(DRAFT)

SUPPORT SERVICES                                                                             POLICY #115

BOARD OF EDUCATION                                     SCHOOL WELLNESS AND FOOD

WEBUTUCK CENTRAL SCHOOL                     SERVICE PROGRAM           

 

 

 

SUBJECT:    SCHOOL WELLNESS AND FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM (LUNCH AND BREAKFAST)/SCHOOL DISTRICT WELLNESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

 

School Food Service Program (Lunch and Breakfast)

 

The Board has entered into an agreement with the New York State Education Department to participate in the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program and/or Special Milk Program to receive commodities donated by the Department of Agriculture and to accept responsibility for providing free and reduced price meals to elementary and secondary students in the schools of the District.

 

The Superintendent or his/her designee shall have the responsibility to carry out the rules of the School Lunch and Breakfast Programs.  The determination of which students are eligible is the responsibility of the respective building principal and then the Superintendent of his/her designee.  Appeals regarding eligibility should be submitted to the Hearing Official of the District.

 

Free or reduced price “Lunch Meal Patterns” may be allowed for qualifying student attending District schools upon receipt of a written application from the student’s parent or guardian or a “Direct Certification” letter from the New York State Department of Social Services.  Applications will be provided by the School District to all families.

 

Procedures for the administration of the free and reduced price meal program of this School District will be the same as those prescribed in current state and federal laws and regulations.

 

Child Nutrition Program/Charging Meals

 

Although not required by law, because of the District’s participation in the Child Nutrition Program, the Board of Education approves the establishment of a system to allow a student to charge a meal.  The Board authorizes the Superintendent to develop rules which address:

a)         What can be charged;

b)         The limit on the number of charges per student;

c)         The system used for identifying and recording charged meals;

d)         The system used for collection of repayments; and

e)         Ongoing communication of the policy to parents and students.

 

Restriction of Sweetened Foods in School

The sale of sweetened foods will be prohibited from the beginning of the school day until the end of the last scheduled meal period.

 

Sweetened foods consist of sweetened soda water, chewing gum, candy, including hard candy, jellies, gum, marshmallow candies, fondant, licorice, spun candy, candy coated popcorn, and water ices except those which contain fruit or fruit juices.

 

Food Substitutions for Children with Disabilities

Federal regulations governing the operation of Child Nutrition Programs, Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 require that children with disabilities be offered the opportunity to participate in all academic and nonacademic activities including the school nutrition programs.  The District will make reasonable accommodations to those children with disabilities whose disabilities restrict their diets, such as providing substitutions and/or modifications in the regular meal patterns.  Such meal substitutions for students with disabilities will be offered at no extra charge.  A student with a disability must be provided substitutions in food when that need is supported by a statement signed by a physician attesting to the need for the substitutions and recommending alternate foods.

 

However, the school food service is not required to provide meal services (for example, School Breakfast Program) to students with disabilities when the meal service is not normally available to the general student body, unless a meal service is required under the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Accommodation Plan as mandated by a physician’s written instructions.

 

Though not required, the District will also allow substitutions for non-disabled children who are unable to consume the regular meal because of medical or other special dietary needs if the request is supported by a statement signed by a recognized medical authority.

 

 

 

School District Wellness Advisory Committee

 

In accordance with Education Law, the District will establish a Wellness Advisory Committee.  The Committee will include, but not be limited to, a representative of the School Board; the food preparation staff; the physical education departments; the school nurse or health staff; a registered dietitian, if available; the faculty of the District; the parent-teacher association in the District; the students enrolled in the District; and the parent/guardians of students enrolled in the District.  If, due to special circumstances, it is impossible or impracticable for all recommended groups to have members on the Committee for representation, the District may approve a Committee that, to the greatest extent possible, represents the interests of the aforementioned groups.

 

Prior to the start of school in the fall, the District will send in a newsletter written notice and/or on the District website to all parents/guardians of enrolled students of the existence of the School District Wellness Advisory Committee and supply information as to how interested parents/guardians may participate on the Committee.  The District will also, to the extent practicable, give notice to all parents/guardians and students through its regular newsletters or other regular forms of written communication (and/or on the District website) as to the scheduled dates of all meetings of the Advisory Committee.

 

The Committee will study all facets of the current nutritional policies of the District including, but not limited to:

 

a)         The goals of the District to promote health and proper nutrition;

b)         Vending machine sales;

c)         Menu criteria;

d)         Educational curriculum teaching healthy nutrition;

e)         Educational information provided to parents/guardians regarding healthy nutrition and health risks associated with obesity;

f)         Opportunities offered to parents/guardians to encourage healthier eating habits to students; and

g)         The education provided to teachers and other staff as to the importance of healthy nutrition.

 

In addition, the Committee shall consider recommendations and practices of other

districts and nutrition studies.

