Wellness Policy

Policy No. 5417

Students


School Wellness Policy
A mission of Norfolk Public Schools (“District”) is to provide curriculum, instruction, and
experiences in a health-promoting school environment to instill habits of lifelong learning and
health. Therefore, the Board adopts the following School Wellness Policy.


1. District Wellness Committee
Committee Role and Membership
The District will convene a representative District Wellness Committee (“DWC”) or work within
an existing school health committee that meets at least four times per year to establish goals for
and oversee school health and safety policies and programs, including development,
implementation and periodic review and update of this District wellness policy.


The DWC membership will represent all school levels and include (to the extent possible), but not
be limited to: parents and caregivers; students; representatives of the school nutrition program;
physical education teachers; health education teachers; school health professionals or staff; mental
health and social services staff; school administrators; school board members; and the general
public. When possible, membership will also include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Education coordinators. To the extent possible, the DWC will include representatives from each
school building and reflect the diversity of the community.


Leadership
The Superintendent or designee(s) will convene the DWC and facilitate development of and
updates to the wellness policy, and will ensure each school’s compliance with the policy.
Each school will designate a school wellness policy coordinator, who will ensure compliance with
the policy.


2. Wellness Policy Implementation, Monitoring, Accountability and Community Engagement
Implementation Plan
The District will develop and maintain a plan for implementation to manage and coordinate the
execution of this wellness policy. The plan delineates roles, responsibilities, actions and timelines
specific to each school; and includes information about who will be responsible to make what
change, by how much, where and when; as well as specific goals and objectives for nutrition
standards for all foods and beverages available on the school campus, food and beverage
marketing, nutrition promotion and education, physical activity, physical education and other
school-based activities that promote student wellness. It is recommended that the school use the
Healthy Schools Program online tools to complete a school-level assessment based on the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention’s School Health Index, create an action plan that fosters
implementation and generate an annual progress report.

This wellness policy and the progress reports can be found at the District’s website.


Recordkeeping
The District will retain records to document compliance with the requirements of the wellness
policy at the Superintendent’s office and/or on the District’s computer network. Documentation
maintained in this location will include but will not be limited to:
* The written wellness policy;
* Documentation demonstrating that the policy has been made available to the public;
* Documentation of efforts to review and update the Local Schools Wellness Policy; including
   an indication of who is involved in the update and methods the district uses to make
   stakeholders aware of their ability to participate on the DWC;
* Documentation to demonstrate compliance with the annual public notification requirements;
* The most recent assessment on the implementation of the local school wellness policy;
* Documentation demonstrating the most recent assessment on the implementation of the Local
   School Wellness Policy has been made available to the public.


Annual Notification of Policy
The District will actively inform families and the public each year of basic information about this
policy, including its content, any updates to the policy and implementation status. The District will
make this information available via the District website and/or district-wide communications. The
District will provide as much information as possible about the school nutrition environment. This
will include a summary of the District’s events or activities related to wellness policy
implementation. Annually, the District will also publicize the name and contact information of the
District officials leading and coordinating the committee, as well as information on how the public
can get involved with the school wellness committee.

Triennial Progress Assessments
At least once every three years, the District will evaluate compliance with the wellness policy to
assess the implementation of the policy and include:
* The extent to which the District’s schools are in compliance with the wellness policy;
* The extent to which the District’s wellness policy compares to [a] the Alliance for a Healthier
   Generation’s model wellness policy; and
* A description of the progress made in attaining the goals of the District’s wellness policy.
   The position/person responsible for managing the triennial assessment and contact information is
   the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee.


The DWC, in collaboration with individual schools, will monitor schools’ compliance with this
wellness policy.


The District will actively notify households/families of the availability of the triennial progress
report.


Revisions and Updating the Policy
The DWC will update or modify the wellness policy based on the results of the annual School
Health Index and triennial assessments and/or as District priorities change; community needs
change; wellness goals are met; new health science, information, and technology emerges; and
new Federal or state guidance or standards are issued. The wellness policy will be assessed and
updated as indicated at least every three years, following the triennial assessment.


