Wellness Policy

Policy

No. 5427

Board of Education Half Hollow Hills Central School District PUPILS Page 1 of 11

WELLNESS POLICY ON NUTRITION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

The federal Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 (PL 108-265) includes a provision requiring all school districts participating in any federally funded child nutrition program to establish a locally developed school wellness policy by the beginning of the 2006-2007 school year.

POLICY: The Half Hollow Hills Central School District is committed to providing school environments that promote and protect children’s health, well-being, and ability to learn by supporting healthy eating and physical activity. Giving children access to nutritious foods and opportunities to be physically active helps them to grow, thrive, and succeed.

Students’ lifelong eating habits are greatly influenced by the types of foods and beverages available to them. Providing nutritious food and beverages, in appropriate portion sizes, throughout the school day encourages children to make healthy food choices.

Physical Education is critical to the development and maintenance of good health. The goal of physical education is to develop physically educated individuals through a planned sequential program of curricula and instruction that helps them develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary for an active lifestyle.

Recognizing that good health fosters student attendance and education, it is the policy of the Half Hollow Hills Central School District that: • The school district will engage students, parents, teachers, food service professionals, health professionals, and other interested community members in developing, implementing, monitoring, and reviewing district-wide nutrition and physical activity policies.

• All students in kindergarten through grade twelve (k-12) shall have the opportunity, support, and encouragement to be physically active on a regular basis through physical education and physical activity programs.

• Foods and beverages sold or served during the school day will, at a minimum, meet the nutrition recommendations of the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

• 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; and will provide clean, safe, and pleasant settings and adequate time for students to eat.

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• To the maximum extent practicable, all schools in our district will participate in available federal school meal programs including the School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program.

• Schools will provide nutrition education and physical education to foster lifelong habits of healthy eating and physical activity, and will attempt to establish linkages between health education and school meal programs, and related community services.

• Where possible, physical activity programs will provide students with structured activity (games, sports, etc.), unstructured activity (walking programs, dance, etc.), or opportunities to participate in physical activity in the daily routine.

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REGULATIONS: School Nutrition & Health Committee The school district will work with the existing Nutrition & Health Committee to implement, monitor, review, and, as necessary, revise school nutrition and physical activity policies and regulations. The committee also will serve as a resource to school sites for implementing those policies and regulations.

The school nutrition & health committee consists of a group of individuals representing the school and community, and should include parents, students, representatives of the school food authority, members of the school board, school administrators, teachers, health professionals, and members of the public.

Nutritional Quality of Foods and Beverages Sold and Served on Campus School Meals Meals served by the Child Nutrition Program will adhere to National School Lunch and Breakfast standards and will: • be appealing and attractive to children; • be served in clean, safe and pleasant settings; meet or exceed nutrition requirements established by local, state, and federal statutes and regulations, including the current U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans; • have no more than 30 percent of its total calories be from fat, averaged over a week; • have no more than 10 percent of its calories be from saturated fat, averaged over a week; • • use foods low in sodium and limit sources of trans fatty acids; • offer a variety of fruits and vegetables which includes at least two non-fried vegetables and two fruit options each day and will offer five different fruits and vegetables over the course of a week; • serve only 100% fruit and vegetable juices with meals; • offer a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables daily; • fresh and frozen vegetables shall be used in place of canned whenever possible; • serve only low-fat (1%) and fat-free milk; • ensure that half of the grains served are whole grain; • prepare food using methods that reduce the fat content. The use of fryers shall not be permitted; • to the maximum extent practicable, be free of preservatives, additives or artificial colorings, including nitrates, MSG, dyes, and high fructose corn syrup • meet safety and sanitation requirements, as outlined in current USDA and local Health Department guidelines.

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Using taste testing and surveys, students and parents will engage in identifying new, healthful, and appealing food choices to be sold through the school meal programs. In addition, the Child Nutrition Office will share information about the nutritional content of meals and snacks with parents and students. Information will be made available on menus, the Half Hollow Hills website, on cafeteria menu boards, and other point-of- purchase materials.

