507 - Student Health and Well-Being
507 - Student Health and Well-Being dawn.gibson.cm… Tue, 10/03/2023 - 13:46507.01 - Student Health and Immunization Certificates
507.01 - Student Health and Immunization CertificatesStudents desiring to participate in athletic activities or enrolling in kindergarten or first grade in the school district will have a physical examination by a licensed physician and provide proof of such an examination to the school district. A physical examination and proof of such an examination may be required by the administration for students in other grades enrolling for the first time in the school district.
A certificate of health stating the results of a physical examination and signed by the physician is on file at the attendance center. Each student will submit an up-to-date certificate of health upon the request of the superintendent. Failure to provide this information may be grounds for disciplinary action.
Students enrolling for the first time in the school district will also submit a certificate of immunization against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, rubeola, rubella, and other immunizations required by law. The student may be admitted conditionally to the attendance center if the student has not yet completed the immunization process but is in the process of doing so. Failure to meet the immunization requirement will be grounds for suspension, expulsion or denial of admission. Upon recommendation of the Iowa Department of Education and Iowa Department of Public Health, students entering the district for the first time may be required to pass a TB test prior to admission. The district may conduct TB tests of current students.
Exemptions from the immunization requirement in this policy will be allowed only for medical or religious reasons recognized under the law. The student must provide a valid Iowa State Department of Health Certificate of Immunization Exemption to be exempt from this policy.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 139A.8; 280.13.
281 I.A.C. 33.5.
641 I.A.C. 7.
Cross Reference: 402.2 Child Abuse Reporting
501 Student Attendance
507 Student Health and Well-Being
Approved 1/18/21
Reviewed
Revised
507.02 - Administration of Medication to Students
507.02 - Administration of Medication to StudentsThe board is committed to the inclusion of all students in the education program and recognizes that some students may need prescription and nonprescription medication to participate in their educational program.
Medication shall be administered when the student's parent or guardian (hereafter "parent") provides a signed and dated written statement requesting medication administration and the medication is in the original, labeled container, either as dispensed or in the manufacturer's container. Administration of medication may also occur consistent with board policy 804.05 – Stock Prescription Medication Supply.
When administration of the medication requires ongoing professional health judgment, an individual health plan shall be developed by. a licensed health personnel working under the auspice of the school with collaboration from the parent or guardian, individual’s health care provider or education team pursuant to 281.14.2(256). Students who have demonstrated competence in administering their own medications may self-administer their medication. A written statement by the student's parent shall be on file requesting co-administration of medication, when competence has been demonstrated. By law, students with asthma, airway constricting diseases, respiratory distress or students at risk of anaphylaxis who use epinephrine auto-injectors may self-administer their medication upon the written approval of the student’s parents and prescribing licensed health care professional regardless of competency.
Persons administering medication shall include authorized practitioners, such as licensed registered nurses and physicians, and persons to whom authorized practitioners have delegated the administration of medication (who have successfully completed a medication administration course conducted by a registered nurse or pharmacist that is provided by the department of education). The medication administration course is completed every five years with an annual procedural skills check completed with a registered nurse or a pharmacist. A record of course completion shall be maintained by the school.
A written medication administration record shall be on file including:
• date;
• student’s name;
• prescriber or person authorizing administration;
• medication;
• medication dosage;
• administration time;
• administration method;
• signature and title of the person administering medication; and
• any unusual circumstances, actions, or omissions.
Medication shall be stored in a secured area unless an alternate provision is documented. The development of emergency protocols for medication-related reactions is required. Medication information shall be confidential information as provided by law
Disposal of unused, discontinued/recalled, or expired abandonedmedication shall be in compliance with federal and state law. Prior to disposal school personnel shall make a reasonable attempt to return medication by providing written notification that expired, discontinued, or unused medications needs to be picked up. If medication is not picked up by the date specified, disposal shall be in accordance with the disposal procedures for the specific category of medication.
Legal Reference: Disposing on Behalf of Ultimate Users, 79 Fed. Reg. 53520, 53546 (Sept. 9, 2014).
Iowa Code §§124.101(1); 147.107; 152.1; 155A.4(2); 280.16; 280.23.
