New Wellness Policy Aims for Healthy Students
The Huntington School District wants its classrooms populated by healthy students and is doing its part so that goal becomes a reality. The district recently released administrative regulations implementing its wellness policy. The policy will usher in a number of changes to past practices.
The policy sets standards for food and beverages sold or provided to students during the school day and it provides new rules governing the use of food in classrooms and even fundraising activities during school hours.
“It is the policy of the district that food shall not be used in the classroom, except as a part of a snack brought from home for the individual consumption of students,” states the section on use of food in the classroom. “Sharing of food and beverages should be discouraged given concerns about allergies and other restrictions on some children’s diets.”
The policy forbids food from being used as an incentive or reward or for instructional purposes (except in home and career skills classes), birthday celebrations or holiday or seasonal celebrations. Instead, alternatives are suggested that include singing and dancing, special privileges or even games.
The new policy eliminates the practice of bringing in birthday cupcakes for classmates. It also forbids “fundraising activities involving the sale of food (including candy) to students during the school day. Schools will encourage fundraising activities that promote physical activity and will provide a list of alternative activities.”
The regulations also call for a minimum of 20 minutes of “supervised recess, preferably outdoors. School personnel should verbally encourage moderate to vigorous physical activity, whether indoors or outdoors.”
Students will also be required to spend “at least 50 percent of physical education class time participating in moderate to vigorous physical activity.” Nutrient standards for snacks, beverages and meals sold or provided to students aim at restricting fats, sugars, artificial sweeteners and colorings, nitrates, MSG, sodium and caffeine.
Principals are responsible for implementing and monitoring the new regulations in their buildings. The new practices have already been explained to faculty and support staff during meetings in each building. The regulations will be reviewed annually, or whenever it is necessary.
Comments or Questions? email the Public Information Office