Manchester Essex Regional School District
Wellness Policy
Pursuant to the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, the Manchester Essex Regional School Committee recognizes the relationship between student wellbeing a student achievement as well as the importance of a comprehensive district wellness program. Therefore, the school district will provide developmentally appropriate nutrition, and sequential nutrition and physical education as well as other opportunities for physical activity. The wellness program will be implemented in a multidisciplinary fashion and will be evidence based.
District Health Advisory Council
The school district has established a Health Advisory Council to review and as necessary,
recommend revisions to the school administration and school committee for the district wellness policy. The Health Advisory Council consists of a group of individuals representing the school and community, including parents, students, Food Service and Nutrition Specialist, and Wellness Curriculum Coordinator, members of the school committee, school administrators, teachers, health professionals, and members of the public.
Nutrition Education
Nutrition Education is offered in the school cafeteria as well as in the classroom, with
coordination between the food service and nutrition staff and other school personnel, including teachers. Students will study the relationship between dietary intake, eating behaviors, physical activity and emotional health. Nutrition is integrated into the health education and/or core curricula (e.g., math, science, language arts).
All schools will participate in the March Nutrition Month to expose students to nutrition and exercise messages throughout the school, classroom, and cafeteria, to further enhance the Nutrition Education program.
Health Education
Health is offered at the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels as part of the
Massachusetts and National Health Education Frameworks implementation. A certified Health instructor teaches all Health courses. Assessment in Health Education class will be reported to both students and parents through Progress Reports and Report Cards in the same manner as Math, Science, English, and Social Studies.
Physical Education
Physical Education is offered at the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels as part
of the Massachusetts and National Health Education Frameworks implementation. A certified Physical Education instructor teaches all Physical Education courses. Assessment in Physical Education class will be reported to both students and parents. Every effort will be made to adhere to the class size guidelines established by the School Committee. Physical Education will include the instruction of individual activities both competitive and non-competitive to encourage life-long fitness.
Physical Activity
Recess
Elementary school students will have daily recess periods with exceptions at the discretion of the Principal.
Physical Activity Opportunities Before and After School
The Manchester Essex Regional School District will encourage activity-promoting programs outside of the school day utilizing PTO's, clubs, community youth services, student council, and interscholastic sports. Recreational facilities will be handicap accessible for all students and community members.
Schools encourage parents and guardians to support their children's participation in physical activity, to be physically active role models, and to include physical activity in family events.
The school Health Advisor Council will encourage activities that support efforts by staff to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Staff wellness programs will be based on staff needs and
interests.
Nutrition Guidelines for All Foods on Campus
Meals
The Foodservice and Child Nutrition Department will provide assurance that the
guidelines for reimbursable school meals shall not be less restrictive than regulations issued by USDA pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of section 10 of the Child Nutrition Act (42U.S.C.1779) and section 9 (f) and 17 (a) of the Richard B Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1758 (f) (1), 1766 (a), as those regulations apply to schools. The nutrition program will utilize nutrient standard menu planning software to insure these guidelines are met. Menus will be posted including nutrient analysis on school websites monthly and printed in local newspapers weekly. Menus will be sent home with all elementary students. The Foodservice and Child Nutrition Department will be consistent with established nutrition environment standards with the advertising of foods and beverages in areas accessible to students during school mealtimes. The Foodservice and Child Nutrition Department will implement and document Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans and guidelines to prevent the possibility of food borne illness in schools. All students will have accessibility to affordable and varied nutritious foods needed to stay healthy and ready learn. It its strongly encouraged that food will not be used as a reward or punishment for student behaviors, unless it is detailed in a student’s education plan. Students will be given an appropriate amount of time to eat.
Food and Beverages Sold Individually
The Foodservice and Child Nutrition Department will comply with current USDA and Massachusetts Action for Healthy Kids guidelines including vending machines, a la carte and beverage contracts. Events taking place at the elementary, middle, and high schools will comply with the Massachusetts Action for Healthy Kids guidelines for food and beverages. It is highly recommended that profit generation and fundraising will also comply with the Massachusetts Action for Healthy Kids guidelines.
Celebrations taking place during school hours
Life-threatening food allergies must be considered at all times, therefore food meant to be shared in elementary classrooms must receive the prior approval from the school nurse. All edible treats to be shared in school must comply with the Massachusetts Action for Healthy Kids guidelines. Celebrations that promote school values will be developed by School Councils.
Evaluation
The District Health Advisory Committee will oversee the implementation of the District
Wellness Policy. The principal(s) in each building will be responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the Wellness Policy. The evaluation of the Wellness Policy will be reported to the Superintendent of Schools and the School Committee.
Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act 2004, P.L.I08-265, Section 204 www.actionforhealthykids.org
www.doe.mass.edu
www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines
www.nfsmi.org