7-27-20
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FILE: 13 – WELLNESS PROGRAM
NUMBER POLICY TITLE
File: 13-1 Overview and Mission Statement
File: 13-2 Formulation and Implementation of the Wellness Policy
File: 13-3 Wellness Policy Committee Members
File: 13-4 General Provisions, Expectations
File: 13-5 Wellness Policy Goals
R 13-4-1 Goal 1: Nutrition Education
R 13-4-2 Goal 2: Physical Education and Physical Activity
R 13-4-3 Goal 3: Health Services
R 13-4-4 Goal 4: Healthy School Learning Environment
R 13-4-5 Goal 5: Nutrition Services
File: 13-6 Child Nutrition Operations
File: 13-7 Monitoring and Policy Review
The Preston County Board of Education recognizes that there is a link between nutrition education, the food served in schools, physical activity, health and physical education and that wellness is affected by all of these factors. The Board also recognizes the important connection between a healthy diet, physical activity, physical fitness, and a student’s ability to learn effectively and achieve high standards in school.
The Board also recognizes that it is the District’s role, as part of the larger community, to model and actively practice, through policies and procedures: the promotion of family health, physical activity, health and physical education, and good nutrition.
The Board of Education further recognizes that the sharing and enjoyment of food, and participation in physical activities and quality physical and health education programs, are fundamental experiences for all people and are a primary way to nurture and celebrate our cultural diversity. These fundamental human experiences are vital bridges for building friendships, forming inter-generational bonds, and strengthening communities.
Vision Statement
The mission of the Preston County Schools Wellness Policy Committee is to provide high quality Coordinated School Health programming consisting of the implementation, assessment, and improvement of quality school health education, health and nutrition services, staff health programming, physical education and counseling in a healthy school environment with participation of families, community groups and individuals.
Motto
It is never too late to begin living a healthy life
Per the requirements of SBP 4321.1, Standards for School Nutrition, the Preston County Board of Education duly adopts this Wellness Policy as a means to enhance the school environment for its students, employees and the community at large. This policy shall govern all schools and shall be integrated into the overall educational efforts of the students and school personnel.
Under the direction of the Coordinator of the Child Nutrition Program, the Superintendent, and the principal, the various county schools shall evaluate their “wellness needs program” and submit a written proposal to meet those needs.
A county-wide assessment shall be conducted at least biannually to determine progress in targeted areas and to identify areas needing improvement.
The county-wide policy shall be submitted to the WVDE’s, Office of Child Nutrition biannually. Additionally, the policy shall include current revisions and evidence of yearly progress.
The Wellness Program Committee shall consist of a broad spectrum of the school and community members including health care providers, food service personnel, teachers, students, parents, board members and educational administrators.
The Coordinator of Nutrition Programs shall recommend potential committee members to the Superintendent for his/her approval. Persons appointed to the Wellness Program Committee shall serve two year terms on a staggered basis in order that the committee will have continuity from one school term to the next.
The number of committee members shall not exceed 16.
This policy makes visible the importance of all aspects of wellness as the basis of student learning. This policy clarifies the relationships between and among these various aspects of wellness and advocates for collaboration across these areas-internally and externally in order to ensure that wellness remains student centered as opposed to service centered or department centered.
Furthermore, this policy is predicated on research-based, proven effective practices for health intervention and health promotion. Specifically, this policy is modeled on the Center for Disease Control’s Coordinated School Health Program (CSHP), which is comprised of the following eight elements:
health education;
physical education;
health services;
nutrition services;
counseling, psychological, & social services;
healthy school environment;
health promotion for staff; and
family/community involvement.
The CSHP model has been replicated widely in school systems across the country with great success.
Community School Health Programs are most effectively realized through the establishment of Coordinated School Health Councils (CSHC), which include stakeholders from each of the aforementioned eight elements of the CSHP. Therefore, Coordinated School Heath Councils are encouraged to be established in each school. As well as at the district level, in order to ensure an array of opportunities for health promotion are available to each school community and district staff. Students should be included as stakeholders on each CSHC. This policy shall form a framework on which external partners working with Preston County Schools’ students and staff shall be expected to base their own program development.
The Preston County Wellness Policy Committee and School System as a whole recognize the need for student, Staff, Family and community-wide coordinated effort. The Wellness Committee welcomes the active participation and involvement of all these partners. The committee and the school system will inform, educate, and engage citizens about nutrition, physical activity and health related policies and issues in the schools and community. The committee will seek input, active participation and feedback from students, staff, families and other community members regarding health and wellness policies and issues. Through a coalition of students, staff, families and community members, positive change can occur.
