HAMPTON TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT No. 246 SECTION: PUPILS TITLE: STUDENT WELLNESS ADOPTED: June 21, 2006 REVISED: 246. STUDENT WELLNESS Purpose Authority P.L.108-265 Sec. 204 The Hampton Township School District recognizes the importance of nutrition, fitness and a healthy school environment for overall student well being. Therefore, the District is committed to providing a program that promotes student wellness through proper nutrition, nutrition education, physical education and regular physical activity as a part of the total learning experience. To ensure student wellness, the District will provide: - a nutrition program consistent with federal and state requirements. - foods and beverages, at a reasonable cost, consistent with federal and state nutritional guidelines. - a K-12 program that includes a curriculum that is designed to educate students about proper nutrition and lifelong physical activity, which incorporates the state academic standards. Delegation of Responsibility Policy No. 808 The superintendent, assistant superintendent and director of administrative services shall be responsible to monitor District schools, programs and curriculum to ensure compliance with this policy, related policies and established guidelines or administrative regulations. Each building principal shall report to the superintendent regarding compliance in his or her school. Staff members responsible for programs related to student wellness shall report to their building principal regarding the program status. The superintendent (or designee) will make recommendations to the Board on the Student Wellness Policy and establish guidelines or administrative regulations for its enforcement and to address needs that necessitate changes to improve nutrition, fitness and a healthy school environment. Page 1 of 5
P.L. 108-265 Sec. 204 No. 246. STUDENT WELLNESS POLICY - Pg. 2 The director of administrative services will seek assurance or confirmation from the Food Service Management Company that the guidelines for meals are not less restrictive than regulations and guidelines issued for schools in accordance with federal law. The report may include: - an evaluation of the food services program. - feedback received from District staff, students, parents/guardians, community members and the Wellness Committee. - suggestions for improvement in specific areas. Guidelines A Student Wellness Committee, comprised of multiple stakeholders, developed the Student Wellness Policy to focus on: - conveying the District s goals. - providing clear guidance regarding expectations and responsibilities. - consistency with federal and state laws, collective bargaining agreements, adopted policies, established rules and regulations. - clear direction to individuals who will be affected. - implementation in a timely manner, using available staff and resources. The Student Wellness Committee will act as a standing committee that meets annually to evaluate the effectiveness of the policy and make recommendations, as appropriate, to the superintendent. - The Wellness Committee may examine related research and laws, assess student needs and the current school environment, review existing Board policies and administrative regulations and raise awareness about student health issues. The Wellness Committee may make policy recommendations to the Board related to other health issues necessary to promote student wellness. - The Wellness Committee may survey parents/guardians and/or students; conduct community forums or focus groups; collaborate with appropriate community agencies and organizations; and engage in similar activities, within the budget established for these purposes. School Health Council A School Health Council (SHC) will be created in each District school. Professional staff, administrators, food service, students and community members may comprise the SHC. Improving the student health and well-being is the SHC overarching goal. Page 2 of 5
No. 246. STUDENT WELLNESS POLICY - Pg. 3 Nutrition Education The goal of nutrition education is to teach, encourage and support healthy eating. Promoting student health and nutrition enhances readiness for learning and should help to increase student achievement. - Nutrition education will be provided within the sequential, comprehensive health education and Family and Consumer Sciences programs in accordance with State Board of Education curriculum regulations and the academic standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education and Family and Consumer Sciences. - School food service and nutrition education classes shall cooperate to create a learning laboratory. - Nutrition education shall be integrated into other subjects to complement but not replace academic standards based on nutrition education. - Linking nutrition education and physical activity shall reinforce lifelong lifestyle balance. - Consistent nutrition messages shall be disseminated throughout the District, schools, classrooms, cafeterias, homes, community and media. - Nutrition education shall extend beyond the school environment by engaging and involving families and communities. Physical Activity District schools shall strive to provide opportunities for developmentally appropriate physical activity during and after the school day for all students. - Age-appropriate physical activity opportunities, such as recess; clubs; intramurals; and interscholastic athletics, shall be provided to meet the needs and interests of all students, in addition to planned physical education. - A physical and social environment that encourages safe and enjoyable activity for all students shall be maintained. - The school community shall have access to physical activity facilities outside school hours. Physical Education Quality physical education instruction that promotes lifelong physical activity and provides instruction in the skills and knowledge necessary for lifelong participation shall be provided. - Physical education classes shall be the means through which all students learn, practice and are assessed on developmentally appropriate skills and knowledge necessary for lifelong, health-enhancing physical activity. Page 3 of 5
No. 246. STUDENT WELLNESS POLICY - Pg. 4 - A comprehensive physical education course of study that focuses on providing students the skills, knowledge and confidence to participate in lifelong, healthyenhancing physical activity shall be implemented. - A local assessment system shall be implemented to monitor student progress on the Health, Safety and Physical Education academic standards. - Students shall be moderately to vigorously active as much time as possible during a physical education class. Documented medical conditions and disabilities shall be accommodated during class. - Certificated health and physical education teachers shall teach physical education. Other School-Based Activities - Students shall be provided a clean and safe meal environment. - Students shall have access to hand washing or sanitizing before meals and snacks. - Nutrition professionals who meet criteria established by the District shall administer the school meals program. - The Food Service Management Company shall provide professional development for District nutrition staff. - Nutrition content of school meals shall be available to students and parents/guardians. - Students and parents/guardians may be involved in menu selections through various means. - To the extent possible, the District shall utilize available funding and outside programs to enhance student wellness. - Goals of the Student Wellness Policy shall be considered in planning school-based activities. - Administrators, teachers, food service personnel, students, parents/guardians and community members shall be encouraged to serve as positive role models through District programs, communications and outreach efforts. - The District shall support the efforts of parents/guardians to provide a healthy diet and daily physical activity for children by communicating relevant information through various methods. Page 4 of 5
No. 246. STUDENT WELLNESS POLICY - Pg. 5 Nutritional Guidelines - All foods available in District schools during the school day shall be offered to students with consideration for promoting student health and reducing childhood obesity. - Competitive foods are defined as foods offered at school other than through the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs and include a la carte foods, snacks and beverages; vending food, snacks and beverages; fundraisers; classroom parties; holiday celebrations; and food from home. - All competitive foods available to students in District schools shall comply with the Nutritional Standards for Competitive Foods in Pennsylvania Schools. The Nutritional Standards shall be implemented through a phase-in that will be detailed in the Administrative Regulations. Safe Routes to School The District shall cooperate with local municipalities, public safety agencies, police departments, transportation contractors and community organizations to develop and maintain safe routes to school. References Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 P.L. 108-265 Sec. 204. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pennsylvania Advocates for Nutrition and Activity. Pennsylvania School Boards Association. Page 5 of 5