281 IAC §14.1
655 IAC §6.2(152).
Cross Reference: 506 Student Records
507 Student Health and Well-Being
603.3 Special Education
607.2 Student Health Services
Approved 1/18/21
Reviewed 7/17/23
Revised 7/17/23
507.02E1 - Authorization - Asthma or Airway Constricting Medication Self-Administration Consent Form
507.02E1 - Authorization - Asthma or Airway Constricting Medication Self-Administration Consent Form_____________________________ ___/___/___ _________________ ___/___/___
Student's Name (Last), (First) (Middle) Birthday School Date
In accordance with applicable laws, students with asthma, airway constricting diseases, respiratory distress or students at risk of anaphylaxis who use epinephrine auto-injectors may self-administer their medication upon the written approval of the student’s parents and prescribing licensed health care professional regardless of competency. The following must occur for a student to self-administer asthma or other airway constricting disease medication or for a student with a risk of anaphylaxis to self-administer an epinephrine auto-injector:
- Parent/guardian provides signed, dated authorization for student medication self-administration.
- Parent/guardian provides a written statement from the student’s licensed health care professional (A person licensed under chapter 148 to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery, an advanced registered nurse practitioner licensed under chapter 152 or 152E and registered with the board of nursing, or a physician assistant licensed to practice under the supervision of a physician as authorized in chapters 147 and 148C) containing the following:
- Name and purpose of the medication,
- Prescribed dosage, and
- Times or special circumstances under which the prescribed medication is to be administered.
- The medication is in the original, labeled container as dispensed or the manufacturer's labeled container containing the student name, name of the medication, directions for use, and date.
- Authorization shall be renewed annually. In addition, if any changes occur in the medication, dosage or time of administration, the parent is to notify school officials immediately. The authorization shall be reviewed as soon as practical.
Provided the above requirements are fulfilled, the school shall permit the self-administration of the prescribed medication by a student while in school, at school-sponsored activities, under the supervision of school personnel, and before or after normal school activities, such as while in before-school or after-school care on school-operated property. If the student abuses the self-administration policy, the ability to self-administer may be withdrawn by the school or discipline may be imposed, after notification is provided to the student’s parent.
Pursuant to state law, the school district or and its employees are to incur no liability, except for gross negligence, as a result of any injury arising from self-administration of medication or use of an epinephrine auto-injector by the student. The parent or guardian of the student shall sign a statement acknowledging that the school district is to incur no liability, except for gross negligence, as a result of self-administration of medication or an epinephrine auto-injector by the student as provided by law.
Medication Dosage Route Time
Purpose of Medication & Administration /Instructions
/ /
Special Circumstances Discontinue/Re-Evaluate/Follow-up Date
/ /
Prescriber’s Signature Date
Prescriber’s Address Emergency Phone
- I request the above named student possess and self-administer asthma or other airway constricting disease medication(s) and/or an epinephrine auto-injector at school and in school activities according to the authorization and instructions.
- I understand the school district and its employees acting reasonably and in good faith shall incur no liability for any improper use of medication or an epinephrine auto-injector or for supervising, monitoring, or interfering with a student's self-administration of medication or use of an epinephrine auto-injector. I acknowledge that the school district is to incur no liability, except for gross negligence, as a result of self-administration of medication or use of an epinephrine auto-injector by the student.
- I agree to coordinate and work with school personnel and notify them when questions arise or relevant conditions change.
- I agree to provide safe delivery of medication and equipment to and from school and to pick up remaining medication and equipment.
- I agree the information is shared with school personnel in accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and any other applicable laws.
- I agree to provide the school with back-up medication approved in this form.
/ /
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
(agreed to above statement)
Parent/Guardian Address Home Phone
Business Phone
Self-Administration Authorization Additional Information
507.02E2 - Parental Authorization and Release Form for the Administration of Prescription Medication to Students
507.02E2 - Parental Authorization and Release Form for the Administration of Prescription Medication to Students_________________________________ ___/___/___ _________________ ___/___/___
Student's Name (Last), (First), (Middle) Birthday School Date
School medications and special health services are administered following these guidelines:
- Parent has provided a signed, dated authorization to administer prescription medication and/or provide special health services listed. Electronic signatures meet the requirement of written signatures.
