Regulation 4312R

 

 

DISTRICT WELLNESS IMPLEMENTATION 

 

         District schools will provide nutrition education and physical 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.

 

         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. (Include the following in blue or omit?)  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 web site, or such other "point-of-purchase" materials.

 

Wellness Committee:  Implementation and Evaluation of the Wellness Policy

 

         In accordance with law, the District's wellness policy must be established by July 1, 2006; and the District will ensure school and community awareness of this policy through posting it on the district’s website. Further, 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 District shall monitor the effectiveness of the policy and regulation.  Accordingly, the Superintendent shall designate one or more staff members within the District or at each school as appropriate to have operational responsibility for ensuring that the District meets the goals and mandates of its local wellness policy.

 

School-based Activities

         The District wishes to establish a school environment that presents consistent wellness messages and is conducive to healthy eating and physical activity 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 Committee has determined that the following standards are necessary to achieve this goal:

 

         a)      Breakfast / Lunch Meal Programs:

 

1.      The District will participate to the maximum extent practicable in available federal
         school meal programs [School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program
         (including after-school snacks), Summer Food Service Program, Fruit and Vegetable
         Snack Program, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (including suppers)].

 

2.      Students will have access to school nutrition programs.

 

                        3.      The meal environment, timing and scheduling, will encourage participation in

                 the school nutrition programs.

 

4.      The district will have standards for environmentally-friendly practices relating to food
         service in the schools.

5.      Assurance:  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.

 

         b)      Physical education programs:

 

                                  1.      The district will follow state developed K-12 standards for physical education.

                                  2.      Appropriate physical activities will be provided for special populations.

                                  3.      Staff (physical education teachers/coaches)will have the required certifications

                                           and ongoing professional development.

                                  4.      Through the curriculum, the district will encourage life-long physical activity,

                                           such as walking, biking, hiking.

        

         c)      Community access to District facilities for physical activities: 

                                  1.      Provide facility access to students, families, staff, and the community for

                                            physical activity.

                                  2.      Support staff wellness activities.

     

                     d)      Community involvement:

                                              1.      Involve family and/or community members in wellness planning in addition to

                                                        participation on the Wellness Committee.

                                              2.      Publicize the Wellness Policy on the district website.

 

 

Nutrition Guidelines

 

         The District Wellness Committee will recommend which nutrition standards will be established for all foods available in common areas 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.

 

         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.

                (see website: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_05/7cfr210_05.html)

 

b)    Food of minimal nutritional value in common areas on the school campus will be replaced with more
        nutritional options by adhering to “Choose Sensibly Guidelines” provided by the NYS School Nutrition
        Association.

 

         Vending machines, snack bars, school stores, concession stands, and other food outlets

 

                  Access to vending machines, snack bars, school stores, concession stands, and other food outlets on school property will be limited.  Per NY State Education Law Section 915, no sweetened foods will be sold in any public school within the state from the beginning of the school day until the end of the last scheduled meal period. 

 

Assessment of the District's Wellness Policy

 

Assessment of the District’s wellness policy and implementation efforts may be repeated on an annual basis, but it is recommended that such assessment, by the Wellness Committee, occur no later than every three (3) years, to help review policy compliance, assess progress, and determine areas in need of improvement.

 

 

Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, Public Law 108-265 Section 204

Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act , 42 United States Code (USC) Section 1751 et seq.

Child Nutrition Act of 1966, 42 United States Code (USC) Section 1771 et seq.

7 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 210.10