Free School Wellness Policy

Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to promote the well-being of students by ensuring they have access to nutritious food, physical activity, and a supportive environment that encourages their overall health and wellness.

1. Nutrition Standards and Food Service

• Goal: To provide students with access to nutritious and healthy food during the school day.
  

  • School Meals: All meals provided by the school district will meet or exceed the guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and state and local health authorities.
    

  • A la carte and Vending: Foods and beverages sold to students will meet specific nutritional standards, including limiting added sugars, fats, and sodium.
    

  • Farm-to-School Initiatives: The district will collaborate with local farms to source fresh and locally grown produce when possible.
    

  • Water Access: Drinking water will be made available throughout the school day.

2. Physical Activity and Education

• Goal: To encourage students to engage in physical activity that enhances their physical and mental well-being.
  

  • Physical Education (PE): All students will have access to quality physical education programs that promote lifelong physical activity. The curriculum will include a variety of physical activities to build fitness, coordination, and teamwork skills.
    

  • Recess: Students will be provided with daily recess time that includes opportunities for physical play and exercise, weather permitting.
    

  • Active Transportation: The district will promote walking or biking to school as a healthy, active option for students when safe.
    

3. Mental Health and Emotional Wellness

• Goal: To promote mental health and emotional well-being for all students.
  

  • Support Services: The school district will provide access to counseling and support services for students who may need assistance with mental health, stress, anxiety, or other emotional challenges.
    

  • Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Students will receive instruction on social-emotional skills to build resilience, self-awareness, and positive relationships.
    

4. Health Education

• Goal: To provide students with the knowledge they need to make healthy lifestyle choices.
  

  • Curriculum: Health education will be incorporated into the school curriculum to teach students about nutrition, physical activity, mental health, substance abuse prevention, and personal hygiene.
    

  • Awareness Campaigns: The school will conduct campaigns and activities to raise awareness about healthy lifestyle choices and the importance of balanced nutrition, physical activity, and emotional well-being.
    

5. Safe and Healthy Environment

• Goal: To maintain a safe, clean, and supportive environment that fosters healthy behaviors.
  

  • School Grounds: The school will ensure that its facilities and grounds are clean, safe, and conducive to physical activity.
    

  • Tobacco-Free: The use of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices will be prohibited on school grounds and during school events.
    

  • Health-Supportive Environment: The district will support the creation of school environments that reduce exposure to environmental hazards (e.g., air quality, chemical use, etc.).
    

6. Staff Wellness

• Goal: To promote the well-being of school staff.
  

  • Professional Development: Staff will receive training on promoting wellness within the school community, including how to support student wellness.
    

  • Support for Staff Health: The school district will encourage staff to participate in wellness programs and provide resources such as access to fitness facilities, mental health services, and stress management.

7. Community and Family Involvement

• Goal: To engage families and the community in supporting the wellness of students.
  

  • Parent and Community Involvement: The district will provide opportunities for parents and community members to get involved in wellness initiatives, including workshops, committees, and school events.
    

  • Communication: The school will keep families informed about wellness programs and how they can support healthy habits at home.

Implementation and Evaluation

• Responsibility: The district’s Wellness Committee will oversee the implementation of this policy. The committee will be composed of administrators, teachers, parents, students, and local health professionals.
  

• Monitoring: The district will periodically assess the effectiveness of the wellness policy and update it as needed.
  

• Reporting: The district will annually report on the progress made toward meeting the wellness goals to the school board and the community.

Conclusion

This policy reflects the commitment of [School District Name] to ensuring the health and wellness of its students, staff, and the broader school community. We believe that healthy students are better learners and that by promoting wellness, we create an environment that supports academic achievement and personal growth.

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