Community Involvement, Outreach and Communications
The District is committed to being responsive to community input, which begins with awareness
of the wellness policy. The District will actively communicate ways in which representatives of
DWC and others can participate in the development, implementation and periodic review and
update of the wellness policy through a variety of means appropriate for that district. The District
will also inform parents of the improvements that have been made to school meals and compliance
with school meal standards, availability of child nutrition programs and how to apply, and a
description of and compliance with Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards. The District will
use electronic mechanisms, such as email or displaying notices on the District’s website, as well
as non-electronic mechanisms, such as newsletters, presentations to parents, or sending
information home to parents, to ensure that all families are actively notified of the content of,
implementation of, and updates to the wellness policy, as well as how to get involved and support
the policy. The District will ensure that communications are culturally and linguistically
appropriate to the community, and accomplished through means similar to other ways that the
District and individual schools are communicating important school information with parents.


The District will actively notify the public about the content of or any updates to the wellness
policy annually, at a minimum. The District will also use these mechanisms to inform the
community about the availability of the annual and triennial reports.


3. Nutrition
School Meals
The District is committed to serving healthy meals to children, with plenty of fruits, vegetables,
whole grains, and fat-free and low-fat milk; that are moderate in sodium, low in saturated fat, and
have zero grams trans fat per serving (nutrition label or manufacturer’s specification); and to
meeting the nutrition needs of school children within their calorie requirements. The school meal
programs aim to improve the diet and health of school children, help mitigate childhood obesity,
model healthy eating to support the development of lifelong healthy eating patterns and support
healthy choices while accommodating cultural food preferences and special dietary needs.


All schools within the District that participate in USDA child nutrition programs, including the
National School Lunch Program (NSLP), the School Breakfast Program (SBP), and any additional
Federal child nutrition programs will meet the nutrition requirements of such programs. The
District may also operate additional nutrition-related programs and activities. All schools within
the District are committed to offering school meals through the NSLP and SBP programs, and
other applicable Federal child nutrition programs, that:
* Are accessible to all students;
* Are appealing and attractive to children;
* Are served in clean and pleasant settings;
* Meet or exceed current nutrition requirements established by local, state, and Federal statutes
   and regulations. (The District offers reimbursable school meals that meet USDA nutrition
   standards.)
* Promote healthy food and beverage choices using at least ten of the following Smarter
Lunchroom techniques:
− Whole fruit options are displayed neatly.
− Sliced or cut fruit is available daily.
− Daily fruit options are displayed in a location in the line of sight and reach of students.
− All available vegetable options have been given creative or descriptive names.
− Daily vegetable options are bundled into all grab-and-go meals available to students.
− All staff members, especially those serving, have been trained to politely prompt students
   to select and consume the daily vegetable options with their meal.
− White milk is placed in front of other beverages in all coolers.
− Alternative entrée options (e.g., salad bar, yogurt parfaits, etc.) are highlighted on posters
   or signs within all service and dining areas.
− A reimbursable meal can be created in any service area available to students (e.g., salad
   bars, snack rooms, etc.).
− Student surveys and taste testing opportunities are used to inform menu development,
   dining space decor and promotional ideas.
− Student artwork is displayed in the service and/or dining areas.
− Daily announcements are used to promote and market menu options.


Staff Qualifications and Professional Development
All school nutrition program directors, managers and staff will meet or exceed hiring and annual
continuing education/training requirements in the USDA professional standards for child nutrition
professionals. These school nutrition personnel will refer to USDA’s Professional Standards for
School Nutrition Standards website to search for training that meets their learning needs.


Water
To promote hydration, free, safe, unflavored drinking water will be available to all students
throughout the school day and throughout every school campus (“school campus” and “school
day” are defined in the glossary). The District will make drinking water available where school
meals are served during mealtimes.