 

 

Child Nutrition Act 1966

42 United States Code (USC) Section 1771 et seq.

Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act 1946

42 United States Code (USC) Section 1751 et seq.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

29 United States Code (USC) Section 794 et seq

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

20 United State Code (USC) Sections 1400-1485

7 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 15B

Education Law Sections 915, 918, 1604(28), 1709(22), 1709(23) and 2503(9)(a)

8 New York Code of Rules and Regulations

(NYCRR) Sections 200.2(b)(1) and 200.2(b)(2)

 

1st Reading:     December 7, 2009

2nd Reading:

Adopted:

Webutuck Central School District

 

Wellness Program

 

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Purpose:

 

The Webutuck Central School District has developed a draft Wellness Program, which includes goals for the Food Service Program, the Wellness Advisory Committee, nutrition education, physical education and over-all student-staff wellness.

 

Known Facts:

 

 

 

Our Purpose:

It is critical that children learn and adopt healthy behaviors while they are young, including daily physical activity and establishing better eating habits.  Tracking this issue at an early age helps young people develop good habits before they face health conditions.  Encouraging physical activity and good nutrition are very important.  By implementing a comprehensive policy-that includes consideration of and sensitivity to students, schools, families and the community environment-we can foster good nutrition and lifelong healthy choices.  This program is designed to support and meet the requirements of New York State and Federal Regulations.

 

These guidelines were developed with input from the following organizations:

·         American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD)

·         American Association of School Administrators (AASA)

·         Council of Chief State School Administrators (CCSSO)

·         National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP)

·         National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)

·         National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE)

·         National PTA

·         National School Boards Association (NSBA)

·         School Nutrition Association (SNA)

·         American Dietetic Association (ADA)

 

 

 

Nutrition Education:

1.   The Webutuck Central School District Wellness Program will ensure that students in Pre-kindergarten through grade 12 receive nutrition education that provides the knowledge they need to adopt healthy lifestyles.  Nutrition education should be well integrated within a comprehensive school health education program and should include instruction that helps students learn more about the importance of various food groups; caloric, sugar and fat intake; healthy cooking methods; the recognition of the role media play in marketing and advertising foods and beverages; and the relationship of a balanced diet and regular exercise to a healthy lifestyle.

 

2.   It is expected that nutrition concepts will be reinforced by all school personnel, and should be integrated into various subject areas.  Nutrition education should include reinforcement of the importance of physical activity and the health risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle.

 

3.   The Webutuck Central School District will utilize the services of qualified nutrition professionals, including but not limited to the Foods Service Department, Home and Career staff, Health Department, School nurses, and Dutchess County Health Department members to lead the effort to implement nutrition education.  Staff primarily responsible for nutrition education should be properly trained and regularly participate in professional development activities to effectively deliver quality nutrition education.

 

4.   The Webutuck Central School District will provide educational information and encourage healthy eating and physical activity for families, both within the home and outside the home.  Family members should be engaged as a critical part of the team responsible for teaching children about health and nutrition.

 

Foods and Beverages Served/Sold During the School Day and School Sponsored Events:

1.   It is our expectation that foods and beverages available during the school day will include a variety of healthy choices that are of excellent quality, appealing to students and served at the proper temperature.  Webutuck will offer a National School Breakfast and Lunch Program that follows the regulations set forth by the USDA, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the NYS Education Department of Child Nutrition.

 

2.   It is our expectation that foods and beverages available during the school day will minimize use of trans and saturated fats, sodium and sugar as defined by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

 

3.   Food and beverage providers must offer modest portion sizes that are age-appropriate for elementary, junior and high school students, respectively.

 

4.   Both a la carte foods and vending products that are available will include a variety of choices of nutritious foods in accordance with the guidelines of the NYS School Nutrition Association’s Choose Sensibly Program.  Such sensible choices should be clearly identified.

 

5.   Parents, teachers, students, school administrators and the school board need to be actively engaged in choosing the competitive food selections for their local school and should strictly adhere to the regulations established by the USDA and further refined by the NYS Education Department of Child Nutrition.  The USDA defines competitive food selection as foods offered at school, other than meals served through the USDA’s school meal program.

 

6.   Products offered as snacks, a la carte and vending will also offer a variety of healthy choices.  The guidelines of the “Choose Sensibly” program can also be applied to these areas and foods so identified.

 

7.   Drinking water and hand-washing facilities will be available for students at all times.

 

8.   Classroom snacks will reinforce the importance of healthy choices.

 

9.   Classroom celebrations, especially in elementary schools, will encourage healthy choices, and portion control.  Parents and families should receive guidance from the school on foods that are appropriate for such celebrations.

 

10.   All Webutuck school activities will encourage fundraisers that promote positive health habits such as the sale of non-food and nutritious food items, as well as fundraising to support physical activity events.

 

11.   Foods and beverages sold at fundraisers will be expected to reinforce the importance of healthy choices.

 

Food Environment:

1.   Students will be encouraged to start each day with a healthy breakfast since children who start their day hungry may find it difficult to stay alert and learn.

