Wellness Policy

 

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St. Martin East Elementary
Local School Wellness Policy

Rationale

The link between nutrition, physical activity, and learning is well documented. Healthy eating and activity patterns are essential for students to achieve their full academic potential, full physical and mental growth, and lifelong health and well-being. Healthy eating and physical activity, essential for a healthy weight, are also linked to reduced risk for many chronic diseases, like Type 2 diabetes. Schools have a responsibility to help staff, students, and their families learn, establish, and maintain lifelong, healthy eating and activity patterns. Well-planned and effectively implemented school nutrition and fitness programs have been shown to enhance students' overall health, as well as their behavior and academic achievement in school. Staff wellness also is an integral part of a healthy school environment, since school staff can be daily role models for healthy behaviors.

Goal

All students of St. Martin East Elementary shall possess the knowledge and skills necessary to make nutritious food choices and enjoyable physical activity choices for a lifetime. All staff of St. Martin East Elementary is encouraged to model healthful eating and physical activity as a valuable part of daily life.

To meet this goal, St. Martin East Elementary adopts this school wellness policy with the following commitments to Nutrition Education/Services, Food Safe Schools, Physical Education/Activity, Comprehensive Health Education, Healthy School Environment, Quality Health Services, Providing Counseling, Psychological and Social Service, Family and Community Involvement, Marketing, Implementation, Tobacco/Drug Usage, and Healthy Eating Habits. This policy is designed to effectively utilize school and community resources and to equitably serve the needs and interests of all students and staff, taking into consideration differences in culture.

Commitment to Nutrition Education/Services

In accordance with JCSD policy, St. Martin East Elementary will, where applicable:

  • Offer a school lunch program with menus that meet the meal patterns and nutrition standards established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Mississippi Department of Education, Office of Child Nutrition Programs.
  • Offer school breakfast and snack programs (where approved and applicable) with menus that meet the meal patterns and nutrition standards established by the U. S. Department of Agriculture and the Mississippi Department of Education, Office of Child Nutrition Programs.
  • Encourage school staff and families to participate in school meal programs.
  • Operate all Child Nutrition Programs with school food service staff who are properly qualified according to current professional standards (Mississippi Board of Education Policy, Code EE-2E)
  • Implement nutrition standards as adopted by the State Department of Education in accordance with the Mississippi Healthy Schools Act (Policy 4011).
  • Follow State Board of Education policies on competitive foods and extra food sales (Mississippi Board of Education Policy, Code EEH) Attachment A, and Local Competitive Food Sales Policy (Code EECA) Attachment B.
  • Establish guidelines for all foods available on the school campus during the school day with the objective of promoting student health and reducing childhood obesity. See Appendix A.
  • Provide adequate time for students to eat and enjoy school meals (a minimum of 10 minutes after receiving meal at breakfast and at least 24 minutes for lunch).
  • Encourage students to make food choices based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, by emphasizing menu options that feature baked (rather than fried foods), whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and reduced-fat dairy products.
  • Establish a cafeteria environment conducive to a positive dining experience, with socializing among students and between students and adults; with supervision of eating areas by adults who model proper conduct and voice level; and with adults who model healthy habits by eating with the students.
  • Make school meals accessible to all students with a variety of delivery strategies, such as breakfast in the classroom, grab-and-go lunches, or alternate eating sites.
  • Offer nutritious and appealing options (such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, trail mix, beef jerky, reduced-fat milk, reduced fat-yogurt, reduced-fat cheese, 100% juice, and water) whenever foods/beverages are sold or otherwise offered at school, including vending machines, school stores, concessions stands at sporting and academic events, parties, celebrations, social events, and other school functions. See Appendix A for example of guidelines and options.
  • Restrict use of foods as rewards for student accomplishment to acceptable snacks as described in this policy.
  • Eliminate the withholding of food as punishment (e.g., restricting a child's selection of flavored milk at mealtime due to behavior problems).  See Appendix B for non-food reward ideas.
  • Encourage all school-based organizations to use services, contests, non-food items, and/or healthful foods for fundraising programs. The sale of candy as a fund-raiser is prohibited.  See Appendix C for alternative fundraising ideas.
  • Provide nutrition information for parents, including nutrition analysis of school meals and resources to help parents to improve food that they serve at home.
  • Use marketing, pricing, and nutrition education to encourage healthy extra sale selections.