- The prescribed medication is in the original, labeled container as dispensed or the
. - The prescription medication label contains the student’s name, name of the medication, the medication dosage, time(s) to administer, route to administer, and date.
- Authorization is renewed annually and as soon as practical when the parent notifies the school that changes are necessary.
Prescribed Medication Dosage Route Time at School
Special Health Services and instructions, in indicated:
/ /
Discontinue/Re-Evaluate/Follow-up Date for Prescribed Medication or Special Health Services listed
/ /
Prescriber’s Signature Date
And credentials (when indicated for health service delivery)
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
_______________________________________ __________________________
Parent/Guardian address Home phone
/ /
Parent's Signature Date
Parent's Address Home Phone
Additional Information Business Phone
Authorization Form
507.02E3 - Parental Authorization and Release Form for Independent Self Carry and Administration of Prescribed Medication or Independent Delivery of Health Services by the Student
507.02E3 - Parental Authorization and Release Form for Independent Self Carry and Administration of Prescribed Medication or Independent Delivery of Health Services by the Student_________________________________ ___/___/___ _________________ ___/___/___
Student's Name (Last), (First), (Middle) Birthday School Date
I request the above-named student (Parent/Guardian initial all that apply)
______ Carry and complete co-administration of prescribed medication, when competency has been demonstrated to licensed health personnel working under the auspices of the school. In accordance with applicable laws, students with asthma, airway constricting diseases, respiratory distress or students at risk of anaphylaxis who use epinephrine auto-injectors may self-administer their medication upon the written approval of the student’s parents and prescribing licensed health care professional regardless of competency. The information provided by the parent for medication administration is confidential as provided by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and any other applicable laws. I agree to provide safe delivery of the medication to and from school and to pick up remaining medication at the end of the school year or when medication is expired. If the students abuses the self-administration policy, the ability to self-administer may be withdrawn by the school or discipline may be imposed, after notification is provided to the student’s parent.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Prescribed Medication Dosage Route Time at School
______ Co-administer, participate in planning, management and implementation of special health services at school and school activities after demonstration of proficiency to licensed health personnel working under the auspices of the school. The information provided by the parent for health service delivery is confidential as provide by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and any other applicable laws. I agree to coordinate and work with school personnel and the prescriber (if indicated) when questions arise. I agree to provide safe delivery of the student’s equipment necessary for health service delivery to and from school and to pick up remaining equipment at the end of the school year.
Special Health Services Delivery:
Procedures for abandoned medication disposal shall be in accordance with applicable laws.
/ /
Prescriber’s Signature Date
and credentials (when indicated for health service delivery)
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
_______________________________________ __________________________
Parent/Guardian address Home phone
507.02E4 - Parental Authorization and Release Form for the Administration of Voluntary School Stock of Over-The-Counter Medication to Students
507.02E4 - Parental Authorization and Release Form for the Administration of Voluntary School Stock of Over-The-Counter Medication to Students_________________________________ ___/___/___ _________________ ___/___/___
Student's Name (Last), (First), (Middle) Birthday School Date
The district supplies the following nonprescription, over-the-counter medications that are listed below. Generic brands may be substituted, (select all that apply:
- Acetaminophen administered per manufacturer label
- Throat Lozenges administered per manufacturer label
- Ibuprofin administered per manufacturer label
- Other: ____________________ administered per manufacturer label (Please Specify)
- Other: ____________________ administered per manufacturer label (Please Specify)
- Other: ____________________ administered per manufacturer label (Please Specify)
Voluntary school stock of nonprescription, over-the-counter medications are administered following these guidelines:
- Parent has provided a signed, dated annual authorization to administer of the nonprescription, over-the-counter medication(s) listed according to the manufacturer instructions. Electronic signature meets the requirement of written signature.
- The nonprescription, over-the-counter medication is in the original, labeled container and dispensed per the manufacturing label.
- All other nonprescription, over-the-counter medication not listed will require a written parent authorization and supply for the over-the counter medication.
- Supplements are not nonprescription, over-the-counter medications approved by the Federal Drug Administration and are NOT applicable.
