STUDENT PERSONNEL

Series 500

 

Policy Title:  Student Health and Immunization Certificates                                                                                                                                                        Code No.  507.1

 

 

Students desiring to participate in athletic activities or enrolling in kindergarten or first grade in the School District will have a physical examination by a licensed physician and provide proof of such an examination to the school district.  A physical examination and proof of such an examination may be required by the administration for students in other grades enrolling for the first time in the School District.

A certificate of health stating the results of a physical examination and signed by the physician is on file at the attendance center.  Each student will submit an up-to-date certificate of health upon the request of the Superintendent.  Failure to provide this information may be grounds for disciplinary action.

Students enrolling for the first time in the School District will also submit a certificate of immunization against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, rubeola, rubella, and other immunizations required by law.  The student may be admitted conditionally to the attendance center if the student has not yet completed the immunization process but is in the process of doing so.  Failure to meet the immunization requirement will be grounds for suspension, expulsion, or denial of admission.  Upon recommendation of the Iowa Department of Education and Iowa Department of Public Health, students entering the District for the first time may be required to pass a TB test prior to admission.  The District may conduct TB tests of current students.

Exemptions from the immunization requirement in this policy will be allowed only for medical or religious reasons recognized under the law.  The student must provide a valid Iowa State Department of Health Certificate of Immunization Exemption to be exempt from this policy.

 

Approved:    March 25, 2003

Reviewed:    September 10, 2019

Revised:       February 12, 2008

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 139A.8; 280.13.  281 I.A.C. 33.5; 641 I.A.C. 7.

Cross Reference:  402.2 Child Abuse Reporting; 501 Student Attendance; 507 Student Health and Well-Being

STUDENT PERSONNEL

Series 500

 

Policy Title:  Administration of Medication to Students                                                                                                                                                                Code No.  507.2

 

The board is committed to the inclusion of all students in the education program and recognizes that some students may need prescription and nonprescription medication to participate in their educational program. 

 

Medication shall be administered when the student's parent or guardian (hereafter "parent") provides a signed and dated written statement requesting medication administration and the medication is in the original, labeled container, either as dispensed or in the manufacturer's container. Administration of medication may also occur consistent with board policy 804.05 – Stock Prescription Medication Supply.

 

When administration of the medication requires ongoing professional health judgment, an individual health plan shall be developed by licensed health personnel working under the auspice of the school with collaboration from the parent or guardian, individual’s health care provider or education team pursuant to 281.14.2(256) .  Students who have demonstrated competence in administering their own medications may self-administer their medication. A written statement by the student's parent shall be on file requesting co-administration of medication, when competence has been demonstrated. By law, students with asthma, airway constricting diseases, respiratory distress or students at risk of anaphylaxis who use epinephrine auto-injectors may self-administer their medication upon the written approval of the student’s parents and prescribing licensed health care professional regardless of competency.   

 

Persons administering medication shall include authorized practitioners, such as licensed registered nurses and physician, and persons to whom authorized practitioners have delegated the administration of medication (who have successfully completed a medication administration course conducted by a registered nurse or pharmacist that is provided by the department of education). The medication administration course is completed every five years with an annual procedural skills check completed with a registered nurse or a pharmacist. A record of course completion shall be maintained by the school. 

 

A written medication administration record shall be on file including: 

• date; 

• student’s name; 

• prescriber or person authorizing administration; 

• medication; 

• medication dosage;

• administration time; 

• administration method; 

• signature and title of the person administering medication; and 

• any unusual circumstances, actions, or omissions.

Medication shall be stored in a secured area unless an alternate provision is documented.  The development of emergency protocols for medication-related reactions is required. Medication information shall be confidential information as provided by law.

 

Disposal of unused, discontinued/recalled, or expired abandoned medication shall be in compliance with federal and state law. Prior to disposal school personnel shall make a reasonable attempt to return medication by providing written notification that expired, discontinued, or unused medications needs to be picked up. If medication is not picked up by the date specified, disposal shall be in accordance with the disposal procedures for the specific category of medication. 

 

 

NOTE: This is a mandatory policy. 

NOTE: Iowa law requires school districts to allow students with asthma, airway constricting disease, or respiratory distress to carry and self-administer their medication as long as the parents and prescribing physician report and approve in writing.  Students do not have to prove competency to the school district. The consent form, see 507.2E1, is all that is required.  School districts that determine students are abusing their self-administration may either withdraw the self-administration if medically advisable or discipline the student, or both. 

