New Lebanon Central School District
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DISTRICT WELLNESS POLICY

The New Lebanon Central School District is committed to providing a school environment that promotes and protects children's health, well-being, and the ability to learn by fostering healthy eating and physical activity. The District has established a Wellness Committee to develop the District's proposed local wellness policy, making such policy recommendations for review and adoption by the Board of Education. The District's wellness committee includes, but is not limited to, representatives from each of the following groups:

  1. Parents: Darlene Sears, Erica Bingham
  2. Students: Rachel Kohrs, Emma Furlano
  3. The District's food service program: Barbara Murray, Cindy Yonkers, Pat Metzler
  4. The School Board:
  5. School Administrators: Patricia Ackley, Patrick Gabriel, Dan Packard
  6. Members of the Public: Joe Roth
  7. Health Service Representatives: Cheryle Rice, Jane Diamond and Liz Bradford
  8. Other School Employees: Dottie Rogers, Clint Garrigan, Daniel Beaudry, Lenny Brown, Lisa Coon, Cissie West

The District Wellness Committee will assess current activities, programs and policies available in the District; identify specific areas of need within the District; develop the policy; and provide mechanisms for implementation, evaluation, revision and updating of the policy. The Wellness Committee is established to represent the local community’s perspective in developing the wellness policy for the District.

Goals to Promote Student Wellness

Taking into account the parameters of the School District (academic programs, annual budget, staffing issues, and available facilities) as well as the community in which the District is located (the general economy; socioeconomic status; local tax bases; social cultural and religious influences; geography; and legal, political and social institutions) the Wellness Committee recommends the following District goals relating to nutrition education, physical activity and other school-based activities:

Nutrition Education

The District will provide nutrition education to facilitate the voluntary adoption of healthy eating habits and other nutrition-related behaviors conducive to health and well-being by establishing the following standards for:

  1. Classroom teaching:
    Teachers will strive to incorporate and support daily healthy eating habits and physical activity as a lifelong strategy as part of their curricula in accordance with the New York State Standards. Teachers will focus on the following aspects: healthy living, nutrition, body image, weight management, eating disorders, and physical activity.
  2. Education, marketing and promotion links outside the classroom:
    The New Lebanon Central School District will utilize the following marketing and promotional approaches: meal menus, Parent Advisory Forum Newsletter (The Informer), PTA Newsletter (PawPrints), District website, informational posters, Nutribase software, after school salad bar, and refrigerated vending machines dedicated to healthy snacks. Periodically the school will invite guest speakers and will offer to the school community activities such as: Wellness Day, Career Day, Awareness Day and K-6 Fall Open House.
  3. Fundraising activities:
    It is recommended that all fund raising activities involving food will work toward the guidelines provided in the wellness policy. Student organizations are encouraged to hold fundraisers such as: Swim-a-thons, dances, car washes, fruit sales, etc. that are in accordance with the District Wellness Policy.
  4. Teacher training:
    The District will support professional development by allowing attendance at appropriate workshops/conferences as the budget allows. After attending workshops and conferences teachers will share the information they obtained with their colleagues.

Physical Activity

The District will provide opportunities for every student to develop the knowledge and skills for specific physical activities, to maintain physical fitness, to regularly participate in physical activity, and to understand the short-term and long-term benefits of a physically active and healthy lifestyle.

The Wellness Committee has determined that the following standards are necessary to achieve this goal:

  1. Physical education graduation requirements:
    All students:
    • K-12 must attend and participate in a physical education program
    • K-6 must participate daily in physical education program.
    • 7-12 must attend and participate in physical education for not less than three times per week in one semester, and not less than two times per week in the other semester. In addition they must participate in 120 minutes of physical education per calendar week, exclusive of any time that may be required for dressing and showering.
    • 9-12 must earn one half (1/2) unit of credit per year for a total of two (2) physical education credits to receive a high school diploma
  2. Physical education class requirements:
    New Lebanon currently complies with New York State Health and Physical Education Standards. Students are required to wear appropriate dress for the physical education unit activity. Suitable physical activities and equipment are also provided for special student populations.
  3. Enhanced opportunities for physical and health education:
    Curriculum units are developed to include the use of the pool and fitness center.
  4. Staff training/certification for physical education:
    All New Lebanon Physical Education teachers are New York State certified.
  5. Physical activity outside physical education classes:
    Physical activity is encouraged through three seasons of competitive sports. Teams from modified to varsity levels are available for both male and female students. All New Lebanon coaches meet New York State certification requirements. Other activities that operate periodically may include dance instruction, musical productions, swimming, cheerleading, and marching band. K-6 students participate in a 30-minute recess 5 days a week (weather permitting).