Competitive Foods and Beverages
The District is committed to ensuring that all foods and beverages available to students on the
school campus during the school day support healthy eating. The foods and beverages sold and
served outside of the school meal programs (e.g., “competitive” foods and beverages) will meet
the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards, at a minimum. Smart Snacks aim to
improve student health and well-being, increase consumption of healthful foods during the
school day and create an environment that reinforces the development of healthy eating habits. A
summary of the standards and information, as well as a Guide to Smart Snacks in Schools are
available at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/healthierschoolday/tools-schools-smart-snacks. The
Alliance for a Healthier Generation provides a set of tools to assist with implementation of Smart
Snacks available at www.foodplanner.healthiergeneration.org.


To support healthy food choices and improve student health and well-being, all foods and
beverages outside the reimbursable school meal programs that are sold to students on the school
campus during the school day will meet or exceed the USDA Smart Snacks nutrition standards or,
if the state policy is stronger, will meet or exceed state nutrition standards. These standards will
apply in all locations and through all services where foods and beverages are sold, which may
include, but are not limited to, à la carte options in cafeterias, vending machines, school stores and
snack or food carts.


Celebrations and Rewards
Schools are strongly encouraged to meet the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards.
1. Celebrations and parties. The District will provide a list of healthy party ideas to parents and
    teachers, including non-food celebration ideas.
2. Classroom snacks brought by parents. The District will provide or make available to parents a
    list of foods and beverages that meet Smart Snacks nutrition standards.
3. Rewards and incentives. The District will provide teachers and other relevant school staff a list
    of alternative ways to reward children or other comparable resources.


Fundraising
Foods and beverages that meet or exceed the USDA Smart Snacks in Schools nutrition standards
may be sold through fundraisers on the school campus during the school day. The District will
make available to parents and teachers a list of healthy fundraising ideas or comparable resources.


Nutrition Promotion
Nutrition promotion and education positively influence lifelong eating behaviors by using
evidence-based techniques and nutrition messages, and by creating food environments that
encourage healthy nutrition choices and encourage participation in school meal programs. Students
and staff will receive consistent nutrition messages throughout schools, classrooms, gymnasiums,
and cafeterias. Nutrition promotion also includes marketing and advertising nutritious foods and
beverages to students and is most effective when implemented consistently through a
comprehensive and multi-channel approach by school staff, teachers, parents, students and the
community.


The District will promote healthy food and beverage choices for all students throughout the school
campus, as well as encourage participation in school meal programs. This promotion will occur
through:
* Implementing at least ten or more evidence-based healthy food promotion techniques through
   the school meal programs using Smarter Lunchroom techniques; and
* Ensuring 100% of foods and beverages promoted to students meet the USDA Smart Snacks in
   School nutrition standards.


Nutrition Education
The District will teach, model, encourage and support healthy eating by all students. Schools will
provide nutrition education and engage in nutrition promotion that:
* Is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote and protect
   their health;
* Is part of not only health education classes, but also integrated into other classroom instruction
   through subjects such as math, science, language arts, social sciences and elective subjects;
* Includes enjoyable, developmentally-appropriate, culturally-relevant and participatory
   activities, such as cooking demonstrations or lessons, promotions, taste-testing, farm visits and
   school gardens;
* Promotes fruits, vegetables, whole-grain products, low-fat and fat-free dairy products and
   healthy food preparation methods;
* Emphasizes caloric balance between food intake and energy expenditure (promotes physical
   activity/exercise);
* Links with school meal programs, cafeteria nutrition promotion activities, school gardens,
   Farm to School programs, other school foods and nutrition-related community services;
* Teaches media literacy with an emphasis on food and beverage marketing; and
* Includes nutrition education training for teachers and other staff.


