Our District has developed a Wellness Policy that is focused on improving the health of students. The policy was developed by the health and wellness committee that includes teachers, parents, administrators, and the district nurse.  The committee meets:

June - To review Wellness Policy and its affects on practice

December - Assess how we are doing by utilizing the assessment check list.

One of our goals is to share the message of nutrition and wellness via our department's Web site that emphasizes the importance of nutrition AND fitness. Our site provides information on the nutrition and fitness for teachers, parents, and students, as well as, a variety of learning tools.

Balance is essential for any Wellness Policy. Key areas include:

• Nutrition Education

• Physical activity

• Other school-based activities that are designed to promote student wellness.

What are the Roles and Responsibilities of a School Wellness Committee?

The school wellness committee is an action-oriented group that makes the implementation of the district wellness policy and other health-related priorities possible.

The SWC Assessment Checklist:

• Supports the school in developing a healthier school environment

• Creates the vision and goals for the local Healthy Schools Program

• Assists with policy development or revision to support a healthy school environment

• Promotes parent, community, and professional involvement in developing a healthier school environment

• Advocates for school health programs and policies within the broader school community

• Taps into funding and leverage resources for student and staff wellness

• Plans and implement programs for students and staff

• Evaluates program and policy efforts

• Provides feedback to the district regularly regarding progress on the implementation of the local wellness policy The SWC will address the following components:

• Nutritions education and promotion activities

• Physicals activity opportunities

• Nutritions standards for all foods and beverages available on each school campus during the school day that meet or exceed the USDA’s requirements for school meals and competitive foods and beverages

• Marketings and advertising of only those foods and beverages that meet the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards on school campus

• Other school-based activities that promote student wellness

• Permit parents, students, representatives of the school food authority, teachers of physical education, school health professionals, the school board, school administrators, and the general public to participate in the development, implementation, and review and update of the local wellness policy. Regular reporting on content and implementation to the public (including parents, students, and community members)

• Periodic measurement of school compliance with the local wellness policy and progress updates made available to the public

• Designation of a lead school official to ensure compliance with local wellness policy