The following definitions shall apply:
Health literacy: knowledge of the various aspects of health in all of its dimensions-including health and wellness, physical education, health services, healthy environments, nutrition, health promotion practices/disease prevention and risk avoidance, mental and behavioral health, intergenerational and family health care.
Holistically: various aspects/elements integrated as “one”
Psychosocial: mental health as impacted by social and environmental factors, such as age, life experiences, peer influences, stress, etc.
Stakeholders: those individuals who have a motivating interest, or “stake” in ensuring the goals of this policy are met in order to assure Preston County Schools’ students, staff, and families attain and maintain good health
Governing Board: Board of Education members
Caveat
It is understood that nothing in this policy shall be considered to supersede the federal requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), or IDEA, nor shall this policy supersede state standards and legislative requirements pertaining to public schools.
The following goals shall serve as programmatic guidelines to school staff, parents, community partners, and all other internal and external stakeholders, as they engage in their work. These goal areas shall serve also as a framework for evaluation for all programs involving Preston County Schools that hold wellness as desired goal and outcome
R 13-4-1 Goal 1: Nutrition Education
To help ensure the health and well-being of each student attending Preston County Schools, and to provide guidance to school personnel in the areas of nutrition, health, physical activity and food service, the Governing Board encourages teachers, principals, and nutrition services employees to recognize the lunch period as an integral part of the educational program of the district, and work to implement the goals of this policy. The Governing Board will ensure that:
Preston County Schools will follow health education curriculum standards and guidelines as stated by the West Virginia Education Agency. Schools will link nutrition education activities with the coordinated school health program.
Students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 will receive nutrition education that is interactive and teaches the skills they need to adopt healthy eating behaviors. Teachers are encouraged to integrate nutrition education into core curriculum areas such as math, science, social studies, and language arts as applicable.
Nutrition education will be offered in the school dining room and in the classroom, with coordination between school foodservice staff and teachers. Teachers are encouraged to display posters, view videos, websites, etc. on nutrition topics.
Preston County School campuses will participate in USDA nutrition programs such as “Team Nutrition” and conduct nutrition education activities and promotions that involve students, parents, and the community. The school nutrition team responsible for these activities will be composed of child nutrition services staff, student services staff, school nurses, health teachers, and physical education teachers/coaches.
Promote fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, low-fat and fat-free dairy products, healthy food preparation methods, and health-enhancing nutrition practices.
Emphasizes caloric balance between food in take and energy expenditure(physical activity/exercise).
R 13-4-2 Goals 2: Physical Education and Physical Activity
The Board recognizes the positive benefits of physical activity for student health and academic achievement. Recognizing that physical education is a crucial and integral part of a child’s education, the district will provide opportunities to ensure that students engage in healthful levels of vigorous physical activity to promote and develop the student’s physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. In addition to promoting high levels of personal achievement and a positive self-image, physical education activities should teach students how to cooperate in the achievement of common goals.
Thecomponentsofthedistrict’sphysicaleducationprogramshallincludeavarietyofkinestheticactivities,includingteam,individual,andcooperativesportsandphysicalactivities(i.e. outdoor and adventure fitness, leisure activities), aesthetic movement forms, such as dance, yoga or the martial arts. Students shall be given opportunities for physical activity through a range of before-and/or after-school programs including, but not limited to, intramurals, interscholastic athletics, and physical activity clubs. The Board will ensure that:
Physical education teachers shall develop and implement a curriculum that connects and demonstrates the interrelationship between physical activity, good nutrition, and health
The District shall enhance the quality of physical education curricula and increase training of physical education teachers through site-based and district-wide staff development.
Students shall be encouraged to participate in physical activity daily.
An appropriate alternative activity shall be provided for students with a physical disability that may restrict excessive physical exertion.
Physical education staff shall appropriately limit the amount or type of physical exercise required of students during air pollution episodes, excessively hot weather, or other inclement conditions.
Teachers, paraprofessionals, and other school partners, etc. are encouraged to creatively engage students in physical activity in the context of other classroom exercises, after-school, and extended year experiences.
R 13-4-3 Goal 3: Health Services
Services provided for students in a school setting to appraise, protect, and promote health; to provide services in harmony with community, parents, and other constituencies and to ensure all students have access to services.