NOTE: School districts may stock over-the-counter, nonprescription medications that are not for life-threatening incidents.  The policy for medication administration covers prescription and nonprescription medication.

NOTE: Disposal procedures reflect the Iowa Department of Education School Hazardous Waste and Medication Management Guidance, issued 2021-2022: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Portals/idnr/uploads/waste/swfact_schoolhazardou...

 

Approved:  March 25, 2003

Reviewed:  September 10, 2019

Revised:  January 16, 2024

Legal Reference:  Disposing on Behalf of Ultimate Users, 79 Fed. Reg. 53520, 53546 (Sept. 9, 2014).  Iowa Code §§ 124.101(1); 147.107; 152.1; 155A.4; 280.16; 280.23.  281 I.A.C. § 41.404(1)(f), (3)(f); 657 I.A.C. § 8.32(124); § 8.32(155A); 655 I.A.C. § 6.2(152).

Cross Reference:  506 Student Records; 507 Student Health and Well-Being; 603.3 Special Education; 607.2 Student Health Services

STUDENT PERSONNEL

Series 500

 

Policy Title:  Communicable Diseases – Students                                                                                                                                                                         Code No.  507.3

 

 

Students with a communicable disease will be allowed to attend school provided their presence does not create a substantial risk of illness or transmission to other students or employees.  The term “communicable disease” will mean an infectious or contagious disease spread from person to person, or animal to person, or as defined by law.

Prevention and control of communicable diseases is included in the School District’s Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan.  The procedures will include scope and application, definitions, exposure control, methods of compliance, universal precautions, vaccination, post-exposure evaluation, follow-up, communication of hazards to employees, and record keeping.  This plan is reviewed annually by the Superintendent and School Nurse.

The health risk to immunosupressed students is determined by their personal physician.  The health risk to others in the School District environment from the presence of a student with a communicable disease is determined on a case-by-case basis by the student’s personal physician, a physician chosen by the School District, or public health officials.

A student who is at school and who has a communicable disease which creates a substantial risk of harm to other students, employees, or others at school will report the condition to the School Nurse any time the student is aware that the disease actively creates such risk.

It is the responsibility of the Superintendent, in conjunction with the School Nurse, to develop administrative regulations stating the procedures for dealing with students with a communicable disease.

 

Approved:  September 26, 1972

Reviewed:  September 10, 2019

Revised:  September 10, 2019

Legal Reference:  School Board of Nassau County v. Arline,480 U.S. 273 (1987).  29 U.S.C. §§ 701 et seq.; 45 C.F.R. Pt. 84.3; Iowa Code ch. 139A.8; 641 I.A.C. 1.2-5, 7.

Cross Reference:  403.3 Communicable Diseases-Employees; 506 Student Records; 507 Student Health and Well-Being

STUDENT PERSONNEL

Series 500

 

Policy Title:  Student Illness or Injury at School                                                                                                                                                                              Code No.  507.4

 

 

When a student becomes ill or is injured at school, the School District will attempt to notify the student’s parents as soon as possible.

The School District, while not responsible for medical treatment of an ill or injured student, will have employees present administer emergency or minor first aid if possible.  An ill or injured child will be turned over to the care of the parents or qualified medical employees as quickly as possible.

It is the responsibility of the Principal to file an accident report with the Superintendent within twenty-four hours after the student is injured. 

Annually, parents are required to complete a medical emergency authorization form indicating the procedures to be followed, if possible, in an emergency involving their child.  The authorization form will also include the phone numbers of the parents and alternative numbers along with the name and number of a family physician to call in case of an injury or illness.  It shall be the responsibility of the parent/guardian to provide the District with changes in the information on the Medical Authorization Form as they occur. 

The Superintendent is responsible, in conjunction with the School Nurse, to develop rules and regulations governing the procedure in the event a student should become ill or be injured at school.

 

Approved:  September 26, 1972

Reviewed:  September 10, 2019

Revised:  September 10, 2019

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 613.17

Cross Reference:  507 Student Health and Well-Being

STUDENT PERSONNEL

Series 500

 

Policy Title:  Emergency Plans and Drills                                                                                                                                                                                         Code No.  507.5

 

 

Students will be informed of the appropriate action to take in an emergency.  Emergency drills for fire, weather, and other disasters are conducted each school year.  Fire and tornado drills are each conducted regularly during the academic school year with a minimum of two before December 31 and two after January 1.

Each attendance center will develop and maintain a written plan containing emergency and disaster procedures.  The plan will be communicated to and reviewed with employees.  Employees will participate in emergency drills.  Licensed employees are responsible for instructing the proper techniques to be followed in the drill.

