Code: JL MSAD #41 STUDENT WELLNESS POLICY The MSAD #41 Board of Directors recognizes that student wellness and good nutrition are related to students’ physical and psychological wellbeing and their readiness to learn. The Board is committed to providing a school environment that supports student wellness, healthy food choices, nutrition education, and regular physical activity. The Board believes that students who learn and practice healthy lifestyles in their formative years may be more likely to be conscious of the importance of good nutrition and exercise as adults, practice healthy habits, and reduce their risk of obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases. The Board considers it a responsibility to help students develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for longterm healthy lifestyles. Nutrition Education ● Nutrition education will be integrated into the instructional program and curriculum requirements as aligned with content standards of Maine’s system of Learning Results. ● Students will receive consistent nutrition messages throughout the campus, including in the classroom, cafeteria, and schooltohome communications. Nutrition Guidelines ● In support of promoting healthy eating and sending consistent nutrition messages, the District will ensure that meals provided by its Nutrition Services Program meet the nutrition standards established by federal regulations and the Healthier U.S. School Challenge. The Board recommends adequate time and space for students to obtain food and eat in a clean and safe meal environment. ● Sale of foods and beverages that compete with the total food service program must be in compliance with the School Board's Competitive Food Sales in Competition with the School Nutrition Program Policy (EFE), Chapter 51, and meet the nutritional guidelines of the Healthier U.S. School Challenge. ● Local produce shall be integrated by the District Nutrition Director when possible into the School Nutrition Program. ● The MSAD #41 Board encourages Booster Clubs to offer a variety of healthy food and beverages at school sponsored events outside the school day. Physical Education and Physical Activity Opportunities ● All students K – 12 shall receive physical education that is aligned with applicable state and federal standards as outlined in the District’s Curriculum Policy.
Code: JL Page 1 of 3 ● MSAD #41 will strive to provide all students developmentally appropriate opportunities for physical activity through physical education classes, recess periods for elementary school students, and extracurricular activities (clubs, intramural and interscholastic athletics). ● All students K – 12 shall have the opportunity to participate regularly in either organized or unstructured physical activity. Strategies that incorporate physical movement in the classroom into routine daily activities are encouraged. ● All students K – 5 shall have the opportunity for a minimum of 20 minutes of daily physical activity which may include recess, classroom activities, and/or physical education. Schools shall provide proper equipment and a safe environment designated for supervised recess. Students will not be denied physical activity periods, including recess and physical education, for remediation and/or enrichment in other content areas. ● Schools are encouraged to use physical activity as rewards or incentives for students’ behavior or performance and as alternatives to food celebrations. Physical activity shall not be used or withheld as punishment or discipline as outlined in the Student Discipline Policy. Other SchoolBased Activities Designed to Promote Wellness ● Schools are encouraged to implement wellness related programs and activities for students and staff that are consistent with this Local Wellness Policy. Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Wellness Policy ● The superintendent or Designee shall be responsible for the implementation of the Wellness Policy, for monitoring efforts to meet the intent of this policy and for reporting to the Board on an annual basis. Monitoring may include surveys or solicitation of input from students, parents, staff and school administrators. Reports may include but are not limited to: o The status of the school environment in regard to student wellness issues o Evaluation of the school nutrition program and compliance with regulatory guidelines o Summary of wellness programs and activities in the schools o Feedback from students, parents, staff, administrators and wellness team o Recommendations for policy, program or curriculum revisions Appointment and Role of the Wellness Committee ● The MSAD #41 Wellness Team will aim to have schoolwide representatives from each building representing the following areas:
Code: JL Page 2 of 3 1. Board member; 2. Administrator; 3. Nutrition Services representative; 4. Student representative; 5. Parent representative; and/or 6. Community representative 7. Teacher 8. School nurse. ● The Wellness Team shall serve as an advisory committee in regard to student and staff wellness issues and will be responsible for making recommendations related to the wellness policy, wellness goals, administrative or school regulations and practices, or raising awareness of school community health issues. The Wellness Team will create an Action Plan on an annual basis to promote health and wellness with identified goals to relay to the school/community. Policy Communication ● The Wellness Policy will be posted on the School website and communicated annually to keep students, parents, staff, and the community informed of wellness initiatives and ensures that new standards and guideline requirements are met. Cross Reference: EFE – Competitive Food Sales During the School Day Adopted: 09/06/2006 Revised: (1st reading)04/01/2015
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