention, praise, thanks, and simple gestures like pats on the shoulder, verbal praise (including in front of others), nods or a smile can mean a lot. These types of social rewards affirm a student’s worth as a person. Recognition -Trophy, plaque, ribbon, certificate with an affirming message Privileges -“No homework” pass 2006 5665R 3 of 10
Non-Instructional/Business SUBJECT: BALDWINSVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT WELLNESS POLICY B.C.S.D Wellness Council’s Suggestions for Non-Food rewards, Alternative Ideas for Fund-Raising and Nutritious Classroom Foods (Cont’d.) Privileges -Teaching the class -Extra recess School Supplies, Trinkets -Books, bookmarks 2006 5665R 4 of 10
Non-Instructional/Business SUBJECT: BALDWINSVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT WELLNESS POLICY B.C.S.D Wellness Council’s Suggestions for Non-Food rewards, Alternative Ideas for Fund-Raising and Nutritious Classroom Foods (Cont’d.) School Supplies, Trinkets -Highlighters, markers or crayons A Token or Point System for Prizes -Gift Certificate to a bookstore or sporting goods store 2006 5665R 5 of 10
Non-Instructional/Business SUBJECT: BALDWINSVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT WELLNESS POLICY B.C.S.D Wellness Council’s Suggestions for Non-Food rewards, Alternative Ideas for Fund-Raising and Nutritious Classroom Foods (Cont’d.) A Token or Point System for Prizes -Jump ropes, paddleballs, Frisbees, hula hoops Creative Ideas for Alternative Fund-Raising 2006 5665R 6 of 10
Non-Instructional/Business SUBJECT: BALDWINSVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT WELLNESS POLICY B.C.S.D Wellness Council’s Suggestions for Non-Food rewards, Alternative Ideas for Fund-Raising and Nutritious Classroom Foods (Cont’d.) Creative Ideas for Alternative Fund-Raising • Family/glamour portraits 2006 5665R 7 of 10
Non-Instructional/Business SUBJECT: BALDWINSVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT WELLNESS POLICY B.C.S.D Wellness Council’s Suggestions for Non-Food rewards, Alternative Ideas for Fund-Raising and Nutritious Classroom Foods (Cont’d.) Creative Ideas for Alternative Fund-Raising • Magic show 2006 5665R 8 of 10
Non-Instructional/Business SUBJECT: BALDWINSVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT WELLNESS POLICY B.C.S.D Wellness Council’s Suggestions for Non-Food rewards, Alternative Ideas for Fund-Raising and Nutritious Classroom Foods (Cont’d.) Creative Ideas for Alternative Fund-Raising Suggested Foods in the Classroom Healthy nutritional food choices are suggested by the Wellness Council when consuming any food in the classroom. Food allergies within the classroom are always the first consideration when making choices. Suggestions include: - Celebrate seasonal fruits and vegetables – connect kids to the local agriculture and growing seasons! 2006 5665R 9 of 10
Non-Instructional/Business SUBJECT: BALDWINSVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT WELLNESS POLICY B.C.S.D Wellness Council’s Suggestions for Non-Food rewards, Alternative Ideas for Fund-Raising and Nutritious Classroom Foods (Cont’d.) Suggested Foods in the Classroom - Granola / trail mix, without nuts Encourage your students to drink water throughout the day. Good hydration reduces headaches, sleepiness and hunger pains. (Remember to practice food safety. Cold foods need to be refrigerated, and no food should be served after two hours of being without refrigeration. Please contact your Food Service Staff if you have any questions.) 2006 5665R 10 of 10
Non-Instructional/Business SUBJECT: BALDWINSVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT WELLNESS POLICY References Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_05/7cfr210_05.html http://www.nojunkfood.org/fundraising/tosell.html http://www.actionforhealthykids.org Adopted: 06/05/06 |