- Nonprescription, over-the-counter medications approved by the Federal Drug Administration that require emergency medical service (EMS) notification after administration are NOT applicable.
- Persons administering nonprescription, over-the-counter medication include licensed health personnel working under the auspices of the school and individuals, whom licensed health personnel have delegated the administration of medication with valid certification who have successfully completed a medication administration course approved by the department and annual medication administration procedural skills check.
- Districts stocking the administration of a voluntary stock of nonprescription, over-the-counter medications, collaborate with licensed health personnel to develop and adopt a protocol shared with the parent to define at a minimum:
- when to contact the parent when a nonprescription medication, over the counter medication is administered;
- documentation of the administration of the nonprescription, over-the-counter medication and parent contact;
- a limit to the administration of a school’s stock nonprescription, over-the-counter medications that would require a prescriber signature for further administration of a school’s nonprescription, over-the-counter medications for the remaining school year;
- the development of an individual health plan for ongoing medication administration or health service delivery at school.
- Districts stocking the administration of a voluntary stock of nonprescription, over-the-counter medications, collaborate with licensed health personnel to develop and adopt a protocol shared with the parent to define at a minimum:
I request that the above-named student receive the voluntary stock nonprescription, over-the-counter medications supplied by the school in accordance with the district guidelines and protocol.
__________________________________________ _________________________
Parent Signature Date
__________________________________________ _________________________
Parent/Guardian Address Home Phone
507.05 - Emergency Plans and Drills
507.05 - Emergency Plans and DrillsStudents will be informed of the appropriate action to take in an emergency. Emergency drills for fire, weather, and other disasters are conducted each school year. Fire and tornado drills are each conducted regularly during the academic school year with a minimum of two before December 31 and two after January 1.
Each attendance center will develop and maintain a written plan containing emergency and disaster procedures. The plan will be communicated to and reviewed with employees. Employees will participate in emergency drills. Licensed employees are responsible for instructing the proper techniques to be followed in the drill.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 100.31
Cross Reference: 507 Student Health and Well-Being
711.7 School Bus Safety Instruction
804 Safety Program
Approved 1/18/21
Reviewed
Revised
507.06 - Student Insurance
507.06 - Student InsuranceStudents will have the opportunity to participate in the health and accident insurance plan selected by the school district. The cost of the health and accident insurance program is borne by the student. Participation in the insurance health and accident plan is not a contract with the school district, but rather, a contract between the insurance company and the student.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 279.8
Cross Reference: 504 Student Activities
507 Student Health and Well-Being
Approved 1/18/21
Reviewed
Revised
507.07 - Custody and Parental Rights
507.07 - Custody and Parental RightsDisagreements between family members are not the responsibility of the school district. The school district will not take the "side" of one family member over another in a disagreement about custody or parental rights. Court orders that have been issued are followed by the school district. It is the responsibility of the person requesting an action by the school district to inform and provide the school district the court order allowing such action.
This policy does not prohibit an employee from listening to a student's problems and concerns.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to ensure employees remain neutral in a disagreement about custody and parental rights.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 232.67, .70, .73, .75; 235A; 279.8; 710.6.
441 I.A.C. 9.2; 155; 175.
Cross Reference: 506 Student Records
507 Student Health and Well-Being
Approved 1/18/21
Reviewed
Revised
507.08 - Student Special Health Services
507.08 - Student Special Health ServicesThe board recognizes that some special education students need special health services during the school day. These students will receive special health services in conjunction with their individualized health plan.
The superintendent, in conjunction with licensed health personnel, will establish administrative regulations for the implementation of this policy.
Legal Reference: Board of Education v. Rowley, 458 U.S. 176 (1982).
Springdale School District #50 v. Grace, 693 F.2d 41 (8th Cir. 1982).
Southeast Warren Comm. School District v. Dept. of Public Instruction, 285 N.W.2d 173 (Iowa 1979).
20 U.S.C. §§ 1400 et seq.
34 C.F.R. Pt. 300 et seq.
Iowa Code §§ 256.11(7); 256B; 273.2, .5, .9(2)-(3); 280.8.
