The WCASD School Wellness Policy was developed by a committee represented by district staff and administration, parents, community members, a food service representative, a school board member, and a high school student. The policy was School Board approved in June 2006 and revised in July 2024.
Our school is committed to providing a school environment that promotes and protects our children‘s health, well-being, and ability to learn by supporting healthy eating, physical activity, and other healthy habits. We encourage everyone to help us implement, monitor, and review our health and wellness practices which impact students, families, and staff.
Physical Education and Activity at School
Quality physical education instruction that promotes lifelong physical activity and provides instruction in the skills and knowledge necessary for lifelong participation shall be provided. District schools shall strive to provide opportunities for physical activity and/or movement during the school day for all students. That time will include physical activity outside the school environment such as: outdoor play at home, sports, and activities within school including recess and physical activity during lunch, intramurals, clubs, and interscholastic activities.
Nutrition Education and Promotion
Our school aims to teach, encourage, and support healthy eating by students. Ongoing nutrition education is conducted to promote healthy choices among students, families and staff.
Hygiene
Our students are provided with opportunities and means to perform hand washing or hand sanitizing before they eat meals and/or snacks.
Health Screening
Annual BMI (body mass index) is calculated on all students and reported to parents.
Other School Based Wellness Activities Goals
Drinking water shall be available and accessible to students, without restriction and at no cost to the student, at all meal periods, and throughout the school day.
Fundraiser Exemptions
Fundraising activities held during the school day involving the sale of competitive foods shall be limited to foods that meet the Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards, unless an exemption is approved in accordance with applicable Board policy and administrative guidelines.
Snacks Outside of the Cafeteria
Our school principal, with input from the Wellness Committee, will assess if and when to offer snacks based on timing of school meals and children‘s nutritional needs. Emphasis is placed on serving snacks from the USDA Smart Snacks in School list.
Healthy Celebrations
Celebrations at school provide a unique opportunity to help make healthful eating fun and exciting for children. Schools can take advantage of classroom celebrations to serve food that tastes good, is nutritious, and provides students with an opportunity for nutrition education experiences. Or, shift the focus from the food to the child. Refreshments should complement the fun, not become the “main event.” Choose a variety of activities, games and crafts that children enjoy.
School/Classroom parties/celebrations with food/beverages shall be limited to no more than three (3) per school year. At each event at least one (1) fruit and vegetable will be offered. A maximum of one (1) sweet and one (1) salty snack will be offered. All packaged foods must be labeled with the ingredients and nutritional information. There are no restrictions on fruits and vegetables offered.
Parents/Guardians shall be informed through newsletters or other efficient communication methods that foods/beverages should only be brought in when requested for scheduled parties/celebrations.
It is imperative that homeroom parents and the classroom teacher discuss any food allergies present in the classroom students so those foods can be avoided.