Offer versus Serve Students may choose three to five of the items offered at lunch (one must be an entrée). Meals contain one each of a protein, a vegetable, a fruit, a grain and milk.

Elementary School Meals Given young children’s limited nutrition skills, food in elementary schools will be sold as balanced, complete meals.

Breakfast To ensure that all children have breakfast, either at home or at school, in order to meet their nutritional needs and enhance their ability to learn: • All schools within the district will operate a School Breakfast Program.

• Schools will notify parents and students of the availability of the School Breakfast Program.

Free and Reduced-priced Meals Schools will make every effort to eliminate any social stigma attached to, and prevent the overt identification of, students who are eligible for free and reduced-price school meals. School district will encourage eligible families to participate in the free and reduced priced meal program.

Meal Times and Scheduling • Schools will provide students with adequate time to eat after sitting down for breakfast and lunch.

Sharing of Foods and Beverages Schools should discourage students from sharing their foods or beverages with one another during meal or snack times, given concerns about allergies and other restrictions on some children’s diets.

Foods and Beverages Sold Individually During the School Day All foods and beverages sold individually outside the reimbursable school meal programs (including those sold through a la carte [snack] lines and vending machines) will meet the nutrition standards outlined below. Vending machines will be operated exclusively by the Child Nutrition Program and shall be permitted in secondary schools only.

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Beverages: The only beverages that may be sold in the elementary schools are: • water • water flavored with 100% juice • fruit and vegetable juices that are 100% juice • unflavored or flavored low-fat or fat-free fluid milk and nutritionally-equivalent nondairy beverages (as defined by USDA) limited to an 8 ounce serving The only beverages that may be sold in the secondary schools are: • water • water flavored with 100% juice • fruit and vegetable juices that are 100% juice • unflavored or flavored low-fat or fat-free fluid milk and nutritionally-equivalent nondairy beverages (as defined by USDA) with no more than 23 grams of sugar per 8 ounce serving • electrolyte replacement beverages with no more than 35 grams of added sweeteners per 20-ounce serving • Sweetened beverages with no more than 23 grams of sugar per 8 ounce serving Beverages that may not be sold in any school are: • soda and carbonated soft drinks • fruit-based drinks that contain less than 100% real fruit juice Snack Foods: Food items sold individually will have no more than: • 7 grams of fat; • 2 grams of saturated fat; • 15 grams of added sugars; • 360 mg of sodium; and • trans fatty acids shall be avoided Foods that may not be sold are: • candy of any type • chewing gum New York State School Food Service Association’s website has information on healthy snack choices. Go to www.nyssfsa.org and click on “Choose Sensibly”.

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No. 5427

Board of Education Half Hollow Hills Central School District

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Healthy Snack Suggestions Snack and beverage choices meeting the following nutritional guidelines are appropriate choices for students: Total Fat < 7 grams; Saturated Fat < 2 grams; Sodium < 360 mg; Sugar < 15 grams Choose whole grain and zero trans fat products whenever possible.

RECOMMENDED SNACKS: RECOMMENDED BEVERAGES: Cut-up Fresh Fruit* Bottled water* Cut-up Fresh Vegetables* Plain milk, low fat or non-fat* Individual Fruit Cups* 100% Fruit Juice Applesauce, unsweetened* Whole Grain bread or crackers* SNACKS & BEVERAGES TO AVOID Yogurt, low fat, plain* SENDING TO SCHOOL: String Cheese, low fat* Cookies and candies with more than 15 grams Animal Crackers of sugar Baked Doritos, all flavors Chips with more than 7 grams of fat Baked Potato Chips, all flavors Cakes and cupcakes with more than 15 grams Cereal Bars, w/o peanuts or nuts of sugar and/or 7 grams of fat Cereal, dry Foods containing trans fat or hydrogenated oils Cheese and Cracker packs, low fat Soda Cheese Nips, low fat Sports drinks Fruit & Oatmeal Bars & Bites Juices with less than 100% fruit Fruit & Yogurt Bars, lowfat Beverages with caffeine Goldfish Crackers Graham Crackers and Sticks Pirates Booty, all flavors Popcorn, low fat * Highly recommended for nutritional value Pretzels, low sodium, whole wheat Pudding, low fat Rice Cakes Soy Crisps

Fundraising Activities During the School Day To support childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health and school nutrition-education efforts, there will be no fundraising activities involving the sale of food to students during the school day in the elementary schools and not until after lunch in the secondary schools. Schools will encourage fundraising activities that

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promote physical activity. The school district will make available a list of ideas for fundraising activities.