Each school has an array of comprehensive health and wellness services that are provided by nurse practitioners (with an ideal ratio of at least 1 nursing professional for every 1500 students), school staff, community partners, registered dieticians, and the Student Assistance Program Team to focus on prevention and early intervention, that would involve all stakeholders.
Parents are educated and informed of the availability and variety of health services for their children.
R 13-4-4 Goal 4: Healthy School Learning Environment
Preston County Schools strive to ensure that the staff, parents and students receive ongoing education and training opportunities on creating and maintaining safe and attractive learning and workplace environments that are conducive to learning and are supportive of children reaching their full potential. Schools will provide a healthy and safe environment that supports academic success before, during and after school.
Students shall be provided adequate time to eat lunch, a minimum of 10 minutes for breakfast and 20 minutes for lunch, from the time the last student in line is seated.
Cafeterias shall provide adequate serving areas to minimize time standing in line and thus allowing more time for eating and activity.
Ensure that dining areas are attractive and have enough space for seating all students.
Free drinking water is available for students throughout the mealtime.
Food is not used as a reward or punishment for student behavior, unless it is detailed in a student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).
School buildings and grounds, structures, buses and equipment shall meet all current health and safety standards, including environmental air quality, and be kept inviting, clean, safe and in good repair.
Schools and district offices shall maintain an environment that is free of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.
Safety procedures and appropriate training for students and staff shall support personal safety and a violence and harassment free environment.
All foods made available on campus shall comply with the state and local food safety and sanitation regulations. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans and guidelines are implemented to prevent food illness in schools.
R 13-4-5 Goal 5: Nutrition Services
The school system shall strive to provide services to all students and staff that promote health and nutrition through access to a variety of nutrition and appealing snacks and meals; including all available on-site food- vending machines, and fundraisers.
School nutrition programs reflect or exceed the U.S. dietary guidelines for Americans and respond to health and nutritional needs for all students.
Students will have adequate time in which to eat and enjoy their meals. Consideration will be given to the needs of different age groups, such as younger children who have specific developmental needs related to meals.
Students and staff will be encouraged to wash their hands before and after eating.
Part of the educational mission of the Preston County Schools is to improve health of the entire community by teaching students and their families ways to establish and maintain life-long healthy eating habits. The mission shall be accomplished through nutrition education, physical education, core academic content in the classroom, and the food served in schools. The Governing Board or their designee will ensure:
Child nutrition meals served through the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs will meet all requirements of the federal, state and local nutrition standards.
All foods made available on campus will comply with the current USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans: Vending machines, Beverage contracts, Fundraisers, Concession stands, Student Stores, and School parties/celebrations.
Food providers will take every measure to ensure that student access to foods and beverages meet federal, state and local laws and guidelines. Food providers will offer a variety of age appropriate healthy food and beverage selections for elementary schools, middle schools and high schools.
Cafeteria personnel shall follow the county menu that meets the recommendations for the child nutrition program.
Schools shall not schedule tutoring, club, organizational meetings, intramural sports, or other activities during mealtimes, unless students may eat during such activities.
Schools shall schedule meal periods at appropriate times, not less than 3, nor more than 4 ½ hours between breakfast and lunch.
All foodservice personnel shall receive adequate staff development training in food service operations.
Nutrition Guidelines for all Foods on Campus
Nutritional information for products offered in snack bars, vending and school stores is readily available near the point of purchase.
The County shall monitor all food and beverages sold or served to students, including those available outside the federally regulated child nutrition programs (i.e. vending, student stores, classroom rewards, fundraising efforts, class parties, etc.). The County shall consider nutrient density and portion size before permitting food and beverages to be sold or served to students. The Superintendent/or designee shall continually evaluate vending policies and contracts. Vending contracts that do not meet the intent and purpose of this policy shall be modified accordingly or not renewed.
Unhealthy food or beverage items may not be advertised on school grounds. Fast food items shall not be offered for sale as part of any school meal program or as a la carte items.
Additional information concerning nutritional requirements for foods served on campus may be found in File: 6-5 Nutrition Standards for Other Foods and Beverages of the Preston County School Policy Manual.
The Superintendent or designee will ensure compliance with established county nutrition and physical activity wellness policies. The principal in each school or a designee appointed by the principal shall ensure compliance with the local wellness policy in his/her school and will collect data and report on the school’s compliance to the school superintendent or designee.
Samples of Documentation
Lesson plans
Synopsis of activities such as school sponsored walk-a-thons with date, number of participants, and sponsors’ signature
Field Trips
Pictures
Newspaper articles
Etc.