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Barre Town Supervisory District Policy Manual
TITLE: Wellness: Nutrition & Fitness      CODE: EF

for Procedure: EF-P click here

PURPOSE
The intent of this policy is to ensure compliance with the local policy requirements of the federal Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004. In accord with those requirements, this policy has been developed in consultation with parents, students, representatives of the school food services authority, school administrators and the public.

POLICY
It is the policy of the Barre Town Middle and Elementary School to establish goals for nutrition education, physical activity and other school based activities that are designed to promote student wellness. With the objective of promoting student health and reducing childhood obesity, the school will also establish nutrition guidelines for all foods available at school during the day.

I. Nutrition

  1. To the extent practicable, nutrition education shall be integrated into core curricula areas and be identified as a learning objective for health education as enumerated in the Vermont Framework of Standards and Learning Objectives as part of the Barre Town Middle and Elementary School health education plan.

  2. All food sold to children at Barre Town Middle and Elementary School will meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the nutrient standards established in the regulations of the National School Lunch Program (7CFR 210) and the School Breakfast Program (7CFR 220)

  3. All school activities, including classroom practices, celebrations and incentives, are consistent with the sound nutrition practices. Sweets can be offered as an occasional and special treat to teach children how to balance their nutrition.

  4. Our food services program participates in the "offer versus serve" method of meal service. A wide variety of healthy foods are offered and students are encouraged to make wise food choices. Good food habits are encouraged through the modeling of appropriate portions, suitable variety and preparation techniques that emphasize high quality nutrition.

  5. Our cafeteria is a clean, safe, pleasant and inviting place. The cafeteria atmosphere is monitored regularly to ensure that meal times are relaxed and pleasant. The noise level will be kept low. The meal periods provide adequate time to eat and are scheduled at appropriate hours.

  6. Fund raising activities of school groups are consistent with the nutrition standards of the food service program and the nutrition principles taught in the classroom. Candy food sales are prohibited. Anyone wishing to sell food items in the school at anytime must first obtain permission from the school administrators giving them a list of products to be sold.

  7. The sale of foods during meal periods in food service areas shall be allowed only if all income from the sale, including the sale of approved foods or drinks from vending machines, accrues to the benefit of the school, the school food service program, or the student organizations sponsoring the sale.

II. Fitness

A. Goals for Physical Fitness/Education/Activities
“Quality physical education programs positively impact students’ physical, social, and emotional health. The healthy, physically active student is more likely to be academically motivated, alert, and successful.”

Council of Physical Education for Children

  1. By incorporating a variety of skills, concepts, and activities into the curriculum, it is the goal of Barre Town Middle and Elementary School (BTMES) to instill a passion in the students for lifelong physical activity. Quality physical education programs provide opportunities for children to understand the importance of physical activity and to acquire skills to combat a sedentary lifestyle. Activities will be chosen that convey the joy of physical movement and are fun.

  2. To the extent practical, BTMES shall strive to provide other physical activity opportunities for students through recess periods.

  3. To the extent practical and available and as appropriate, before and after school activities such as interscholastic athletics and physical activity clubs or intramural sports will be made available.

  4. We will strive to meet the National Association for Sports and Physical Education recommendations which suggest a minimum of 150 minutes per week for elementary school students and 225 minutes per week for middle and high school students, including opportunities outside the normal school day.

  5. Teachers will be encouraged to periodically provide directed activity session.

  6. Provide appropriate indoor facility for poor weather recess which allows for physical activity.

  7. Recess should occur before lunch.

 

B. Instructional Program Guidelines

  1. Physical education instruction K-5 will have a minimum of 80 minutes per week. PE instruction grades 6-8 will have a minimum of 100 minutes per week.

  2. No child may be removed from recess repetitively.

C. Facilities Guidelines

  1. In addition to the annual safety inspection, the physical education/physical activity facilities and equipment will be inspected on a daily basis for safety.

  2. The school shall minimize interruptions to scheduled physical education classes.

  3. Adequate storage for sports equipment shall be planned prior to purchase of equipment.

D. Curriculum Guidelines

  1. The physical education report card will include reporting of cognitive, social, and physical skills.

  2. The curriculum shall use developmentally-appropriate components of a health-related fitness program.

  3. The curriculum shall offer students multiple opportunities that prepare them for a variety of lifetime physical activities, including but not limited to traditional individual and team sports and non-traditional activities.