Snacks Snacks brought from home should make a positive contribution to children’s diets and health, with an emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables as the primary snacks and water as the primary beverage. The district, through the Child Nutrition Office, will disseminate a list of healthful snack items to parents and teachers.

Rewards Schools will reduce and discourage the use of foods or beverages as rewards for academic performance or good behavior and replace where appropriate with non-food rewards. Schools will not withhold food or beverages (including food served through school meals) as a punishment. The above does not apply if in conflict with the student’s individual education plan (IEP).

Parties Classroom parties that involve food during the school day should be limited to no more than six per year (other than birthdays and curriculum related celebrations.) Parties should occur after lunch whenever possible. Healthy food choices should be encouraged. Water should be the beverage of choice. Candy of any kind is not permitted. Goody bags and holiday cards with chocolate or candy (such as on Valentine’s Day) are not permitted. Elementary school end of the year parties should be on one of the three half days provided in June. The district will provide a list of healthy party ideas to parents and teachers.

Birthdays For September 1, 2006 to August 31, 2007, for grades K-5, birthday parties with food will be permitted.

Parents are encouraged to send in healthier foods (see healthy snack suggestions) and/or smaller portions – i.e. miniature cupcakes or portion controlled cookie packets. Candy of any kind is not permitted. The only beverage permitted for birthday parties is water. Birthday parties should be after lunch and not significantly impact instructional time.

As of September 1, 2007 for grades Kindergarten and 1, birthday parties with food will be permitted.

Parents are encouraged to consider sending in healthier foods (see healthy snack suggestions) and/or smaller portions i.e. miniature cupcakes or portion controlled cookie packets. Candy of any kind is not permitted. The only beverage permitted for birthday parties is water. Birthday parties should be after lunch and not significantly impact instructional time. For Grade 2 and above, birthdays will be celebrated without food. A teacher may choose to recognize children’s birthdays in a variety of other ways including hats, singing “Happy Birthday” and special privileges such as a “Homework Pass”. The important part of birthday celebrations is the special recognition of the child.

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School & PTA Sponsored Events During the School Day Schools should limit events that involve food which will be served to students during the school day to no more than four times per year.

Food Marketing in Schools School-based marketing will be consistent with nutrition education and health promotion. As such, schools will limit food and beverage marketing to the promotion of foods and beverages that meet the nutrition standards for meals or for foods and beverages sold individually (above). The promotion of healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products is encouraged.

Marketing activities that promote healthful behaviors (and are therefore allowable) include: vending machine covers promoting healthy beverage and snack choices; posters and signage that promote healthy options in meals, a la carte lines or vending machines.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION: Physical Education is a planned sequential program of curricula and instruction that helps students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary for an active lifestyle. Activities that students will participate in will be appealing and will focus on a wide variety of lifelong activities that students will learn.

Minimum Requirements for physical education: • All students in grades K-5 shall receive a minimum of 40 minutes 2 times a week.

• All students in grades 6-12 shall receive a minimum of 200 minutes for every 10 school days.

• All students including students with disabilities and/or special health-care needs will receive physical education instruction as designated.

• All physical education classes should be taught by a certified physical education teacher.

• Teachers and other school personnel will not use physical activity (i.e. running laps, pushups) or withhold opportunities for physical activity (i.e. physical education) as punishment.

Sequential Physical Education Curriculum: Instruction in physical education should be based on the National and New York State Standards of Physical Education and should address the key learning objectives identified by those standards.

• Full inclusion of all students • Well designed lessons that facilitate student learning.

• Sequential physical education means a curriculum that builds on concepts taught in preceding years.

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• Instruction in a variety of motor skills designed to enhance the physical, mental, and social/emotional development of every child.

