Wellness Policy

Villa Marie School Wellness Policy

2022-2023 School Year

 

Villa Marie School is dedicated to promoting, encouraging and educating students and staff on being healthy physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially.  We will follow this mission by encouraging healthy eating and physical fitness.

We have students who have sensory issues and dietary dislikes.  The Villa Marie staff will accommodate as necessary and encourage students to try different foods.  We do not force students to eat every part of the meal, but we do encourage and educate them on the importance of having a balanced meal.

Goals: 

  1. Encourage healthy eating
  2. Develop healthy meals
  3. Encourage students to try new foods and seasonings
  4. Encourage physical fitness and teach the value of healthy living

The Wellness Committee or designee shall establish such further goals as are determined appropriate to meet the stated mission.

Nutrition and Education:  The goal is to implement a curriculum that meets or exceeds the health and nutrition education objectives established by the Nebraska Department of Education. The following are additional goals and actions to achieve such goals.

  1. Breakfast
    1. All students are eligible to participate in the Federal Hot Lunch Program.
    2. Milk is provided for each student.
  2. Lunch
    1. All students are eligible to participate in the Federal Hot Lunch Program.
    2. Milk is provided for each student.
  3. Snacks
    1. We attempt to provide healthy snacks daily for the students.
    2. We provide fresh fruits and vegetables for snacks twice a week.
  4. Evening Meal
    1. Since we are a boarding school, we provide all boarders with a healthy evening meal.
    2. Milk is provided for each student.
  5. Cooking Class

Students will be instructed to:

  1. Understand that an excess of sugars and fat in anyone’s diet can result in more calories than the body can burn, and consequently the possibility of obesity and related diseases
  2. Develop healthy meals
  3. Try new foods and seasonings
  4. Check nutritional labels
  5. Set the table for morning and evening meals
  6. Read through a regular recipe
  7. Learn cooking vocabulary
  8. Identify kitchen items
  9. Identify ingredients
  10. Read and use measurements in fractions
  11. Use proper sanitation and hygiene (hand-washing, etc.)
  12. Cooperate and follow instructions
  13. Clean and put things away after cooking
  14. Practice safety while cooking
  1. Science/Health Class
  1. Learning the food plate
  2. Food sampling projects
  3. Proper nutrition
  1. Display Nutrition Education Materials: The lunchroom and other school areas shall display posters or other communications that promote healthy choices suitable to the ages of students served. Educators are encouraged to incorporate such communications in their classrooms as well.

 

TO ACHIEVE THESE POLICY GOALS:

Wellness Team

The School will create, strengthen, or work within the existing wellness team to develop, implement, monitor, review, and, as necessary, revise school nutrition and physical activity policies. The team will also serve as resources for implementing these policies. The wellness team consists of a group of individuals representing the school and community that should include parents, students, representatives of the school food authority, members of the Advisory Board, school administrators, teachers, health professionals, and members of the public.

Physical Activity to Promote Student Wellness: 

  1. Curriculum: Health and physical education will be integrated into other subjects to complement, but not replace, the health and physical education curriculum provided in accordance with NDE Rule 10. Educators are to incorporate physical activity promotion and non-sedentary lifestyles in all subject areas as appropriate. E. class includes:
    1. Running, jumping, jump rope, catching, swinging, kicking, dancing, etc.
    2. Various sports (kickball, softball, soccer, basketball, track and field, tennis, etc.)
  2. Physical Activity during the School Day: Students will have the opportunity for daily recess inside or outside, weather permitting. Teachers are encouraged to include a routine of short physical activities during the day to promote healthy bodies and minds.
  3. Running Club: The Running Club consists of three teams, with each team having two coaches. Students run/walk one to two miles each week with their team. A Fun Run is held monthly, weather permitting.
  4. Recordkeeping: personal goal setting to increase coordination, stamina, balance, etc.
  5. Physical Activity Health Events: Educators are encouraged to search for and take advantage of events that promote physical activity education. Activities may include:
    1. Health fairs
    2. Traveling health exhibits
    3. Field trips to physical activity centers
    4. Physical activity speakers (school assemblies or class speakers representing sports figures, medical people, etc.)
  6. Other School-based activities designed to promote wellness
    1. Special Olympics
      1. Practice for sports
      2. Bowling practice first semester—15 games total
  • Basketball practice once a week from October – March
  1. Track and field practice from March through the end of the school year
  1. Field Trips
    1. Walking (walking trail just down the road usually 1-2 miles)
    2. Running
  • All of our current annual field trips incorporate walking and physical activity, e.g., State Fair, Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, zoo.
  1. Growing vegetables and other plants

Villa Marie Garden

  1. Students help plant seeds in the raised garden beds in the spring, and harvest vegetables in the fall. This is usually done after school by the boarders, but could be incorporated into the science or health curriculum.
  2. Students help weed, water, and mulch the butterfly garden and other flowerbeds.

 

  1. Daily chores (Because we are a boarding school, chores are built into our day.)
    1. Sweeping and putting dust in the pan
    2. Vacuuming
  • Mopping
  1. Loading recyclables
  2. Crushing milk jugs, juice cans, and pop cans
  3. Taking care of the trash (putting a twisty tie on, lifting dumpster lid)
  • Dishes
  • Folding laundry
  1. Cleaning room/making bed
  2. Raking leaves
  3. Scooping snow
  1. Volunteer work
    1. Roadside cleanup ( about 3-4 mile stretch both sides of the road)
    2. Prepare and serve meals at Matt Talbot Kitchen
  • Setting up for parties at the school (moving chairs and heavy tables)

 

  1. Community Resources: The administration will endeavor to coordinate the school wellness program efforts with those available from medical, public health and other community organizations.

Nutrition Guidelines: School Breakfast and Lunch Programs will be offered which meet or exceed the requirements of federal and state law and regulatory authorities.

  1. Conditions for school meals: Students will be provided adequate time to eat. Meal schedules will be determined by the Principal and Food Service Manager in conjunction with Food & Nutrition Services.
  2. Selection of School Meals: School meals shall at a minimum meet nutrition requirements established by state and federal law. Emphasis is to be on menu planning principles that offer healthy food choices, including lean meats and fresh fruits and vegetables.
  3. Vending Machines: No vending machines are provided at the School.
  4. Water: Students will be allowed access to water during the school day. Water is available free of charge at all school meals. Educators may encourage students to bring water bottles to classes.

Classroom Celebrations:

  1. Parents and Staff are encouraged to find non-food or healthy food alternatives.
  2. Food or non-food items for any classroom celebrations must take appropriate precautionary measures related to food allergy concerns.

Plan for Measuring Implementation and Designation of Responsible Persons: The Principal or the Principal’s designee is charged with operational responsibility for ensuring that the school meets the Wellness Policy. The Principal or designee shall measure implementation of the Wellness Policy by conducting periodic reviews or receiving periodic reports.

 

 

Policy adopted: 08/04/22