 

Approved:  September 26, 1972

Reviewed:  September 10, 2019

Revised:  March 25, 2003

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 100.31; 281 I.A.C. 41.25(3).

Cross Reference:  507 Student Health and Well-Being; 711.7 School Bus Safety Instruction; 804 Safety Program

STUDENT PERSONNEL

Series 500

 

Policy Title:  Student Insurance                                                                                                                                                                                                          Code No.  507.6

 

 

Students participating in intramural or extracurricular athletics are encouraged to have health and accident insurance.  The cost of the health and accident insurance program is borne by the student.  Participation in an insurance health and accident plan is not a contract with the school district, but rather, a contract between the insurance company and the student.  Parents are required to complete a co-curricular insurance form prior to participation in the activity.

 

Approved:  September 26, 1972

Reviewed:  September 10, 2019

Revised:  September 10, 2019

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 279.8

Cross Reference:  504 Student Activities; 507 Student Health and Well-Being

STUDENT PERSONNEL

Series 500

 

Policy Title:  Custody and Parental Rights                                                                                                                                                                                        Code No.  507.7

 

 

Parents of student shall be deemed to have equal rights regarding custody of students and access to student records and information and shall be afforded equal participation in decisions affecting a student’s education.  If one parent contends the other parent’s rights concerning student records and information, custody, or participation in decisions affecting educational activities are limited, the parent seeking the limitation shall provide the District with a court order evidencing the limitation.

Disagreements between family members are not the responsibility of the School District.  The School District will not take the “side” of one family member over another in a disagreement about custody or parental rights.  Court orders that have been issued are followed by the School District.

This policy does not prohibit an employee from listening to a student’s problems and concerns. 

It is the responsibility of the Superintendent to ensure employees remain neutral in a disagreement about custody and parental rights.

 

Approved:  March 25, 2003

Reviewed:  September 10, 2019

Revised:  September 10, 2019

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 232.67, .70, .73, .75; 235A; 279.8; 710.6; 441 I.A.C. 9.2; 155; 175.

Cross Reference:  506 Student Records; 507 Student Health and Well-Being

STUDENT PERSONNEL

Series 500

 

Policy Title:  Student Special Health Services                                                                                                                                                                                 Code No.  507.8

 

 

The Board recognizes that some special education students need special health services during the school day.  These students will receive special health services in conjunction with their individualized education program.

The Superintendent, in conjunction with licensed health personnel, will establish administrative regulations for the implementation of this policy.

 

Approved:  July, 1990

Reviewed:  September 10, 2019

Revised:  February 10, 2009

Legal Reference:  Board of Education v. Rowley, 458 U.W. 176 (1982); Springdale School District #50 v. Grace, 693 F.2d 41 (8^th Cir. 1982); Southeast Warren Comm. School District v. Dept. of Public Instruction, 285 N.W.2d 173 (Iowa 1979); 20 U.S.C. §§ 1400 et seq.; 34 C.F.R. Pt. 300 et seq.; Iowa Code §§ 256.11(7); 256B; 273.2, .5, .9(2)-(3); 280.8; 281 I.A.C. 41.404(1)(f); (3)(f); 41.405.

Cross Reference:  502 Student Rights and Responsibilities; 506 Student Records; 603.3 Special Education.

 

STUDENT PERSONNEL

Series 500

Policy Title:  Wellness Policy                                                                                                                                                                                              Code No. 507.9

Oskaloosa Community School District Wellness Policy                             

Note: This “Basic” district-level wellness policy template meets the minimum Federal standards for local school wellness policy implementation under the final rule of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation Healthy Schools Program Bronze-level award criteria, and minimum best practice standards accepted in the education and public health fields. Where appropriate, the template includes optional policy language school districts can use to establish a stronger policy that meets the Healthy Schools Program Silver or Gold award levels. School districts should choose policy language that meets their current needs and also supports growth over time] If you are using this tool to compare your policy against, you should include the language in italics as the strongest examples for comparison.

Preamble

Oskaloosa Community School District (hereto referred to as the District) is committed to the optimal development of every student. The District believes that for students to have the opportunity to achieve personal, academic, developmental and social success, we need to create positive, safe and health-promoting learning environments at every level, in every setting, throughout the school year.