Essential Healthy Eating Topics in Health Education
The District will include in the health education curriculum a minimum of 12 of the following
essential topics on healthy eating:
* Relationship between healthy eating and personal health and disease prevention
* Food guidance from MyPlate
* Reading and using FDA's nutrition fact labels
* Eating a variety of foods every day
* Balancing food intake and physical activity
* Eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grain products
* Choosing foods that are low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol and do not contain trans fat
* Choosing foods and beverages with little added sugars
* Eating more calcium-rich foods
* Preparing healthy meals and snacks
* Risks of unhealthy weight control practices
* Accepting body size differences
* Food safety
* Importance of water consumption
* Importance of eating breakfast
* Making healthy choices when eating at restaurants
* Eating disorders
* The Dietary Guidelines for Americans
* Reducing sodium intake
* Social influences on healthy eating, including media, family, peers and culture
* How to find valid information or services related to nutrition and dietary behavior
* How to develop a plan and track progress toward achieving a personal goal to eat healthfully
* Resisting peer pressure related to unhealthy dietary behavior
* Influencing, supporting, or advocating for others’ healthy dietary behavior

Food and Beverage Marketing in Schools
The District is committed to providing a school environment that ensures opportunities for all
students to practice healthy eating and physical activity behaviors throughout the school day while
minimizing commercial distractions. The District strives to teach students how to make informed
choices about nutrition, health and physical activity. These efforts will be weakened if students
are subjected to advertising on District property that contains messages inconsistent with the health
information the District is imparting through nutrition education and health promotion efforts. It
is the intent of the District to protect and promote student’s health by permitting advertising and
marketing for only those foods and beverages that are permitted to be sold on the school campus,
consistent with the District’s wellness policy.


Any foods and beverages marketed or promoted to students on the school campus during the
school day will meet or exceed the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards or, if
stronger, state nutrition standards, such that only those foods that comply with or exceed those
nutrition standards are permitted to marketed or promoted to students.


Food and beverage marketing is defined as advertising and other promotions in schools. Food and
beverage marketing often includes oral, written, or graphic statements made for the purpose of
promoting the sale of a food or beverage product made by the producer, manufacturer, seller or
any other entity with a commercial interest in the product. This term includes, but is not limited to
the following:
* Brand names, trademarks, logos or tags, except when placed on a physically present food or
   beverage product or its container.
* Displays, such as on vending machine exteriors
* Corporate brand, logo, name or trademark on school equipment, such as marquees, message
   boards, scoreboards or backboards (Note: immediate replacement of these items are not
   required; however, districts will replace or update scoreboards or other durable equipment
   when existing contracts are up for renewal or to the extent that it is financially possible over
   time so that items are in compliance with the marketing policy.)
* Corporate brand, logo, name or trademark on cups used for beverage dispensing, menu boards,
   coolers, trash cans and other food service equipment; as well as on posters, book covers, pupil
   assignment books or school supplies displayed, distributed, offered or sold by the District.
* Advertisements in school publications or school mailings.
* Free product samples, taste tests or coupons of a product, or free samples displaying
   advertising of a product.


As the District/school nutrition services/Athletics Department/PTA/PTO reviews existing
contracts and considers new contracts, equipment and product purchasing (and replacement)
decisions should reflect the applicable marketing guidelines established by the District wellness
policy.


4. Physical Activity
Children and adolescents should participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.
A substantial percentage of students’ physical activity can be provided through a comprehensive
school physical activity program (CSPAP). A CSPAP reflects strong coordination and synergy
across all of the components: quality physical education as the foundation; physical activity before,
during and after school; staff involvement and family and community engagement and the District
is committed to providing these opportunities. Schools will ensure that these varied physical
activity opportunities are in addition to, and not as a substitute for, physical education (addressed
in “Physical Education” subsection). All schools in the District will be encouraged to participate
in Let’s Move! Active Schools (www.letsmoveschools.org), or comparable program, in order to
successfully address all CSPAP areas.


Physical activity during the school day (including but not limited to recess, classroom physical
activity breaks or physical education) is greatly valued and the District strongly discourages staff
from withholding it as a punishment. The District will provide teachers and other school staff with
a list of ideas or resources for alternative ways to discipline students.


To the extent practicable, the District will ensure that its grounds and facilities are safe and that
equipment is available to students to be active. The District will conduct necessary inspections and
repairs.