Other School-based Activities

The New Lebanon Central School District wishes to establish a school environment that presents consistent wellness messages and is conducive to healthy eating and physical activity for all. In order to present a coordinated school approach where District decision-making related to nutrition and physical activity encompasses all aspects of the school, the Wellness Committee has determined that the following standards are necessary to achieve this goal:

  1. Federal School Meal Programs:
    New Lebanon School District participates in the federal school meal programs (breakfast and lunch) through its food service contractor.
  2. Access to school nutrition programs:
    The New Lebanon Central School District provides access to free or reduced meals according to the Federal Income Guidelines in a discrete manner. Applications are mailed to all families in the District semi-annually and are available throughout the year. New family orientation includes information about free and reduced meal programs. Prepayment of meals is encouraged for all students to avoid any feelings of stigma on the part of those students receiving free or reduced meals. Also, prepayment is recommended to families because it is economically advantageous. Snack vending machines are not operable during lunch periods. Special nutritional needs, such as food allergies and dietary requirements, of students are addressed and monitored by school personnel and food service staff upon request. The school nutrition program is sensitive to the cultural and religious diversity of our student population. We encourage interdisciplinary themes in the curriculums. Lessons that can be related to culture and ethnic foods are strongly encouraged.
  3. Meal environment:
    The newly renovated cafeteria has adequate seating and lighting with an ideal traffic flow for serving the student population. Attractive nutritional posters are displayed throughout the cafeteria suggesting healthy eating.
    The cafeterias are cleaned after each lunch period. In the case of a mishap cleaners are available for assistance in both schools.
    The population is managed to facilitate timely movement through the meal line, which allows for adequate eating time. Lunch periods are usually scheduled according to grade level to promote positive behavior and social interactions.
  4. After-school programs for students:
    After-school programs incorporate nutrition related components and/or physical activity in line with our school-based philosophy.
  5. Community access to District facilities for physical activities:
    Community groups of the District provide: family swim, water aerobics, yoga, and access to the weight room for students, family, staff, and the community. The facilities are used by the community for baseball, soccer, walking, running, and basketball.
    Staff wellness is supported by the use of pedometers, the weight room, the pool, and all outside facilities.
  6. Community involvement:
    The community is encouraged to participate in the planning and maintaining of the school wellness policy.
    The Wellness Policy can be found on the NLCSD website and hardcopies are available throughout the district.
    Sustainable food practices:
    The district strongly encourages the contracted food service provider to seek environmentally friendly, local, and sustainable resources.

Nutrition Guidelines

The New Lebanon Central School District Wellness Committee recommends nutrition standards to be established for all foods available in school and on school grounds during the school calendar year based upon the unique needs of the student body and the community. The goal is to encourage healthy lifelong eating habits by providing foods that are high in nutrients, low in fat and added sugars, and of appropriate portion size.

