WELLNESS POLICY (Holy Spirit Board of Directors Policy #5500)
On June 30, 2004, Congress passed Section 204 of Public Law 108-265, of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004. This law requires each local education agency participating in a program, authorized by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C.1751 et seq.) or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C.1771 et seq.), to establish a local school wellness policy by July 1, 2006.
Holy Spirit School is committed to creating a healthy school environment that enhances the development of lifelong wellness practices to promote healthy eating and physical activities that support student achievement.
Nutritional Education: Every year all students shall receive nutrition education that is aligned with the Science Curriculum of the Diocese of Grand Rapids. Nutrition education that teaches the knowledge, skills, and values needed to adopt healthy eating behaviors shall be integrated into the curriculum. Nutrition education information shall be offered throughout the school campus including, but not limited to, school dining areas and classrooms.
Physical Education and Physical Activity Opportunities: Holy Spirit School shall offer physical education opportunities that include the components of a quality physical education program. Physical education shall equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for lifelong physical activity. Every year all students, Pre-K-8, shall have the opportunity to participate regularly in supervised physical activities, either organized or unstructured, intended to maintain physical fitness and to understand the short and long-term benefits of a physically active and healthy lifestyle.
Other School-Based Activities Designed to Promote Student Wellness: Holy Spirit School may implement other appropriate programs that help create a school environment that conveys consistent wellness messages and is conducive to healthy eating and physical activity.
Implementation and Measurement: The administrator shall implement this policy and measure how well it is being managed and enforced. The administrator shall develop and implement administrative rules consistent with this policy. Input from teachers (including specialists in health and physical education), school nurses, parents/guardians, students, representatives of the school food service program, board members, school administrators, and the community shall be considered before implementing such rules. A sustained effort is necessary to implement and enforce this policy. The administrator shall report to the Board of Directors, as requested, on the school’s programs and efforts to meet the purpose and intent of this policy.
Updates, additions and discussions regarding our wellness policy are included in the PTA meetings and minutes throughout the year. We are always open to suggestions from families and staff to add or improve upon our wellness actions and activities.