PR 2750 Wellness
The District is committed to the optimal development of every student. The District believes that for students to have the opportunity to achieve personal, academic, developmental and social success, there needs to exist a positive, safe and health-promoting learning environment at every level, in every setting, throughout the school year.
The District promotes healthy schools, by supporting wellness, good nutrition, and regular physical activity as part of the total learning environment. The District supports a healthy environment where children learn and participate in positive dietary and lifestyle practices. Schools contribute to the basic health status of children by facilitating learning through the support and promotion of good nutrition and physical activity. Improved health optimizes student performance potential.
Addendum to Policy 2750
Updated October, 2019
Leadership
The principal will facilitate the development of and updates to the wellness policy. The principal will ensure the school’s compliance with the policy.
Notification of the Policy
The policy will be posted on the district’s website and posted in the cafeteria.
Nutrition
The Food Service Director will determine the foods to be served in the meals. This person will be responsible for making certain the menus are in compliance with recommended guidelines as set forth by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. Hudson R-IX has maintained a goal of improving student lunch participation. This fall student participation rates have climbed to 80%.
The only foods and beverages sold to students are the foods and beverages served through the school lunch program.
The district will suggest to parents/PTO that food items such as fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious items be served at seasonal parties and PTO gatherings.
Students are encouraged to bring water bottles to school. This “habit” helps students learn that
remaining hydrated is very important. It also assists in training regarding how much water a person needs to drink each day.
Incentives for academic achievement, perfect attendance, etc., are only occasionally to be small candies.
Physical Activity
Grades K-3 have 60 minutes a day for physical activity. Grades 4 – 8 have 30 minutes of physical activity per day. Staff can walk/exercise in the gym. Our PTO received a grant and purchased playground equipment that provides a variety of activities.
Hudson R-IX co-ops with local school districts, so junior high students may participate in extra-curricular sports activities. Junior high students also participate in an exploratory cooking class that reviews nutrition facts.
Recess as a time for punishment - In as much as the mandated policy is that all students must participate in physical activity, the punishment period must not be taken during the time designated for Physical Education activities and punishment during recess times will consist of walking alone rather than standing or sitting. Since all students will be required to participate in physical activity, it is very important that teachers adhere strictly to the physical activity schedule. A schedule will be developed by the office and the teachers are expected to stay within the given limits.
Students will participate in short physical activity breaks during and between classroom times to help stimulate attention and boost learning.
Nutrition Education & Promotion
Amanda Ast, nutritionist with the Bates County extension office, will instruct all students regarding healthy eating and good nutrition. These classes will last for 6 weeks each fall. Food tastings will be included in this class.
Donald Payton, DDS will screen K – 8th grade students’ teeth each spring and instruct children on good nutrition for teeth and gum health. Delta Dental “Teeth on the Go” will present their educational dental program every other year to the students. A representative from Bates Co. Health Center will visit the preschool and give an educational presentation regarding good dental practices at least annually.
Dr. David Miller, OD will screen K – 8th grade students’ regarding any optical problems each fall.
School nurse, Amber Hellwig-Brownsberger, will conduct screenings and present educational wellness programs to the students on a monthly basis.
K – 8th students will receive character education, drug-free & tobacco-free instruction.
Resources from the Team Nutrition website will be used to educate students, staff and families.
Professional Development
The school nutrition personnel will refer to the DESE website to seek training opportunities.
This policy is reviewed at least annually by parents, students, school food authority, teachers, school health professional, the school board and the school administrator. The school administrator oversees and ensures the school complies with all aspects of the wellness plan. Additionally, the administrator will periodically review, make notes and carefully consider the success of the plan as well as the overall satisfaction with the plan. THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO COMMENT ON THE WELLNESS POLICY. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE INVOLVED IN THE NEXT ANNUAL REVIEW, PLEASE CONTACT THE PRINCIPAL OR SECRETARY.
Evaluated & accepted by the Hudson R-IX Board of Education 10/14/2019.