281 I.A.C. 14.2
Cross Reference: 502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
506 Student Records
603.3 Special Education
Approved 1/18/21
Reviewed
Revised
507.08R1 - Special Health Services Regulation
507.08R1 - Special Health Services RegulationSome students who require special education need special health services in order to participate in the educational program. These students will receive special health services in accordance with their individualized educational program.
A. Definitions
"Assignment and delegation" - occurs when licensed health personnel, in collaboration with the education team, determine the special health services to be provided and the qualifications of individuals performing the health services. Primary consideration is given to the recommendation of the licensed health personnel. Each designation considers the student's special health service. The rationale for the designation is documented. If the designation decision of the team differs from the licensed health professional, team members may file a dissenting opinion.
"Co-administration" - the eligible student's participation in the planning, management and implementation of the student's special health service and demonstration of proficiency to licensed health personnel.
"Educational program" - includes all school curricular programs and activities both on and off school grounds.
"Education team" - may include the eligible student, the student's parent, administrator, teacher, licensed health personnel, and others involved in the student's educational program.
"Health assessment" - health data collection, observation, analysis, and interpretation relating to the eligible student's educational program.
"Health instruction" - education by licensed health personnel to prepare qualified designated personnel to deliver and perform special health services contained in the eligible student's health plan. Documentation of education and periodic updates are on file at school.
"Individual health plan" - the confidential, written, preplanned and ongoing special health service in the educational program. It includes assessment, planning, implementation, documentation, evaluation and a plan for emergencies. The plan is updated as needed and at least annually. Licensed health personnel develop this written plan with the education team.
"Licensed health personnel" - includes licensed registered nurse, licensed physician, and other licensed health personnel legally authorized to provide special health services and medications.
"Prescriber" - licensed health personnel legally authorized to prescribe special health services and medications.
"Qualified designated personnel" - persons instructed, supervised and competent in implementing the eligible student's health plan.
“Special health services" - includes, but is not limited to, services for eligible students whose health status (stable or unstable) requires:
∙ Interpretation or intervention,
∙ Administration of health procedures and health care, or
- Use of a health device to compensate for the reduction or loss of a body function.
"Supervision" - the assessment, delegation, evaluation and documentation of special health services by licensed health personnel. Levels of supervision include situations in which licensed health personnel are: ∙ physically present.
∙ available at the same site.
∙ available on call.
B. Licensed health personnel will provide special health services under the auspices of the school. Duties of the licensed personnel include the duty to:
- Participate as a member of the education team.
- Provide the health assessment.
- Plan, implement and evaluate the written individual health plan.
- Plan, implement and evaluate special emergency health services.
- Serve as liaison and encourage participation and communication with health service agencies and individuals providing health care.
- Provide health consultation, counseling and instruction with the eligible student, the student's parent and the staff in cooperation and conjunction with the prescriber.
- Maintain a record of special health services. The documentation includes the eligible student's name, special health service, prescriber or person authorizing, date and time, signature and title of the person providing the special health service and any unusual circumstances in the provision of such services.
- Report unusual circumstances to the parent, school administration, and prescriber.
- Assign and delegate to, instruct, provide technical assistance and supervise qualified designated personnel.
- Update knowledge and skills to meet special health service needs.
C. Prior to the provision of special health services the following will be on file:
- Written statement by the prescriber detailing the specific method and schedule of the special health service, when indicated.
- Written statement by the student's parent requesting the provision of the special health service.
- Written report of the preplanning staffing or meeting of the education team.
- Written individual health plan available in the health record and integrated into the IEP or IFSP.
D. Licensed health personnel, in collaboration with the education team, will determine the special health services to be provided and the qualifications of individuals performing the special health services. The documented rationale will include the following:
- Analysis and interpretation of the special health service needs, health status stability, complexity of the service, predictability of the service outcome and risk of improperly performed service.
- Determination that the special health service, task, procedure or function is part of the person's job description.
- Determination of the assignment and delegation based on the student's needs.
- Review of the designated person's competency.
- Determination of initial and ongoing level of supervision required to ensure quality services.
E. Licensed health personnel will supervise the special health services, define the level of supervision and document the supervision.
