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Student Wellness

Policy 3405

 

 

The Paterson School Board is committed to the optimal development of every student. The Board believes that for students to have the opportunity to achieve personal, academic, developmental, and social success, we need to create positive, safe, and health-promoting learning environments at every level, in every setting, throughout the school year.

Research clearly indicates tremendous inequities in access to healthy food and opportunities for physical activity in our society. It is the imperative and intention of Paterson School District to mitigate these disparities by providing equitable access to healthy food and physical activity at Paterson Elementary School. Children who eat well-balanced meals and engage in physical activity throughout the school day are generally healthier and more likely to be academically successful. To clarify the district’s role in supporting students, the following core wellness beliefs are adopted:

 

 

  • Students have equitable access to healthy foods and portable water throughout the school day—through school meals that meet or exceed Federal and state nutrition standard, as well as allowing students to carry refillable water bottles;
  • Students are given adequate time to obtain and consume meals in an environment that encourages healthy eating;
  • Students receive quality evidence-based health education, physical education, and nutrition education allowing them to develop lifelong healthy behaviors;
  • Students have adequate opportunities to be physically active while at school, including adequate recess and regular physical activity breaks;
  • Students are provided equitable access to healthy food and opportunities for physical activity with appropriate accommodations and modifications to school meals, nutrition education, physical education and physical activity;
  • Snack foods that do not meet USDA Smart Snacks standards are not marketed or sold on school grounds during the school day;
  • School staff is encouraged to promote healthy nutrition and support physical activity; including not using food as a reward and practicing healthy celebrations; 
  • Paterson should incorporate a Wellness Goal in the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan.

 

 

The Superintendent or his or her designee is authorized to develop procedures and guidelines to implement this policy. The stakeholders in the district will be provided an opportunity to be involved in a periodic review, implementation, and update of this policy.

 

 

Adopted: September 18, 2016     updated: February 19, 2019
Cross Reference: Policy Nos. 0030; 2180; 2185; D140.00; D140.01; 4237; 6700; H61.00; H61.01
Related Superintendent Procedure: 2180SP; 6700SP
Management Resources: USDA Wellness Policy