Physical Education
The District will provide students with physical education, using an age-appropriate, sequential
physical education curriculum consistent with national and state standards for physical education.
The physical education curriculum will promote the benefits of a physically active lifestyle and
will help students develop skills to engage in lifelong healthy habits, as well as incorporate
essential health education concepts (discussed in the “Essential Physical Activity Topics in Health
Education” subsection). The curriculum will support the essential components of physical
education.


All students will be provided equal opportunity to participate in physical education classes. The
District will make appropriate accommodations to allow for equitable participation for all students
and will adapt physical education classes and equipment as necessary.


All elementary students in each grade will receive physical education for at least 50-90 minutes
per week throughout the school year.

All secondary students (middle and high school) are required to take the equivalent of one
academic year of physical education.


The District’s physical education program will promote student physical fitness through
individualized fitness and activity assessments (via the Fitnessgram) and will use criterion-based
reporting for each student.


Essential Physical Activity Topics in Health Education
Health education will be required in all elementary grades and the District will require middle
and high school students to take and pass at least one health education course. The District will
include in the health education curriculum a minimum of 12 of the following essential topics on
physical activity:
* The physical, psychological, or social benefits of physical activity
* How physical activity can contribute to a healthy weight
* How physical activity can contribute to the academic learning process
* How an inactive lifestyle contributes to chronic disease
* Health-related fitness, that is, cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, muscular
   strength, flexibility, and body composition
* Differences between physical activity, exercise and fitness
* Phases of an exercise session, that is, warm up, workout and cool down
* Overcoming barriers to physical activity
* Decreasing sedentary activities, such as TV watching
* Opportunities for physical activity in the community
* Preventing injury during physical activity
* Weather-related safety, for example, avoiding heat stroke, hypothermia and sunburn while
   being physically active
* How much physical activity is enough, that is, determining frequency, intensity, time and type
   of physical activity
* Developing an individualized physical activity and fitness plan
* Monitoring progress toward reaching goals in an individualized physical activity plan
* Dangers of using performance-enhancing drugs, such as steroids
* Social influences on physical activity, including media, family, peers and culture
* How to find valid information or services related to physical activity and fitness
* How to influence, support, or advocate for others to engage in physical activity
* How to resist peer pressure that discourages physical activity.


Recess (Elementary)
All elementary schools will offer at least 20 minutes of recess on all days during the school year.
Exceptions may be made as appropriate, such as on early dismissal or late arrival days. Handwashing
time, as well as time to put away coats/hats/gloves, will be built into the recess transition
period/timeframe before students enter the cafeteria.

Outdoor recess will be offered when weather and other conditions make it feasible for outdoor
play.


Recess will complement, not substitute, physical education class. Recess monitors or teachers will
encourage students to be active, and will serve as role models by being physically active alongside
the students whenever feasible.


Classroom Physical Activity Breaks (Elementary and Secondary)
Students will be offered periodic opportunities to be active or to stretch throughout the day on all
or most days during a typical school week. The District recommends teachers provide short (3-5-
minute) physical activity breaks to students during and between classroom time at least three days
per week. These physical activity breaks will complement, not substitute, for physical education
class, recess, and class transition periods.


The District will provide resources and links to resources, tools, and technology with ideas for
classroom physical activity breaks. Resources and ideas are available through the USDA and the
Alliance for a Healthier Generation.


Active Academics
Teachers will incorporate movement and kinesthetic learning approaches into “core” subject
instruction when possible (e.g., science, math, language arts, social studies and others) and do their
part to limit sedentary behavior during the school day.


The District will support classroom teachers incorporating physical activity and employing
kinesthetic learning approaches into core subjects by providing annual professional development
opportunities and resources, including information on leading activities, activity options, as well
as making available background material on the connections between learning and movement.


Teachers will serve as role models by being physically active alongside the students whenever
feasible.


