Proposed District Wellness Policy

As noted in the April Directions Newsletter, M.S.A.D. No. 75 is complying with new federal and State laws that require schools to develop Wellness Policies by June 30, 2006. The District Health Leadership Team has been working on a policy proposal for the last year and took it for a first reading to the Board of Directors on April 13.

As required by legislation, the policy establishes criteria for nutrition education; physical education and physical activity; school-based wellness activities; nutrient standards for all foods available anytime on school grounds; and a system to monitor and evaluate the policy requirements.

Some specifics within the policy include providing daily nutrition tips to students in coordination with the lunch program; daily physical activity for all students; expansion of after-school fitness programming; price differentials to encourage selection of healthy foods; no foods of minimal nutritional value at closed school functions; and guidance for parents and the community on healthy foods.

A summary of the key areas of the policy, the actual proposed policy document, and a list of frequently asked questions can be found on the District website or by contacting your school or program administrator. Educational workshops to answer questions and help employees plan how to implement the policy will be given around the District. Again, check with your administrator for dates and times of these workshops.

James West wrote that health and wellness are large words.  They embrace not only the body, but the mind and spirit as well, encompassing today's pleasure or pain but also our outlook for tomorrow.

J. Michael Wilhelm, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools