Wellness Policy Information: For Elementary Schools

Highlights of Changes for Elementary Schools for 2006-07 School Year

Guidance Regarding Withholding Recess and P.E.

Recess can only be withheld for disciplinary reasons if such action is only on an occasional basis and is part of an individual or school-wide behavior plan. Physical education cannot be withheld for disciplinary reasons. This does not include discipline for behavior during the P.E. class.

Setting Minimum Times for Breakfast and Lunch

Each school must adopt a minimum number of minutes that students have to eat breakfast and lunch and consider other strategies, such as recess before lunch, that contribute to healthy eating.

Use of Food as Incentive or Reward

Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value, as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, cannot be distributed by staff as a reward for academic performance or good behavior.Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value include soda pop and most candy (see attached list). The use of any candy as a reward is strongly discouraged. The use of other food as incentive or reward, or as part of the curriculum should be used judiciously, taking into consideration the nutritional value of the food being served and the frequency of use.

Competitive Foods (Foods Competing with School Breakfast and Lunch Programs)

Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value: these foods, as defined by the federal government, cannot be sold to students on campus during the school day. These foods include soda pop and most candy (see attached list). Soda pop cannot be sold or distributed during the school day for any reason.The school day is defined as from the beginning of the class schedule day to the end of the class schedule day.

Fundraising/School Stores: food sold at school as a fund-raiser during the school day must meet the Healthy Snacks and Healthy Parties guidelines (see attached).

Vending Machines: vending machines accessible to students on school campuses at any time must include only nutritious food options that meet the Healthy Snacks Guidelines.This does not apply to vending machines in faculty/staff rooms if not accessible to students.

Celebrations/School Parties: soda pop cannot be served during the school day as part of a celebration or school party. During the school day, schools should limit the use of food at celebrations that are not related to the curriculum. Parents and staff are encouraged to provide party foods that are consistent with the Healthy Parties guidelines and to serve such items after the lunch hour, if possible.

After-School Events Sponsored by District

Schools must offer some healthy options at concession stands operated on campus after the school day (for example, at carnivals, after school programs, and performances). Examples of healthy options include water, milk, 100% fruit juice and foods that meet the Healthy Snacks guidelines. The policy allows soda pop and foods outside the guidelines to be sold at these events.