With childhood obesity and diabetes continuing to increase at alarming rates, our district's Wellness Policy is more than words on paper.
It is students, parents, teachers, administrators, community members and a board of trustees member coming together as a Health and Wellness Council. The council evaluates K-12 health and nutrition education program implementation and encourages integration of health and nutrition into the existing curriculum.
It operates in accordance with a federal law passed in 2004 that, in recognition of the critical role schools play in helping to raise healthy children, requires school districts to establish wellness policies.
We also recognize the link between student health and learning. The council believes that healthy, active and well-nourished youths are more likely to attend school and are more prepared and motivated to learn.
The Carlsbad Unified Wellness Policy, adopted in 2006, promotes student health through nutrition and health education, nutrition guidelines and physical education. Administrative regulations address several key issues, including availability of foods on campus. School sites and organizations are strongly encouraged in their fundraising activities to use only foods that meet nutritional guidelines.
Our daily school lunches provide healthy meals, many with salad bar options, and nutritional information clearly listed on the menu.
Collaborative conversations
The council met at the beginning of this school year to receive an update on last year's progress and discuss areas of focus for 2009-10. Lucy Haines, director of curriculum and instruction, and Rosemary Eshelman, student services specialist, led a lively discussion on topics ranging from H1N1 flu to integrating health standards in every grade.
At these meetings and throughout the year, principals and staff share what has worked at their schools. Collaboration engenders the emergence of insights such as “essential health standards can be addressed daily during quick activities.”
The council is one more path Carlsbad Unified moves forward on as a world-class district that our students, our staff and the entire community can take pride in.
Look for next month's column focusing on a partnership between NRG and the district that is reaping sustainable results.
It is students, parents, teachers, administrators, community members and a board of trustees member coming together as a Health and Wellness Council. The council evaluates K-12 health and nutrition education program implementation and encourages integration of health and nutrition into the existing curriculum.
It operates in accordance with a federal law passed in 2004 that, in recognition of the critical role schools play in helping to raise healthy children, requires school districts to establish wellness policies.
We also recognize the link between student health and learning. The council believes that healthy, active and well-nourished youths are more likely to attend school and are more prepared and motivated to learn.
The Carlsbad Unified Wellness Policy, adopted in 2006, promotes student health through nutrition and health education, nutrition guidelines and physical education. Administrative regulations address several key issues, including availability of foods on campus. School sites and organizations are strongly encouraged in their fundraising activities to use only foods that meet nutritional guidelines.
Our daily school lunches provide healthy meals, many with salad bar options, and nutritional information clearly listed on the menu.
Collaborative conversations
The council met at the beginning of this school year to receive an update on last year's progress and discuss areas of focus for 2009-10. Lucy Haines, director of curriculum and instruction, and Rosemary Eshelman, student services specialist, led a lively discussion on topics ranging from H1N1 flu to integrating health standards in every grade.
At these meetings and throughout the year, principals and staff share what has worked at their schools. Collaboration engenders the emergence of insights such as “essential health standards can be addressed daily during quick activities.”
The council is one more path Carlsbad Unified moves forward on as a world-class district that our students, our staff and the entire community can take pride in.
Look for next month's column focusing on a partnership between NRG and the district that is reaping sustainable results.