Policy 6:50 School Wellness Update
by Mary Sutfin
We are pleased to announce some positive additions to our School Wellness Policy which now includes a broader scope of goals for good student health, safety, and wellness. These changes and those being proposed below align with the IL Wellness Act and enable the District to take the lead among schools in encouraging and promoting wellness and nutrition. We want to partner with our families in addressing health concerns related to the growing childhood obesity problem. These additional goals to our Board Policy, designed for the benefit our students, were approved by the Board of Education at their April 22, 2008 Meeting. Our SHOES Walking Program, in partnership with our PTO, is another fine example of working together to meet students’ health and wellness needs.
Policy 6:50 School Wellness: -Goals for Good Student Health, Safety, and Wellness
The goals for addressing and promoting good student health, safety, and wellness include the following:
- Create a school environment which supports and promotes good student health, safety, and wellness and helps reduce childhood obesity and student health concerns.
- Provide training to school personnel so they fully understand and are equipped with information to support and provide instruction related to good student health and wellness.
- Increase students’ knowledge and values about good health and wellness by providing education in the classroom related to positive health choices and overall student wellness.
- Ensure students are in compliance with the physical examination, dental examination and immunization requirements and mandates.
- Work with families and the community to promote student wellness and to minimize health problems.
- Implement appropriate procedures and guidelines to promote student wellness, health, and safety within the school environment (i.e. Procedures and Resource Guide for Support and Management of Students with Life Threatening Allergies and Anaphylaxis).
The Board will be discussing these recommended procedural guidelines at their May 20, 2008 Regular Board of Education Meeting at 7:00 PM.
Ø Wellness Standards for Birthday Treats and Snacks –Adoption of non-edible birthday treats and an approved classroom snack list beginning with the 2008-2009 school year.
Ø Community Awareness – Information related to the need for and the implementation of the District’s new safety/wellness procedures will be provided at a school wide event, posted on our website, and sent home with students at the beginning of the school year.
We look forward to your continued support of a healthy and safe school environment that promotes student wellness. The Board welcomes your comments on May 20th.
Dr. Mary Fasbender
Superintendent