F. Licensed health personnel will instruct qualified designated personnel to deliver and perform special health services contained in the eligible individual health plan. Documentation of instruction and periodic updates are on file at school.
G. Parents will provide the usual equipment, supplies and necessary maintenance for such. The equipment is stored in a secure area. The personnel responsible for the equipment are designated in the individual health plan. The individual health plan will designate the role of the school, parents, and others in the provision, supply, storage and maintenance of necessary equipment.
507.09 - Wellness Policy
507.09 - Wellness PolicyThe Maquoketa Valley Board of Education is committed to the optimal development of every student. The board believes for students to have the opportunity to achieve personal, academic, developmental, and social success, there needs to be a positive, safe, and health-promoting learning environment at every level, in every setting.
The school district provides a comprehensive learning environment for developing and practicing lifelong wellness behaviors. The entire school environment, not just the classroom, shall be aligned with healthy school district goals to positively influence a student's understanding, beliefs and habits as they relate to good nutrition and regular physical activity. In accordance with law and this belief, the board commits to the following:
The school district will identify at least one goal in each of the following areas:
- Nutrition Education and Promotion: Schools will provide nutrition education and engage in nutrition promotion that helps students develop lifelong healthy eating behaviors.
- Physical Activity: Schools will provide students with age and grade appropriate opportunities to engage in physical activity that meet the Iowa Healthy Kids Act.
- Other School Based Activities that Promote Wellness: As appropriate, schools will support students, staff, and parents’ efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The following nutritional guidelines for food available on school campuses will be adhered to:
- Meals served through the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program will be appealing and meet, at a minimum, nutrition requirements established by state and federal law;
- Schools providing access to healthy foods outside the reimbursable meal programs before school, during school and thirty minutes after school shall meet the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) Smart Snacks in Schools nutrition standards, at a minimum. This includes such items as those sold through a la carte lines, vending machines, student run stores, and fundraising activities;
- Snacks provided to students during the school day without charge (e.g., class parties) will meet standards set by the district in accordance law. The district will provide parents a list of foods and beverages that meet nutrition standards for classroom snacks and celebrations; and
- Schools will only allow marketing and advertising of foods and beverages that meet the Smart Snacks in school nutritional standards on campus during the school day.
The superintendent or superintendent’s designee shall implement and ensure compliance with the policy by:
- Reviewing the policy at least every three years and recommending updates as appropriate for board approval;
- Implementing a process for permitting parents, students, representatives of the school food authority, teachers of physical education, school health professionals, the school board, administrators and the public to participate in the development, implementation, and periodic review and update of the policy;
- Making the policy and updated assessment of the implementation available to the public (e.g., posting on the website, newsletters, etc). This information shall include the extent to which the schools are in compliance with policy and a description of the progress being made in attaining the goals of the policy; and
- Developing administrative regulations, which shall include specific wellness goals and indicators for measurement of progress consistent with law and district policy.
The board promotes healthy students by supporting wellness, good nutrition and regular physical activity as a part of the total learning environment. The school district supports a healthy environment where students learn and participate in positive dietary and lifestyle practices. By facilitating learning through the support and promotion of good nutrition and physical activity, schools contribute to the basic health status of students. Improved health optimizes student performance potential.
The school district provides a comprehensive learning environment for developing and practicing lifelong wellness behaviors. The entire school environment, not just the classroom, shall be aligned with healthy school district goals to positively influence a student's understanding, beliefs and habits as they relate to good nutrition and regular physical activity.
The school district supports and promotes proper dietary habits contributing to students' health status and academic performance. All foods available on school grounds during the instructional day should meet or exceed the school district nutrition standards and in compliance with state and federal law. Foods should be served with consideration toward nutritional integrity, variety, appeal, taste, safety and packaging to ensure high-quality meals.
The school district will make every effort to eliminate any social stigma attached to, and prevent the overt identification of, students who are eligible for free and reduced-price meals. Toward this end, the school district may utilize electronic identification and payment systems; provide meals at no charge to all children, regardless of income; promote the availability of meals to all students; and/or use nontraditional methods for serving meals when needed.