 

2.   Bus schedules and morning breaks will be coordinated to allow students ample time before class to eat breakfast as needed.

 

3.   Lunch periods should be scheduled as near to the middle of the school day as possible and practical.

 

4.   Recess for elementary grades will be scheduled before lunch (if at all possible or practical).

 

5.   Students will be provided sufficient time to eat during meal periods, with at least 10 minutes for breakfast and at least 20 minutes for lunch. (where practical)

 

6.   Dining areas will be attractive and will include enough seating areas to accommodate all students who would like to sit and eat lunch, as well as enough service areas so that students do not have to spend too much time waiting in line.

 

7.   Students will be reminded to wash their hands before meals (to prevent the spread of germs and viruses and to reduce the risk of illness).

 

8.   Promotional activities will incorporate nutrition education and will be expected to connect to activities that encourage physical activity, academic achievement, and positive youth development.

 

Food Service Program:

1.   The Webutuck Central School District will develop a coordinated and comprehensive outreach promotional and pricing plan to ensure maximum participation in the school meal program, and will strive to ensure that all eligible children qualify and receive free and reduced-price meals.

 

2.   The Webutuck Central School District will ensure that students eligible to receive free and reduced-price meals and milk are not treated differently from other students or easily identified by their peers.

 

3.   Guidelines for the reimbursable meals served will not be less restrictive than federal regulations and guidance issued by the Secretary of Agriculture.

 

4.   The Webutuck Central School District will strive to employ a food service cook manager who is qualified, according to professional standards, to administer the school food service program and to satisfy reporting requirements.

 

5.   All food service personnel will have adequate training and participate in ongoing professional development.

 

6.   The Webutuck Central School District will plan menus that, over the course of each week, will meet the nutrition standards recommended in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the New York State S.E.D.

 

7.   Schools will involve families and community organizations in the development of policies and programs to ensure that school meal options are culturally sensitive and meet special dietary needs.

 

8.   The Webutuck Central School District will ensure that required and effective good safety practices are applied to all foods prepared by the Food Service Department.

 

Physical Education and Physical Activity:

1.   The Webutuck Central School District will ensure that every student from Pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade receives regular, age-appropriate physical education activity in accordance with the NYS Standards.

 

2.   Age-appropriate physical education will be considered to be an activity that utilizes movement concepts, motor skills, cognitive skills and intensity appropriate for a child’s state of development.

3.   Every effort will be made to have all physical education classes taught by certified physical education teachers.

 

4.   Physical education will be designed to build interest and proficiency in the skills, knowledge and attitudes essential for a lifelong physically active lifestyle.  It should include providing information, fostering a positive atmosphere, encouraging self-discipline, development of motor-skills, and promoting activities that can be carried out over the course of students’ lives.

 

5.   The physical education curriculum will be coordinated with the health education curriculum, and both must meet the NYS Standards.

 

6.   Physical education will provide safe and satisfying physical activity for all students, including those with special needs.

 

7.   Whenever possible, elementary schools will provide daily recess that encourages physical activity.

 

8.   The Webutuck Central School District will ensure that students have adequate space and equipment to participate in structured physical activity.  Facilities on school grounds are expected to be kept safe and well maintained.

 

9.   Schools will provide information to parents to help them promote and incorporate physical activity and healthy eating into their children’s lives.

 

Local Wellness Advisory Committee:

1.   The Webutuck Central School District shall strive to have a diverse local Wellness Advisory Committee comprised of the major stakeholder groups:  Staff Health Personnel, community members, students, parents, PTA, Board of Education members, administrators and other members.

 

2.   Webutuck will attempt to recruit community members for the local Wellness Advisory Committee who are involved in efforts to improve the overall health and well-being of children and youth.  These stakeholders will be expected to share and apply lessons learned from other programs.

 

3.   The local Wellness Advisory Committee should monitor the school district’s policies to ensure they are properly implemented and that progress is made in improving and maintaining students’ nutrition and physical activity patterns.

 

4.   The Webutuck Central School District will attempt to supplement its efforts by seeking nutrition and physical activity partnerships with relevant community organizations and corporate citizens as they become known.

 

5.   Recognizing that school staff and support personnel serve as role models, the Webutuck Central School District should encourage activities and create programs that support healthy lifestyles for all school district employees.

 

Monitoring and Evaluations:

1.   To satisfy the requirements of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, the Wellness Advisory Committee shall monitor the school district’s implementation of the wellness policy and observe student health and activities.  Such monitoring will help gauge whether or not policies have in fact been implemented, whether or not they are effective, and their overall impact on student and staff health.  The results may also highlight areas I need of further change and help shape future policy modifications.  In an effort to improve the health of the Webutuck community, the Wellness Advisory Committee will report annually to the Superintendent of Schools on the observed effectiveness of this plan and will recommend modifications for subsequent years.