Commitment to Food Safe Schools

In accordance with JCSD policy, St. Martin East Elementary will, where applicable:

  • Implement a food safety program based on HACCP principles for all school meals, as required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Mississippi Department of Education, Office of Child Nutrition Programs and ensure that the food service permit is current for the school site.
  • Develop a food safety education plan for all staff and students, consistent with Fight Bac® ( www.fightbac.org) and other national standards for safe food handling at home and in school.
  • Ensure that all staff has viewed the video developed by the Office of Healthy Schools to support food safety on the school campus. For compliance with the Nutrition Standards all staff must complete and sign pre and post test developed by the Office of Healthy Schools and maintain documentation of completion. The video and Pre/Post Test can be downloaded at: http://healthyschoolsms.org/ohs_main/instructionalvideo.htm.
  • All school personnel (administrators, teachers, school nurses, instructional and health services paraprofessionals, foodservice staff, custodians and facilities managers, and administrative support staff) will receive copies of the Local School Wellness Policy to include food safety policies and procedures and relevant professional development. Examples of professional development include, but are not limited to, the video developed by the Office of Healthy Schools and Eating Safely at School, (http://schoolhealth.nsba.org/site/docs/42400/42324.pdf) developed by the National School Boards Association
  • Adequate access to hand washing facilities and supplies will be available whenever and wherever students, staff, and families prepare, handle, or consume food.
  • The food safety assurance plan must address strategies that minimize risks for students and staff who have food allergies and intolerances.
  • Encourage parents, caregivers, vendors, and any other community members who provide or are likely to provide foods prepared for consumption at school events to review appropriate information about safe food preparation and storage

 

Commitment to Physical Education/Activity

In accordance with JCSD policy, St. Martin East Elementary will, where applicable:

  • Provide 150 minutes per week of activity-based instruction for all students in grades K-8 (in accordance with Section 37-13-134, Mississippi Code of 1972, ann., reference 2004 Mississippi Public Schools Accountability Standards 32, Appendix B and 33).
  • Kindergarten students will participate in physical activity for a minimum of 40 minutes per school day. The 40 minutes does not have to take place continuously. This time should be used to help the child increase the skills involved in physical coordination (Kindergarten Guidelines).
  • Provide Physical Education/Activity in accordance with the Physical Education Rules and Regulations as approved by the State Board of Education in compliance with the Mississippi Healthy Students Act (State Board of Education Policy 4012).
  • Offer a planned sequential program of physical education instruction incorporating individual and group activities, which are student centered and taught in a positive environment.
  • Instruction must be based on the 2006 Mississippi Physical Education Framework.
  • Implement the requirements of the Mississippi Healthy Students Act of 2007 (Senate Bill 2369).

 

Commitment to Comprehensive Health Education

In accordance with JCSD policy, St. Martin East Elementary will, where applicable:

  • Implement the requirements of the Mississippi Healthy Students Act of 2007, which requires 45 minutes per week of health education instruction as defined by the State Board of Education for grades K through 8.

Commitment to a Healthy School Environment

In accordance with JCSD policy, St. Martin East Elementary will, where applicable:

  • Ensure that there are no pad locks or chains on exit doors; exits should never be obstructed (in accordance with Mississippi State Fire Code). Ensure that all exit signs are illuminated and clearly visible.
  • Ensure that all chemicals are stored properly (in accordance with the Material Safety Data Sheet www.msdssearch.com).
  • Refer to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's Handbook for Public Playground Safety (www.cpsc.com); for federal guidelines for playground safety.
  • Ensure that fire extinguishers are inspected each year and properly tagged.
  • Complete yearly maintenance of the heating and cooling system in your school; check coils, filters, belts, etc. in order to maintain safe operation and healthy air quality.
  • Conduct at least one emergency evacuation drill per month.
  • Ensure that two means of egress are available in each classroom in case of an emergency; if there is only one door, designate a window (properly sized) as a means of egress.
  • Never use extension cords as a permanent source of electricity anywhere on a school campus.

 

Comply with the applicable rules and regulations of the State Board of Education in the operation of its transportation program (in accordance with the MS Code 37-41-53; State Board of Education Policies 7903, 7904, and 7909; and Accreditation Standard #35).

  • Inspect all buses on a quarterly basis and ensure that they are well maintained and clean.
  • Require that all bus drivers have a valid bus driver certificate and a commercial driver's license and operates the bus according to all specified safety procedures. Maintain a record of yearly motor vehicle reports on each bus driver and evidence that each driver has received two hours of in-service training per semester. (SB Policy 7903)
  • Ensure arrival of all buses at their designated school sites prior to the start of the instructional day.
  • Conduct bus evacuation drills at least two times each year. (SB Policy 7904)

Provide facilities that meet the criteria of: (MS Code 37-7-301 (c) (d) (j); 37-11-5, 49 and 45-11-101; and Accreditation Standard #36).

  • Provide facilities that are clean.
  • Provide facilities that are safe.
  • Provide proper signage that explains tobacco, weapons, and drugs are prohibited on the school campus and at school functions.
  • Provide operational facilities that are equipped and functional to meet the instructional needs of students and staff (in accordance with the Mississippi School Design Guidelines at www.edi.msstate.edu).
  • Provide air conditioning in all classrooms, Code§37-17-6(2) (2000).