• Incorporate Fitness Education (Physical Best, NASPE) that includes assessment to help students understand, improve, and/or maintain their physical well being.

• At least 50% of instructional time in physical education will be spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity with maximum participation and opportunity for practice.

• Elementary physical education course content will include each of the following areas: Skill themes (Sport skills), Physical Best (Fitness Education), and Adventure Education (cooperative games & initiatives).

• Secondary physical education course content should include each of the following areas: Team passing sports, Net & Wall Sports, Striking and Fielding, Personal Performance Activities, Dance & Aesthetic, Target Sports, Outdoor Activities.

Assessment of Student Learning: • All Physical Education teachers will administer the Fitness Test (Fitness gram) annually to all students in grades 3-12.

• Students and their parent/guardian will receive individual fitness results upon completion of the Fitness Gram.

• Assessment of student learning and reporting student progress shall be an ongoing process of physical education.

• Learning objectives such as (psychomotor, cognitive and affective) will be assessed and reported using a grading system that reflects the progress of students.

Professional Development: • Physical education teachers should receive specific professional development related to curriculum, instruction, and assessment in the physical education content area.

Facilities for Physical Education Instruction: • Ensure that school personnel minimize the use of physical education facilities for other activities during the school day.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: refers to participation in physical activity. Physical activity programs may provide participants with structured activity (games, sports, etc.), unstructured activity (walking programs, dance, etc.), or opportunities to participate in physical activity in the daily routine.

Daily Recess: • Teachers and other school personnel will not use physical activity (i.e. running laps, pushups) as punishment.

•

Teachers and other school personnel will not withhold opportunities for physical activity

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(i.e. recess) except in instances of health and safety or where alternative disciplinary measures have been exhausted.

• All elementary school students should have daily recess, preferably at least 20 minutes a day of supervised recess, preferably outdoors, during which staff should encourage moderate to vigorous physical activity, including the provision of space and equipment.

• Provide all relevant teaching staff with training on conflict resolution, and issues (behaviors) related to recess and physical activity. Consistent rules and consequences will be adhered to.

• Offer developmentally appropriate games and activities to encourage social interaction and purposeful play. (i.e. markings on the blacktop: hopscotch, words, alphabet, and number games).

• Develop and adhere to district guidelines on modified weather alerts (heat, cold) during physical education classes and recess.

Physical Activity before and after school: • After school child care and after school enrichment programs should encourage daily periods of moderate to vigorous physical activity for all.

• Offer additional morning and afternoon and evening physical activity sessions for students K-12 through intramurals, community based programs, interscholastic sports, and (adult/children) directed programs.

• Promote physical education programs through “activity nights” to share with parents and the school community.

• Develop district guidelines on intramurals and related activities. All schools in the district shall offer consistent time for programs for elementary, middle school and high school students. A wide variety of activities will be available for student participation.

Student Safety During Physical Education and Physical Activity: • Establish rules and procedures concerning safety for staff and students.

• Facilities and equipment used for physical education and physical activity should be properly monitored and maintained to ensure participants’ safety.

• School staff should receive training in First Aid (every 3 years), as well as Heart Saver AED (automated external defibrillator, every year) which includes CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

These trainings should be considered as part of the school district’s professional development courses.

• • The school district should ensure that students and staff have access to appropriate hydration (i.e. water).

• All bleachers in the physical education teaching spaces shall be maintained and repaired to ensure the safety of spectators and participants.

Physical Activity for School Staff: • The school district will promote physical activity among staff and provide them with opportunities to engage in regular physical activity.

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MONITORING AND POLICY REVIEW:

Monitoring The School Lunch Director (telephone: 592-3021) will ensure district-wide compliance with established nutrition and physical activity wellness policy regulations and report such compliance at least annually to the Board of Education. In each school, the principal or designee will ensure compliance with those policy regulations in his/her school.

Policy Review The district will review policy compliance, assess progress, determine areas in need of improvement, and as necessary, will revise the wellness policy.

Adopted: October 16, 2006 Revised: November 13, 2006 Revised: August 20, 2007