The school district will develop a local wellness policy committee possibly comprised of parents, students, and representatives of the school food authority, the school board, school administrators, and the public, physical education teachers, and school health professionals. The local wellness policy committee will develop a plan to implement the local wellness policy and periodically review and update the policy. The committee will designate an individual to monitor implementation and evaluation the implementation of the policy. The committee will report to the board and community regarding the content and effectiveness of this policy and recommend updates if needed.
The specific Wellness Goals for the district include:
1. Nutrition Education and Promotion
• The school district will provide nutrition education and engage in nutrition promotion that:
a) Is offered at each grade level as part of a sequential, comprehensive, standards-based program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote and protect their health.
2. Physical Activity
• The school district will provide physical education that:
a) is for all students in grades K-12 for the entire school year unless the student is granted an exemption as outlined by Iowa Code;
b) is taught by a certified physical education teacher;
c) includes students with disabilities, students with special health-care needs may be provided in alternative educational settings; and,
d) engages students in moderate to vigorous activity during at least 50 percent of physical education class time.
• Elementary schools should provide recess for students that:
a) is at least 15 minutes a day;
b) is preferably outdoors;
c) encourages moderate to vigorous physical activity verbally and through the provision of space and equipment; and,
d) When activities, such as mandatory school-wide testing, make it necessary for students to remain indoors for long periods of time, schools should give students periodic breaks during which they are encouraged to stand and be moderately active.
• Employees should not use physical activity (e.g., running laps, pushups) or withhold opportunities for physical activity (e.g., recess, physical education) as punishment.
3. Integrating Physical Activity into Classroom Settings
• For students to receive the nationally recommended amount of daily physical activity and for students to fully embrace regular physical activity as a personal behavior, students need opportunities for physical activity beyond the physical education class. Toward that end, the school district will:
a) offer classroom health education that complements physical education by reinforcing the knowledge and self-management skills needed to maintain a physically active lifestyle and to reduce time spent on sedentary activities,
b) discourage sedentary activities, such as watching television, playing computer games, etc.
• Communication with Parents
a) encourage parents to pack healthy lunches and snacks and to refrain from including beverages and foods that do not meet the established nutrition standards for individual foods and beverages;
b) provide parents a list of foods that meet the school district’s snack standards and ideas for healthy celebrations/parties, rewards and fundraising activities,
c) include sharing information about physical activity and physical education through a web site, newsletter, other take-home materials, special events or physical education homework.
• Food Marketing in Schools
a) limit food and beverage marketing to the promotion of foods and beverages that meet the nutrition standards for meals or for foods and beverages sold individually,
b) market activities that promote healthful behaviors (and are therefore allowable) including: vending machine covers promoting water; pricing structures that promote healthy options in a la carte lines or vending machines; sales of fruit for fundraisers; and coupons for discount gym memberships.
• Staff Wellness
a) establish and maintain a staff wellness committee composed of at least one staff member, local hospital representative, dietitian or other health professional, recreation program representative, union representative and employee benefits specialist.
4. School Meals
• Meals served through the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs will:
a) be appealing and attractive to children;
b) be served in clean and pleasant settings;
c) meet, at a minimum, nutrition requirements established by state and federal law:
d) offer a variety of fruits and vegetables, legumes and whole grains;
e) serve only low-fat (1%) and fat-free milk and nutritionally equivalent non-dairy alternatives (as defined by the USDA);
• To ensure that all children have breakfast, either at home or at school, in order to meet their nutritional needs and enhance their ability to learn, schools will:
a) arrange bus schedules and utilize methods to serve breakfasts that encourage participation, including serving breakfast in the classroom, “grab-and-go” breakfasts or breakfast during morning break or recess, to the extent possible;
b) notify parents and students of the availability of the School Breakfast Program, where available; and,
c) encourage parents to provide a healthy breakfast for their children through newsletter articles, take-home materials or other means.
• Free and Reduced-Priced Meals
a) The school district will make every effort to eliminate any social stigma attached to, and prevent the overt identification of, students who are eligible for free and reduced-price meals. Toward this end, the school district may:
1. utilize electronic identification and payment systems;
2. provide meals at no charge to all children, regardless of income; and,
3. promote the availability of meals to all students.