Comply with the requirements for Safe and Healthy Schools:

  • Maintain a comprehensive School Safety Plan on file that has been approved annually by the local school board. (MS Code 37-3-81 and 37-3-82(2); and Accreditation Standard #37.1); see the School Safety Manual and the MDE School Occupational Safety and Crisis Response Plan at: http://www.healthyschoolsms.org/healthy_school_environment/school_safety.htm.
  • State Board Policy EBB (1990) prohibits the possession of pistols, firearms or weapons by any person on school premises or at school functions. Code §37-11-18 (1996) requires any student who possesses a knife, a handgun, other firearm or any other instrument considered to be dangerous and capable of causing bodily harm or who commit a violent act on educational property be subject to automatic expulsion for one calendar year. The superintendent of the school is authorized to modify the period of time for expulsion on a case-by-case basis.
  • Prohibits students from possessing tobacco on any educational property, Criminal Code§97-32-9 (2000). Code§97-32-29 (2000) further prohibits the use of tobacco on any educational property for adults who, if in violation, would be subject to a fine and issued a citation by a law enforcement officer. Educational property is defined as any public school building or bus, campus, grounds, athletic field, or other property used or operated during a school-related activity.

Commitment to Quality Health Services

In accordance with JCSD policy, St. Martin East Elementary will, where applicable:

  • Ensure all school nurses are working under the guidelines of the Mississippi School Nurse Procedures and Standards of Care.

Commitment to Providing Counseling, Psychological and Social Service

In accordance with JCSD policy, St. Martin East Elementary will, where applicable:

  • Adhere to the details outlined in the Licensure Guidelines (451) when hiring guidance counselors and psychologists. The state does not have a policy specifically outlining the requirements for a school social worker. For licensure as a social worker in the state of Mississippi, a candidate must provide verification of a baccalaureate degree in social work from a college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) or Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and scores a minimum of 70 on the ASWB basic exam.
  • Provide a licensed guidance counselor and ensure that all students have access to qualified student support personnel such as: guidance counselors, social workers, nurses, psychologists, psychometrists, and others (as required by the Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards, Process Standards 6.1 and 6.2).
  • Hire school guidance counselors with a minimum of a Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling, or in an emergency situation, an appropriate certification as determined by the Commission on Teacher and Administrator Education, Certification and Licensure and Development.
  • Hire school counselors who agree to abide by the American School Counselor Association Code of Ethics.
  • Ensure that all school guidance counselors provide comprehensive counseling services such as:
    • Academic and personal/social counseling
    • Student assessment and assessment counseling
    • Career and educational counseling
    • Individual and group counseling
    • Crisis intervention and preventive counseling
    • Referrals to community agencies
    • Educational consultations and collaborations with teachers, administrators, parents and community leaders
    • Education and career placement services
    • Follow-up counseling services
    • Conflict resolution
    • Other counseling duties or other duties as assigned by the school principal

Commitment to Family and Community Involvement

St. Martin East Elementary will:

  • Give parents and community the opportunity to serve on the School Health Council (SHC)

Commitment to Marketing a Healthy School Environment

St. Martin East Elementary will:

  • Provide positive, motivating messages, both verbal and non-verbal, about healthy lifestyle practices throughout the school setting.  All school personnel will help reinforce these positive messages.
  • Involve students in planning for a healthy school environment. Students will be asked for input and feedback through the use of student surveys, and attention will be given to their comments.
  • Promote healthful eating, physical activity, and healthy lifestyles to students, parents, teachers, administrators, and the community at school events (e.g., school registration, parent-teacher conferences, PTA meetings, open houses, health fairs, teacher in-services, and other events).
  • Eliminate advertising and other materials on the school campus that promote foods of minimal nutrition value.
  • Work with local media, like newspaper, TV and radio, to inform the community about the health problems facing Mississippi children, as well as the need for and benefits of healthy school environments. See Appendix D for marketing resources.

Commitment to Implementation

St. Martin East Elementary will:

  • Implement this policy in accordance with the JCSD Wellness Policy.
  • The principal will insure that the school wellness policy is implemented as written.
  • Measurement and Implementation of plan is through discussion and documentation during district principal meetings.  Annual Office of Healthy Schools Monitoring Tool will be kept on file at each school.
  • The School Health Council will also serve as the District Wellness Advisory Committee.
  • Prepare and submit a yearly report to the school board regarding the progress toward implementation of the school wellness policy and recommendations for any revisions to the policy as necessary.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy, discrimination is prohibited on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.


Commitment to Discourage Tobacco/Illegal Drug Usage

St. Martin East Elementary will:

  • Promote healthy lifestyle habits through informational practices in classroom units and models provided by school staff.
  • Utilize community health providers as resource agents to provide students with educational information about negative health issues caused by use of tobacco or illegal drugs.

Commitment to Healthy Eating Habits

St. Martin East Elementary will:

  • Promote healthy eating habits through informational practices in classroom units and models provided by school staff.
  • Provide opportunities for students to try new foods such as fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and whole grain products through classroom instruction and teacher/parent involvement.
  • Utilize breakfast and lunch as daily opportunities to encourage students to choose and eat healthy foods as well as model healthy food choices by staff.

Additional Governing Guidelines

St. Martin East Elementary will operate under the guidelines set forth in the following sections of the JCSD Wellness Policy and state policies:

Appendix A: Nutrition Guidelines
Appendix B: Non-food Rewards
Appendix C: Healthy Fund-raising
Appendix D: Marketing
Attachment A: State Policy Competitive Foods
Attachment B: COMPETITIVE FOODS POLICY

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03/08/12