Research shows that two components, good nutrition and physical activity before, during and after the school day, are strongly correlated with positive student outcomes. For example, student participation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) School Breakfast Program is associated with higher grades and standardized test scores, lower absenteeism and better performance on cognitive tasks. Conversely, less-than-adequate consumption of specific foods including fruits, vegetables and dairy products, is associated with lower grades among students In addition, students who are physically active through active transport to and from school, recess, physical activity breaks, high-quality physical education and extracurricular activities – do better academically. Finally, there is evidence that adequate hydration is associated with better cognitive performance. ^15,16,17

This policy outlines the District’s approach to ensuring environments and opportunities for all students to practice healthy eating and physical activity behaviors throughout the school day while minimizing commercial distractions.  Specifically, this policy establishes goals and procedures to ensure that:

• Students in the District have access to healthy foods throughout the school day ‒ both through reimbursable school meals and other foods available throughout the school campus‒  in accordance with Federal and state nutrition standards;

• Students receive quality nutrition education that helps them develop lifelong healthy eating behaviors;

• Students have opportunities to be physically active before, during and after school;

• Schools engage in nutrition and physical activity promotion and other activities that promote student wellness;

• School staff are encouraged and supported to practice healthy nutrition and physical activity behaviors in and out of school;

• The community is engaged in supporting the work of the District in creating continuity between school and other settings for students and staff to practice lifelong healthy habits.

• The District establishes and maintains an infrastructure for management, oversight, implementation, communication about and monitoring of the policy and its established goals and objectives.

This policy applies to all students, staff and schools in the District. Specific measurable goals and outcomes are identified within each section below.

• The District will coordinate the wellness policy with other aspects of school management, including the District’s School Improvement Plan, when appropriate.

School Wellness Committee

Committee Role and Membership

The District will convene a representative district wellness committee (hereto referred to as the DWC or work within an existing school health committee) that meets at least four times per year [or specify frequency of meetings, with a minimum of four meetings 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-level wellness policy (heretofore referred as “wellness policy”). 

The DWC membership will represent all school levels (elementary and secondary schools) and include (to the extent possible), but not be limited to: parents and caregivers; students; representatives of the school nutrition program (e.g., school nutrition director); physical education teachers; health education teachers; school health professionals (e.g., health education teachers, school health services staff [e.g., nurses, physicians, dentists, health educators, and other allied health personnel who provide school health services], and mental health and social services staff [e.g., school counselors, psychologists, social workers, or psychiatrists]; school administrators (e.g.., superintendent, principal, vice principal), school board members; health professionals (e.g., dietitians, doctors, nurses, dentists); and the general public. When possible, membership will also include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education coordinators (SNAP-EDEDSNAP-Ed). 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.

 

School Wellness Policy Committee Members (subject to change on annual basis)

 

Each school will designate a school wellness policy coordinator, who will ensure compliance with the policy.

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: www.oskycsd.org   

Recordkeeping

The District will retain records to document compliance with the requirements of the wellness policy at the Oskaloosa District’s Central Office and/or on the Oskaloosa CSD website.  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 school 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 schools under the jurisdiction of the District are in compliance with the wellness policy;

• The extent to which the District’s wellness policy compares to 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  Mark T. Scholes, Building Administrator. Contact information email: scholesm@oskycsd.org

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

The District communicates to households/families of the availability of the triennial progress report through the school district’s website (www.oskycsd.org).

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.

Nutrition

School Meals

Our school 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 participate in USDA child nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), the School Breakfast Program (SBP), and breakfast, lunch, Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), Supper programs, or others. The District also operates additional nutrition-related programs and activities including Mobile Breakfast carts through the Grab ‘n’ Go Breakfast. 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 marketing and merchandising techniques:

  • Whole fruit options are displayed in attractive bowls or baskets (instead of chaffing dishes or hotel pans).

  • 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.

All water sources and containers will be maintained on a regular basis to ensure good hygiene and health safety standards. Such sources and containers may include drinking fountains, water jugs, hydration stations, water jets and other methods for delivering drinking water.

• Students will be allowed to bring and carry (approved) water bottles filled with only water with them throughout the day.

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.

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. 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

All foods offered on the school campus will meet or exceed the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards, including through:

1. Celebrations and parties. The district will provide a list of healthy party ideas to parents and teachers, including non-food celebration ideas. Healthy party ideas are available from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and from the USDA. 

2. Classroom snacks brought by parents. The District will provide 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. Foods and beverages will not be used as a reward, or withheld as punishment for any reason, such as for performance or behavior.
   [Meets Healthy Schools Program Silver-level criteria]

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 [examples from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and the USDA].

