Arlington Public Schools Local Wellness Policy

Arlington Public Schools Local Wellness Policy

Dr. Alvin Crawley

Arlington Public Schools Local Wellness Policy Requirements• Section 204 of the Reauthorization Act (P.L. 108-

265) requires all school divisions participating in any of the USDA school nutrition programs to have a local wellness policy by the first day of school year 2006-2007.

• School Health Advisory Boards, nutrition advisory councils and other advisory groups should serve as the infrastructure to address wellness issues.

Arlington Public Schools Local Wellness Policy Requirements• The policy must:

• Include goals for nutrition education, physical activity, and other school based activities to promote student wellness;

• Include nutrition standards for all foods and beverages available during the school day (objective of reducing obesity);

• Provide assurances that local guidelines established shall not be less restrictive than USDA or existing Virginia regulations and guidance;

Arlington Public Schools Local Wellness Policy Requirements• The policy must:

• Establish a plan for measuring implementation of the policy; and

• Involve parents, students, school nutrition program directors, school board, school administrators, and the public.

Wellness: Value Statement

• Arlington Public Schools supports the implementation of a comprehensive school health model that promotes the healthy development of students. Healthy eating and healthy activities are critical to the well-being of all students and there is a positive relationship between good health and academic success.

Healthy Eating and Healthy Activities: Policy • APS shall engage all stakeholders in developing,

implementing, monitoring and reviewing nutrition and physical activity initiatives;

• All students in grades pre-k through 12 shall have opportunities, support, and encouragement to be physically active on a regular basis;

• All foods and beverages shall meet or exceed USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans and Virginia Action for Healthy Kids Nutrition Standards.

Healthy Eating and Healthy Activities: Policy • Qualified child nutrition staff shall provide student

access to healthy and affordable meals;• APS shall participate in the federal school meal

program;• Schools shall provide nutrition education and

physical education to foster lifelong habits of healthy eating and physical activity;

• Students shall have the opportunity to participate in vigorous exercise through daily recess.

Healthy Eating and Healthy Activities: Policy• APS shall participate in Safe Routes to School

Initiatives; and• School spaces and facilities used for physical

activity and nutrition education shall be available to students, staff and community in accordance with School Board Facilities Use policies and procedures.

Evaluation

• The Superintendent shall periodically solicit feedback from student surveys, SHAB, Student Advisory Board, ACSHC, and Health and Physical Education Advisory Committee on the implementation of the Wellness Policy and established procedures.

Policy Implementation Procedures

• SHAB and ACSHC • Nutritional Quality of Foods and Beverages

– Nutrition Standards for School Meals

• Breakfast

• Free and Reduced Priced Meals

• Meal Times and Scheduling

– Standards for Foods and Beverages Sold Individually

– Vending Machines

– Sharing Foods and Beverages

– Celebrations

Policy Implementation Procedures

• Nutritional and Physical Activity Promotion and Food Marketing– Nutrition Education and Promotion

– Integrating Physical Activity into the Classroom Setting

– Communicating with Parent

– Food Marketing in Schools

– Sale of Food On School Grounds

– Food Sold as Fundraisers

– Staff Wellness

Policy Implementation Procedures

• Physical Activity Opportunities and Physical Education– Physical Education

– Daily Recess

– Physical Activity and Punishment

– Safe Routes to School

– Use of School Facilities Outside of School Hours

Policy Implementation Procedures

• References– APS Food Services Policy 40-3

– U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans

– Virginia Action for Healthy Kids

– Section 204 of the Reauthorization Act (P.L. 108-265)

– APS School Board Policy 10-6.5 School Board Organization

– APS School Board Policy 40.13 Use of Facilities