  4. The curriculum shall develop students’ competence in their own physical abilities to build self confidence and motivate participation in physical activity. Activities are conducted to provide for a maximum participation.

  5. The physical education program shall be closely coordinated with the overall school health program. Physical education topics shall be integrated within other curricula areas.

E. Inclusion (Adaptive Physical Education)

  1. The physical education or adapted program shall include all students, with support as necessary.

  2. Professionally trained adaptive physical education support shall be provided by trained personnel.

  3. A student with a chronic health problem or other disabling condition is permitted to participate in any physical education program, extra-curricular activity, including interscholastic athletics, if the student’s skill and physical condition meet the same qualifications as other students. The school shall make reasonable accommodations to allow the student to participate with medical/parental clearance.

F. Physical Activity Guidelines

  1. In addition to physical education class time supervised unstructured and/or structured active play, commonly referred to as recess, shall be offered daily for all students K-8 (except as noted in B2 of this policy).

  2. Adequate supervision will be provided at recess to ensure the safety of all children. Instruction shall be provided for all faculty/staff assigned to recess duty.

  3. Students must be properly attired to participate in outdoor activities and recess. In cold temperatures the school shall encourage students to wear a coat, headwear, gloves, and weather appropriate footwear.

III. Policy Implementation

  1. The superintendent or his or her designee shall monitor school programs and curriculum to ensure compliance with this policy and any administrative procedures established to carry out the requirements of this policy.
  2. The superintendent or his or her designee shall report at least annually to the board on the school’s compliance with law and policies related to student wellness. The report shall include an assurance that district guidelines for reimbursable meals are not less restrictive than regulations and guidelines issued for schools in accordance to federal law.
  3. School personnel will collaborate with parents and the community to support these guidelines and the promotion of life-long health habits.
  4. The School Health Advisory Committee’s role shall provide support and resource for the administrative oversight of the policy.

Initial Adoption: 7/1/04
Revised 1st Reading: 4/4/07
Revised Final Reading: 5/2/07

Cross Reference:
Council of Physical Education for Children, 2001
Vermont Framework for Standards and Learning Opportunities
Vermont Physical Education Grade-Cluster Expectations
EFC - Free & Reduced Price Food Services
EF-P – Wellness/Nutrition Procedures

Legal References:
16 VSA §§131
16VSA §906
Code of Federal Regulations 7 CFR Part 210 and Part 220
Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, Section 204 of Public Law 108-265
Child Nutrition Act of 1966, 42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.
National School Lunch Act, 42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.

 

Barre Town Procedures Manual
TITLE: Wellness/Nutrition Procedures CODE: EF-P

  • Our meals emphasize low-fat main dish protein items.
  • A variety of fresh fruit or vegetables are offered daily in a child-friendly form, e.g., oranges, quartered.
  • Fresh and frozen vegetables are preferred over canned. They are prepared by steaming whenever possible.
  • Desserts are limited to fruit and items that support low fat baking techniques and nutrition principles and are served in age appropriate sizes. Examples of encouraged foods are: pudding, frozen yogurt, regular yogurt, trail mix (nuts, seeds, dried fruit), 100% fruit Popsicles, low-sugar/low-fat cookies and fig bars.
  • Ala Carte and vending machine items are limited to a variety of healthy snacks. Some examples of encouraged foods are: raw vegetable sticks/slices with low fat dressing or yogurt dip, fresh fruit, 100 % fruit juices, water, milk, frozen 100% juice Popsicles, dried fruits, trail mix (dried fruit, seeds, nuts), dry roasted nuts, low-sodium crackers, pretzels, popcorn, low-fat muffins, granola bars, low-fat yogurt, cottage cheese, and cheese.
  • The salad bar will be stocked with a variety of vegetables, fruits, protein, and grain items.
  • Food and drink will be served at appropriate temperatures.
  • The bread and bread alternates offered to students will be at least 50% whole grains.
  • Beverages served are limited to 100% fruit juices and a variety of milk
  • Caffeinated beverage will not be available to Barre Town students.
  • The use of salt is limited to recipes where it is an essential ingredient.
  • Foods are not deep-fat fried; cooking oil used is poly-unsaturated.
  • Menus are planned a month in advance to assist in providing needed nutrients over the long term. Healthier food choices will be highlighted.
  • Foods shall be labeled for dietary needs/allergies (nuts, shell fish, soy, wheat, gluten).
  • Sweets will be limited but not excluded in meals.

1st Reading: 4/4/2007
2nd/Final Reading: 5/2/07