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 at least:

• Implementing at least ten or more evidence-based healthy food promotion techniques through the school meal programs using marketing and merchandising techniques; and

• Ensuring 100% of foods and beverages promoted to students meet the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards. Additional promotion techniques that the District and individual schools may use are available at http://www.foodplanner.healthiergeneration.org/.

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.

[Optional additional policy language includes:

• In elementary schools, nutrition education will be offered at each grade level as part of a sequential, comprehensive, standards-based health education curriculum that meets state and national standards (meets Healthy Schools Program Silver/Gold-level criteria).

• All health education teachers will provide opportunities for students to practice or rehearse the skills taught through the health education curricula (meets Healthy Schools Program Silver/Gold-level criteria).]

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.

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 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 is in 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.

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 successfully address all CSPAP areas.

Physical activity during the school day (including but not limited to recess, classroom physical activity breaks or physical education) will not be withheld as punishment OR students will not be kept inside from recess for more than half of the time due to failure to meet classroom expectations. “This does not include participation on sports teams that have specific academic requirements. Teachers and other school personnel will not use physical activity (e.g., running laps, push ups) as punishment. The district will provide teachers and other school staff with a list of ideas 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. 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 District elementary students in each grade will receive physical education for at least 60-89 minutes per week throughout the school year.

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

The District physical education program will promote student physical fitness through individualized fitness and activity assessments (via the Presidential Youth Fitness Program or other appropriate assessment tool) and will use criterion-based reporting for each student.

• Students will be moderately to vigorously active for at least 50% of class time during most or all physical education class sessions (meets Healthy Schools Program Silver-level criteria).

• All physical education classes in [District] are taught by licensed teachers who are certified or endorsed to teach physical education (meets Healthy Schools Program Gold-level criteria).

• Waivers, exemptions, or substitutions for physical education classes are not granted.

Essential Physical Activity Topics in Health Education

Health education will be required in all grades (elementary) 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 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 30 minutes of recess on all days during the school year. This policy may be waived on early dismissal or late arrival days). If recess is offered before lunch, schools will have appropriate hand-washing facilities and/or hand-sanitizing mechanisms located just inside/outside the cafeteria to ensure proper hygiene prior to eating and students are required to use these mechanisms before eating. Hand-washing time, as well as time to put away coats/hats/gloves, will be built into the recess transition period/time frame before students enter the cafeteria.

Outdoor recess will be offered when weather is feasible for outdoor play.

In the event that the school or district must conduct indoor recess, teachers and staff will follow the indoor recess guidelines that promote physical activity for students, to the extent practicable.

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)

The District recognizes that students are more attentive and ready to learn if provided with periodic breaks when they can be physically active or stretch. Thus, 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 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 (or both) through a variety of methods. The District will encourage students to be physically active before and after school.

Active Transport

The District will support active transport to and from school, such as walking or biking. The District will encourage this behavior by engaging in six or more of the activities below; including but not limited to:

• Designate safe or preferred routes to school

• Promote activities such as participation in International Walk to School Week, 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 environments (e.g., sidewalks, crosswalks, roads, pathways, bike racks, etc.)

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/SWC.

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 continue building 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. Families will be informed and invited to participate in school-sponsored activities and will receive information about health promotion efforts. 

As described in the “Community Involvement, Outreach, and Communications” subsection, the District will use electronic mechanisms (e.g., email or displaying notices on the district’s website), as well as non-electronic mechanisms, (e.g., newsletters, presentations to parents or sending information home to parents), to ensure that all families are actively notified of opportunities to participate in school-sponsored activities and receive information about health promotion efforts. 

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. Mark Scholes, Wellness Committee Chairman.

Schools in the District will implement strategies to support staff in actively promoting and modeling healthy eating and physical activity behaviors. Promotion strategies include: Wellness Screening, Wellness Challenges, Dietician lead Freezer Meals.

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: 

Extended School Day – the time during, before and after school that includes activities such as clubs, intramural sports, band and choir practice, drama rehearsals and more.

School Campus - areas that are owned or leased by the school and used at any time for school-related 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.

Approved:    May 9, 2006

Reviewed:    July 14, 2020

Revised:      May 9, 2023

Legal Reference:   42 U.S.C. §§ 1751 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. §§ 1771 et seq.; Iowa Code §§ 256.7(29); 256.11(6).  281 I.A.C. 12.5; 58.11.

Cross Reference:   504.5 Student Fund Raising; 504.6 Student Activity Program; 710 School Food Services