NORTH MIDDLE SCHOOL WELLNESS POLICY

 

Wellness

The health and safety of pupils shall be a priority consideration in all school decisions.

The school is committed to providing an environment that promotes and enhances learning and development of lifelong wellness practices. To accomplish that goal, the school compliments efforts to implement the following:

• To the maximum extent practicable, schools will participate in available federal school meal programs.
• Schools will provide and promote nutrition education and physical education to foster lifelong habits of healthy eating and physical activity and will establish linkages between health education, school meal programs, and related community services.

Nutrition Promotion and Education, Physical Activity, and Other School-Based Activities

North Middle set measurable goals in providing nutrition education and engaging in nutrition promotion to positively influence lifelong eating behaviors. Suggested language may include goals related to activities and opportunities:

• offered at each grade level as part of a sequential, comprehensive, standards-based program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote and protect their health;
• offered as part of not only health education classes, but also classroom instruction in subjects such as math, science, language arts, social sciences, and elective subjects;
• that include enjoyable, developmentally-appropriate, culturally-relevant, participatory activities, such as contests, promotions, taste testing, farm visits, and school gardens;
• that promote fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, low-fat and fat-free dairy products, healthy food preparation methods, and health-enhancing nutrition practices;
• that emphasize caloric balance between food intake and energy expenditure (physical activity/exercise);
• that link with school meal programs, other school foods, and nutrition-related community services;
•  that provide all students with opportunities, support, and encouragement to be physically active on a regular basis as provided by school/council policy.
• that include training for teachers and other staff.

Nutrition Guidelines for all Foods

North Middle follows minimum federal and state nutrition standards. Below is suggested language to be followed:

• Foods and beverages sold during the school day shall be done in accordance with state and federal regulations and Board Policies 07.111 and 07.12.
• Foods and beverages sold or served at school shall be consistent with the federal regulations for school meal nutrition standards. Nutrition guidelines for all foods and beverages served or sold on campus shall be maintained by the Superintendent/designee and made available upon request. The Superintendent shall designate an individual or individuals to monitor compliance of beverages and food sold ala carte with state and federal nutrition requirements.
• Qualified child nutrition professionals will provide students with access to a variety of affordable, nutritious, and appealing foods that meet the health and nutrition needs of students; will accommodate the religious, ethnic, and cultural diversity of the student body in meal planning; and will provide clean, safe, and pleasant settings and adequate time for students to eat.
• When possible, rewards given to students shall be other than food/beverage items. When food/beverage items are used as rewards, such items shall comply with nutritional guidelines set out in Kentucky Administrative Regulation.

School Health Committee

• North Middle has created a School Health Committee that consists of the Physical Education/Health teacher, the Junior Leadership Corps teacher, the principal, Youth Service Center worker, and a Guidance Counselor. 
• This committee will meet a minimum of twice a year to discuss a variety of school health and wellness needs.