• Meal Times and Scheduling
a) Will try to provide students with at least 10 minutes to eat after sitting down for breakfast and 20 minutes after sitting down for lunch;
b) Will try to schedule meal periods at appropriate times, e.g., lunch should be scheduled between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; should not schedule tutoring, club or organizational meetings
or activities during mealtimes, unless students may eat during such activities;
c) Will try to schedule lunch periods to follow recess periods (in elementary schools);
d) will provide students access to hand washing or hand sanitizing before they eat meals or snacks; and,
e) should take reasonable steps to accommodate the tooth-brushing regimens of students with special oral health needs (e.g., orthodontia or high tooth decay risk).
• Qualification of Food Service Staff
a) provide continuing professional development for all nutrition professionals,
b) provide staff development programs that include appropriate certification and/or training programs for child nutrition directors, nutrition managers and cafeteria workers, according to their levels of responsibility.
• Sharing of Foods
a) The school district discourages students from sharing their foods or beverages with one another during meal or snack times, given concerns about allergies and other restrictions on some children’s diets.
• Foods Sold Outside the Meal (e.g. vending, a la carte, sales)
a) All foods and beverages sold individually outside the reimbursable meal programs (including those sold through a la carte [snack] lines, vending machines, student stores or fundraising activities) during the school day, or through programs for students after the school day will meet nutrition standards as required by state or federal law.
• Fundraising Activities
a) There are two types of fundraising – regulated and other. Regulated fundraisers are those that offer the sale of foods or beverages on school property and that are targeted primarily to PK-12 students by or through other PK-12 students, student groups, school organizations, or through oncampus school stores. Regulated fundraising activities must comply with the state nutrition
guidelines. All other fundraising activities are encouraged, but not required, to comply with the state nutrition guidelines if the activities involve foods and beverages.
• Snacks
a) Snacks served during the school day or in after-school care or enrichment programs will make a positive contribution to children’s diets and health, with an emphasis on serving fruits and vegetables as the primary snacks and water as the primary beverage. Schools will assess if and when to offer snacks based on timing of meals, children’s nutritional needs, children’s ages and other considerations. The school district will disseminate a list of healthful snack
items to teachers, after-school program personnel and parents.
• Rewards
a) The school district will not use foods or beverages, (including food served through meals) as a punishment.
• Celebrations
a) Schools should evaluate their celebrations practices that involve food during the school day.The school district will disseminate a list of healthy party ideas to parents and teachers.
• School-Sponsored Events
a) Foods and beverages offered or sold at school-sponsored events outside the school day are encouraged to meet the nutrition standards for meals or for foods and beverages sold individually.
• Food Safety
a) All foods made available on campus comply with the state and local food safety and sanitation regulations. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans and guidelines are implemented to prevent food illness in schools.
5. Monitoring
• The superintendent or designee will ensure compliance with established school district-wide nutrition and physical activity wellness policies.
a) In each school:
1. the principal will ensure compliance with those policies in the school and will report on the school’s compliance to the superintendent or designee; and,
2. The district’s Head Cook will ensure compliance with nutrition policies within food service areas and will report on this matter to the superintendent, principal or designee.
b) In the school district:
1. the school district will report on the most recent USDA School Meals Initiative (SMI) review findings and any resulting changes. If the school district has not received a SMI review from the state agency within the past five years, the school district will request from the state agency that a SMI review be scheduled as soon as possible,
Policy Review
As part of that review, the school district will review the nutrition and physical activity policies and practices and the provision of an environment that supports healthy eating and physical activity. The district in conjunction with the Wellness Team will set yearly goals to try and achieve the goals outlined in this policy. The school district will revise the wellness policies at the conclusion of yearly Wellness Team meeting and develop work plans to facilitate their implementation.
Legal Reference: 42 U.S.C. §§ 1751 et seq.
42 U.S.C. §§ 1771 et seq.
Iowa Code §§ 256.7(29); 256.11(6).
281 I.A.C. 12.5; 58.11.
Cross Reference: 504.5 Student Fund Raising
504.6 Student Activity Program
710 School Food Service
Approved 1/18/21
Reviewed
Revised