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The "Wellness Policy on Physical Activity and Nutrition" has been approved by the BOE. The purpose of the policy is to ensure that all students have "access to healthful foods and opportunities to be physically active in order to grow, learn and thrive." The intent of this document is to provide highlights within each of the five areas covered by the policy.
| I. School Nutrition Education Goals | |
|---|---|
| Elementary Schools | Nutrition competencies will be integrated into existing curriculum/programs. Grades 1 and 3 are targeted for implementation. Teaching and Learning will develop and pilot nutrition activities/curriculum during the 2006-07 school year with full implementation expected in 2007-2008. |
| Middle Schools | |
| Sixth Grade | Required nine week "Wellness" curriculum will include nutrition competencies. The course will be taught as a separate class, not integrated into existing core academic curriculum. |
| Seventh and Eight Grades | Nutrition competencies will be integrated into existing Curriculums. |
| High Schools | Nutrition competencies are integrated into existing ninth grade required Health Class curriculum. |
| II. Physical Activity Goals | |
| K-12 | Increased emphasis in the curriculum on physical fitness and life time sports skills. |
| Elementary Schools | Classes meet for 30 minutes three times a week all year. |
| Middle Schools | Classes meet for 50 minutes 2.5 times a week all year. |
| High Schools | Students are required to earn 1.5 physical education credits for graduation. |
| III. Establishing Nutrition Standards for all foods available on School Campus during the day | |
| Nutrition goals | Limit foods with minimal nutritional value; restrict fat and added sugar; increase fruit, vegetable and whole grain offerings. |
| A la carte | Decrease to no more than 30% of total calories from fat by 9/1/2008. |
| Vending | |
| Elementary/Middle | No vending permitted. |
| High | Beverage and snack vending permitted consistent with annually developed list of approved items. Allowed only before and after school day and during times that meals are not served by Food Services. |
| Beverage Vending. | MMSD Wellness committee to develop annual list of approved beverages. Approved beverages will be consistent with Healthy School Beverage Guidelines. Approved beverages will include bottled water, milk, 100% fruit juice and specific sports drinks. Soft drinks and caffeinated beverages not permitted. |
| Beverage Portion Size (Other than milk and water) | |
| Elementary: | Up to 8 oz. |
| Middle/High: | Up to 12 oz. |
| Snacks | |
| Elementary: | List of suggested snacks will be developed annually. |
| High: | Approved list will be developed by wellness committee annually for snacks that can be sold in vending machines and school stores in high schools. |
| Candy | Cannot be given or sold to students during the school day. After 9/1/2008, candy cannot be used as item for school fundraising. |
| Candy/Food as Reward | Cannot be used as a reward or manipulative. |
| Food Allergies | |
| Elementary: | No peanuts or peanut products provided by MMSD Food Services. Classroom projects should not contain peanuts, tree nuts or edible seeds. |
| All schools: | Food containing peanuts or tree nuts should not be prepared at home or at school and served to students. General info on food allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy) should be included with food prepared at home and served to others at school. |
| Meal Times | Breakfast: 10 minutes. Lunch: At least 30 minute break. Eat in a clean healthy environment. |
| Where Food Eaten | Staff is encouraged to limit consumption of food in classrooms. Food can be eaten in classrooms as long as eaten on table or at a desk. Students are responsible for cleaning up after eating in classroom. |
| Food at MSCR After School Programs, MSCR Summer Programs, MMSD Field Trips or MMSD School Sponsored Events | When MMSD provides food to students outside of Food Services program during the school day, during an after school or summer program or at school sponsored event, the food must adhere to nutritional standards listed above. |
| Pot Lucks | Sponsors of any events that are open to the public must contact the local health department to get appropriate permit; state law exempts parent teacher organizations from obtaining permits for pot lucks--other groups may need permits and should consult with the local health department before scheduling an event. |
| Class parties or celebrations | Are allowed. Principals are encouraged to limit the number of parties and celebrations that involve food and to promote non-food based parties and celebrations. |
| Classroom Food preparation | Classes can prepare and eat food during class when it is directly related to the curriculum; no peanuts or nuts, and adhere to safe food handling practices. |
| Food safety | Prepare food in accordance with School Potluck Food Safety Guidelines. |
| Sustainable food practices | Are to be strongly encouraged. |
| Nutrition Education | Education and marketing regarding nutrition and physical activity that supports students making healthful choices for food and beverage items. |
| IV. Measurement and Evaluation | |
| K-12 | A district "Wellness Committee" will be created to monitor and coordinate the implementation of the policy.
Each school will conduct a baseline assessment of the school's existing nutrition and physical activity environments and policies. The information will be used at the district level to identify and prioritize needs. Each school will create a "Wellness Team" to monitor the implementation and coordination of the nutrition education and physical. Each school will create a status report of the school's wellness policy in the end of the year report on School Improvement progress. A district developed checklist will be provided. |