Scarborough Wellness Policy and Regulations –

What does it really mean?

 

Why did it happen?

 

On June 30, 2004, President Bush signed legislation requiring all school districts that participate in the Federal school meals program (all districts in Maine) to enact a wellness policy by the first day of school 2006. The goal of the legislation is to reduce obesity and overweight among youth. It was mandated that the Policy address several specific goals and guidelines surrounding health and wellness as well as an evaluation of the Policy over time.

 

How did it happen?

 

In Scarborough, the process of developing a Wellness Policy took several years and involved many interested parties throughout the town. School staff attended training in Augusta, several public forums were held in Scarborough to solicit feedback on wellness areas, a survey went out to town residents via multiple venues to gather ideas, and a core committee of staff, students, parents and others worked to create a Policy for presentation to the Board of Education. A purposely general, 1 ¬Ω page umbrella Wellness Policy was adopted on May 4, 2006, and at the same time, a Policy Regulations Committee was formed to work on creating more detailed recommendations to help meet the goals outlined in the Policy.

 

The 13 member Regulations Committee, facilitated by the Asst. Superintendent of Schools, consisted of a Board of Education representative, several school Principals, the Food Service Director, a High School student, a Scarborough Wellness member, a booster club representative, and 4 parents representing each school level. The Committee met on six occasions over six months, and using broad sources of information and guidance, the group produced recommended Regulations that were presented to the Board of Education in December of 2006. The Board took public comment at both the January and February School Board meetings and after only minor changes, the Wellness Policy Regulations were adopted on February 15, 2007.

 

What does it really mean?

 

The Federal requirements provide a framework that describes the minimum acceptable levels of wellness within the following four functional areas:

1)     Nutrition Education

2)    Physical Education and Activity

3)    Food Service Program (school breakfast and lunch and a la carte items)

4)    Non-Food Service Program (events on school grounds where food is involved)

 

In some cases, this might mean that health, nutrition, and physical activity/education have moved into the spotlight a little more than they were, and staff will be looking more closely at just how well the curriculum goals are being reached.

 

In other cases, very specific and measurable guidelines are set forth to ensure consistency among schools and that age-specific measures are applied when appropriate.

 

Here are some highlights within each area:

 

1) Nutrition Education

Schools are encouraged to provide consistent nutritional messages throughout the school campus, classrooms, and cafeteria. Nutrition education should be integrated into other areas of the curriculum such as math, science, language arts and social studies by August 2008.

 

2) Physical Education and Activity

Current minimum amounts include PE at every grade K-8 and two semesters in high school. For K-2, minimum of 60 minutes per week for PE and Health, grades 3-5 minimum of 50 minutes per week for PE, grades 6-8 minimum of two 45 minute PE classes per six day rotation for one semester, and for grades 9-12, five 60 minute PE classes per seven day rotation for two semesters.

 

Changes to current standards include finding alternatives to a) withholding recess from a student as punishment and b) canceling recess to make up for missed instructional time (by August ’07); providing opportunities for physical activity for students at the Middle and High schools apart from PE classes and organized sports (by August ’08); providing hourly motor breaks, and in the absence of school-wide breaks, teachers are encouraged to provide such breaks; and encouraging the use of safe routes for students to travel to and from school via walking, riding bicycles or scooters.

 

3) Food Service Program

The foods provided in the cafeteria have been steadily moving toward healthier choices over the last few years including more whole grains, wider variety and more frequent offerings of fruits (without heavy syrups) and vegetables, and removal of high fat milk and dairy products. The following highlights some additional goals in the near future and some accomplishments to-date:

 

Cafeterias will offer only single serving size beverages, and water will be available at all meals and in vending machines (by August ’07). As of recently, only low and fat-free milk products are served, and high fat entrees (greater than 40% of calories from fat) except for nuts, seeds, and cheese, will be served no more than once per week. Maximum portion sizes for cookies, ice cream, potato chips, crackers, and baked goods are outlined in the Regulations and are closely aligned with USDA recommendations. Total sugar in all items must be at or below 35% by weight per serving, excluding dairy products, fruit and vegetables (by August 2008).

 

4) Non-Food Service Program

Many events and activities are offered on school grounds that furnish food, both during the school day and outside the school day. In order to promote healthy life choices for all students, this section requires that healthy choices always be offered on school grounds where food is present. In addition, restrictions and limitations are given for school events where parents are not present to help guide their children (like birthday celebrations and school dances).

 

Most notably in this section, along with healthy choices being offered at all school celebrations and events, the Regulations suggest that the number of high-fat and high-sugar foods should be decreased. Celebrations that include a food or beverage that would not be defined as a healthy choice may be held only one time a month (for instance birthday celebrations with cupcakes). Pre-packaged candy will not be allowed at school sponsored events like dances where parents are not involved.

 

Overall, the Wellness Policy Regulations encourage and require changes that will promote healthier life choices among our students and provide an interactive, multi-discipline school environment to help teach students what a healthy lifestyle means. This is a wonderful beginning for our children, their families, and our community.

 

To view the new Policy and Regulations, go to www.scarborough.k12.me.us, click on the “Board of Education” tab, then the “Policies” tab, then “Form J – Students”, and scroll down through that section to find policies JLAA and JLAA-R under “Wellness”.