Before and After School Activities
The District offers opportunities for students to participate in physical activity either before and/or
after the school day through a variety of methods. The District will encourage students to be
physically active before and after school by sponsoring or permitting: physical activity clubs and
physical activity in aftercare, intramurals or interscholastic sports.


Active Transport
The District will support active transport to and from school, such as walking or biking. Examples
of activities that the District may engage in to encourage active transport include, but are not
limited to:
* Designate safe or preferred routes to school
* Promote activities such as participation in International Walk to School Week and National
   Walk and Bike to School Week
* Secure storage facilities for bicycles and helmets (e.g., shed, cage, fenced area)
* Instruction on walking/bicycling safety provided to students
* Promote safe routes program to students, staff, and parents via newsletters, websites, local
   newspaper
* Use crossing guards
* Use crosswalks on streets leading to schools
* Use walking school buses
* Document the number of children walking and or biking to and from school
* Create and distribute maps of school environment (e.g., sidewalks, crosswalks, roads,
   pathways, bike racks, etc.)


5. Other Activities that Promote Student Wellness
The District will integrate wellness activities across the entire school setting, not just in the
cafeteria, other food and beverage venues and physical activity facilities. The District will
coordinate and integrate other initiatives related to physical activity, physical education, nutrition
and other wellness components so all efforts are complementary, not duplicative, and work
towards the same set of goals and objectives promoting student well-being, optimal development
and strong educational outcomes.


Schools in the District are encouraged to coordinate content across curricular areas that promote
student health, such as teaching nutrition concepts in mathematics, with consultation provided by
either the school or the District’s curriculum experts.


All efforts related to obtaining federal, state or association recognition for efforts, or grants/funding
opportunities for healthy school environments will be coordinated with and complementary of the
wellness policy, including but not limited to ensuring the involvement of the DWC.


All school-sponsored events will adhere to the wellness policy guidelines. All school-sponsored
wellness events will include physical activity and healthy eating opportunities when appropriate.


Community Partnerships
The District will develop, enhance, or continue relationships with community partners (e.g.,
hospitals, universities/colleges, local businesses, SNAP-Ed providers and coordinators, etc.) in
support of this wellness policy’s implementation. Existing and new community partnerships and
sponsorships will be evaluated to ensure that they are consistent with the wellness policy and its
goals.


Community Health Promotion and Family Engagement
The District will promote to parents/caregivers, families, and the general community the benefits
of and approaches for healthy eating and physical activity throughout the school year.


Staff Wellness and Health Promotion
The DWC will have a staff wellness subcommittee that focuses on staff wellness issues, identifies
and disseminates wellness resources and performs other functions that support staff wellness in
coordination with human resources staff.


Schools in the District will implement strategies to support staff in actively promoting and
modeling healthy eating and physical activity behaviors. The District promotes staff member
participation in health promotion programs and will support programs for staff members on healthy
eating/weight management that are accessible and free or low-cost.


Professional Learning
When feasible, the District will offer annual professional learning opportunities and resources for
staff to increase knowledge and skills about promoting healthy behaviors in the classroom and
school (e.g., increasing the use of kinesthetic teaching approaches or incorporating nutrition
lessons into math class). Professional learning will help District staff understand the connections
between academics and health and the ways in which health and wellness are integrated into
ongoing district reform or academic improvement plans/efforts.


Glossary
School Campus: areas that are owned or leased by the school and used at any time for schoolrelated
activities, including on the outside of the school building, school buses or other vehicles
used to transport students, athletic fields and stadiums (e.g., on scoreboards, coolers, cups, and
water bottles), or parking lots.


School Day: the time between midnight the night before to 30 minutes after the end of the
instructional day.


Triennial: recurring every three years.


Legal Reference: Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, 42 U.S.C. section 1758b; 7 CFR
                             sections 210.11 and 210.30; National School Lunch Program, 42 U.S.C
                             sections 1751-1760, 1770; Regulations and Procedures for Accreditation of
                             Schools, NDE Rule 10
Date of Adoption:  May 14, 2014
Date of Revision:  June 12, 2017