Nutritional Values of Foods and Beverages

  1. Reimbursable school meals served at school will minimally meet the program requirements and nutrition standards of the National School Lunch Program. Meals served through the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs will:
    1. be appealing and attractive
    2. be served in clean and pleasant settings.
    3. offer a variety of fruits and vegetables, at least two non-fried vegetables and two fruit option each day and will offer five different fruits and five different vegetables over the course of a week.
    4. whenever possible fresh fruits and vegetables will come from local farmers
    5. serve only low fat (1%) and fat free milk or nutritionally-equivalent non-dairy alternatives
    6. serve only 100% whole grain products
      http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_05/7cfr210_05.html
  2. Food of minimal nutritional value in the school and on school grounds will be replaced with more nutritional options by adhering to the following standards for nutritional value of foods and beverages:
    1. Calories from total fat - No more than 30%
    2. Calories from saturated fat - No more than 10%
    3. Total sugar – No more than 35% by weight
    4. Whole grain – 100%
    5. Total sodium – No more than 230 mg of sodium per serving for chips, cereals, crackers, oven baked potatoes, baked goods; no more than 480 per serving for pastas, meats, and soups and no more than 600 mg per serving for pizza, sandwiches and main dishes as closely as can be determined.
    6. Fruits and vegetables -- a choice of at least 2 fruits and non-fried vegetables will be offered for sale at any location where foods are sold in school and on school grounds. Such items could include, but are not limited to: fresh fruits and vegetables; 100% fruit or vegetable juices; fruit based drinks that are at least 50% fruit juice and that do not contain additional caloric sweeteners; cooked, dried or canned fruits in fruit juice; cooked, dried or canned vegetables that meet fat and sodium guidelines.
    7. Beverages – Encouraged: 100% fruit or vegetable juices; fruit based drinks that are at least 50% fruit juice and that do not contain additional caloric sweeteners; unflavored or flavored low-fat or fat-free flavored milk; water. Discouraged: soft drinks containing caloric sweeteners, sports drinks, caffeinated iced teas, fruit based drinks that contain less than 50% real fruit juice or that containing additional caloric sweeteners, beverages containing caffeine excluding low-fat or fat-free chocolate milk.
    8. Healthy classroom snacks will be encouraged and one snack at lunch time.
  3. Nutrition information for products sold in school will be readily available near the point of purchase.
  4. A la carte, vending machines, student stores, snack bars, concession stands, parties, celebrations, food-related fundraising, and food rewards/punishments:
    The Nutritional Values listed above will be applied to school events and fund raising activities to ensure consistency throughout the school district. The following foods are encouraged for parties and school events: ice milk bars; frozen fruit juice bars; low-fat frozen yogurt and ice cream; fig bars; ginger snaps, and cakes; baked chips; low fat microwave popcorn; pretzels. Beverages can include fat free and 1% plain and flavored milk, fruit juices as specified above, decaffeinated iced teas, and lemonade. See attached document “Go, Slow, and Whoa Foods” (see website www.nhbi.nih.gov )
    Food rewards/punishments are discouraged.

Food or beverage contracts

The food service provider will comply with nutritional guidelines established in the Wellness Policy.

Vending machines, snack bars, school stores, concession stands, and other food outlets

School-based marketing will be consistent with nutrition education and health promotion. Food and beverage marketing will be limited to the promotion of foods and beverages that meet the nutrition standards specified above. School-based marketing of brands promoting predominantly low-nutrition foods and beverages is discouraged. The promotion of healthy foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products is encouraged.

Access to vending machines, snack bars, school stores, concession stands, and other food outlets on school property will be limited.

Assurance

Guidelines for reimbursable school meals shall not be less restrictive than applicable federal regulations and guidance issued pursuant to the Child Nutrition Act and the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, as those regulations and guidance apply to schools.

Implementation and Evaluation of the Wellness Policy

To satisfy the requirements of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, the New Lebanon Central School District’s Wellness Committee shall monitor the school district’s implementation of the Wellness Policy and evaluate student health activities. Such monitoring will help gauge whether or not policies have in fact been implemented, whether or not they are effective, and their overall impact on student and staff health. The results may also highlight areas in need of further change and help shape future policy. The District’s Wellness Committee will utilize the School Health Index as a tool to evaluate the effectiveness of this plan. In an effort to improve the health of the New Lebanon Central School District community, the Wellness Committee will report annually to the Principal and the Superintendent. The Board of Education will receive any revisions to the Wellness Policy upon the recommendation of the Superintendent.

Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004

Public Law Section 108-265 Section 204

Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act

42 United States Code (USC) Section 1751 et seq.

Child Nutrition Act of 1966

42 United States Code (USC) Section 1771 et seq.

7 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 210.10

http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_05/7cfr210_05.html