6142.101 6142.101Instruction
Student Nutrition and Physical Activity (School Wellness Policy)
Student wellness, including good nutrition and physical activity, shall be promoted in the district's educational program, school activities, and meal programs. In accordance with federal and state law, it is the policy of the Board of Education to provide students access to healthy foods and beverages; provide opportunities for developmentally appropriate physical activity; and require all meals served by the District meet or exceed the federal nutritional guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the "Connecticut Nutrition Standards for Foods in Schools," whichever are greater. This policy shall be interpreted consistently with Section 204 of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-296)
In developing goals for nutrition promotion and education, physical activity, and other school-based activities that promote student wellness, the District will, as required, review and consider evidence-based strategies and techniques.
Goals for Nutrition Promotion and Education
The goals for addressing nutrition education include the following:
• Schools will support and promote good nutrition for students consistent with applicable federal and state requirements and guidelines.
• Schools will foster the positive relationship between good nutrition, physical activity, and the capacity of students to develop and learn.
• Nutrition education will be part of the District's comprehensive standards-based school health education program and curriculum and will be integrated into other classroom content areas, as appropriate. Schools will link nutrition education activities with existing coordinated health programs or other comparable comprehensive school health promotion frameworks. (A standards-based program is a system of instruction, assessment, grading and reporting based on students demonstrating understanding of the knowledge and skills they are expected to learn.)
Goals for Physical Activity
The goals for addressing physical activity include the following:
• Schools will support and promote an active lifestyle for students.
• Physical education will be taught in all grades and shall include a standards-based, developmentally planned and sequential curriculum that fosters the development of movement skills, enhances health-related fitness, increases students' knowledge, offers direct opportunities to learn how to work cooperatively in a group setting, and encourages healthy habits and attitudes for a healthy lifestyle.
• Unless otherwise exempted, all students will be required to engage in the District's physical education program.
• Recess and other physical activity breaks; before and after school activities, and walking and bicycling to schools, where safe to do so, are supported by the Board.
• Schools will work toward providing sixty minutes of physical activity daily for students (as a best practice).
Nutrition Guidelines for Foods Sold in Schools
(Option #1: For Districts not implementing healthy food certification program)
Students will be offered and schools will promote nutritious food choices consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and My Plate, published jointly by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture, and guidelines promulgated by the Connecticut Department of Education ("Connecticut Nutrition Standards for Foods in Schools") in addition to federal and state statutes and national health organizations. The focus is on moderating calories, limiting fats, sodium and sugars and increasing consumption of nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean meats and legumes. In addition, in order to promote student health and reduce childhood obesity, the Superintendent or designee shall establish such administrative procedures to control food and beverage sales that compete with the District's nonprofit food service in compliance with the Child Nutrition Act. The District shall restrict the sale of foods of minimal nutritional value as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and will ensure that all foods sold or served to students separately from school meals meet the District's Nutrition Standards. All beverages sold or served to students on school premises will be healthy choices that meet the requirements of state statute and USDA beverage requirements. (Schools must follow whichever requirements are stricter)
(Option #2: For districts implementing the healthy food certification program under C.G.S. 10-215f. Replace the previous language, Option #1, with the following.)
Students will be offered and schools will promote nutritious food choices consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and My Plate, published jointly by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture, and guidelines promulgated by the Connecticut Department of Education ("Connecticut Nutrition Standards for Foods in Schools") in addition to federal and state statutes and national health organizations.
The focus is on moderating calories, limiting fats, sodium and sugars and increasing consumption of nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean meats and legumes. In addition, in order to promote student health and reduce childhood obesity, the Superintendent or designee shall establish such administrative procedures to control food and beverage sales that compete with the District's nonprofit food service in compliance with the Child Nutrition Act. The District shall prohibit the sale of foods of minimal nutritional value as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and will ensure that all foods sold to students separately from school meals meet the Connecticut Nutrition Standards. All beverages sold or served to students on school premises will be healthy choices that meet the requirements of state statute and USDA beverage requirements. (Schools must follow whichever requirements are stricter).
Note: Districts that participate in Connecticut's healthy food certification must follow the Connecticut Nutrition Standards for all foods sold in schools instead of USDA's Standards for Competitive Foods. The "Connecticut Nutrition Standards" meet or exceed the USDA's competitive food standards.
(Option #1: For districts not participating in the healthy foods certification program)
All sources of food sales to students at school must comply with the District Nutrition Standards, including, but not limited to, cafeteria a la carte sales, vending machines, school stores and fundraisers. The District shall ensure that all beverages sold to students comply with the requirements of state statute and USDA beverage requirements. The District shall ensure compliance with allowable time frames for the sale of competitive foods as specified by state law.
This also includes foods and beverages sold in schools during the school day for such events as school fundraisers.
(Option #2: If the District implements healthy food certification under CGS Section 10-215f, replace the previous language with the following)
All sources of food sales to students at school must comply with the "Connecticut Nutrition Standards for Food in Schools" including, but not limited to, cafeteria a la carte sales, vending machines, school stores and fundraisers. The District shall ensure that all beverages sold to students comply with the requirements of state statute and USDA beverage requirements. The stricter requirements where different between the state and federal regulations must be followed. The District shall ensure compliance with allowable time frames for the sale of competitive foods as specified by state law.
Reimbursable School Meals
Reimbursable school meals served shall meet, at a minimum, the nutrition requirements and regulations for the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program.
Marketing
Any foods and beverages marketed or promoted to students on the school campus during the school day will meet or exceed the USDA "Smart Snacks in School" nutrition standards. Food and beverage marketing is defined as advertising and other promotions in schools. Food and beverage marketing often includes oral, written, or graphic statements made for the purpose of promoting the sale of a food or beverage product made by the producer, manufacturer, seller or any other entity with a commercial interest in the product. As the District/School Nutrition Services/Athletic Department/PTA/PTO reviews existing contracts and considers new contracts, equipment and product purchasing (and replacement) decisions should reflect the applicable marketing guidelines established by the District wellness policy.
Monitoring
The Board designates the Superintendent or his/her designee to ensure compliance with this policy and its administrative regulations. He/She is responsible for retaining all documentation of compliance with this policy and its regulations, including, but not limited to, each school's three-year assessment and evaluation report and this wellness policy and plan. The Superintendent will also be responsible for public notification of the three-year assessment and evaluation report, including any updates to this policy made as a result of the Board's three-year assessment and evaluation.
The District shall develop a plan designed to achieve the involvement requirements in the development, implementation, monitoring, and assessment of this policy.
The Superintendent or designee shall provide periodic implementation data and/or reports to the Board concerning this policy's implementation sufficient to allow the Board to monitor and adjust the policy. The District, as required, will retain records and documents pertaining to the wellness policy which shall include the written school wellness policy, documentation demonstrating compliance with community involvement requirements, documentation of the triennial assessment of the wellness policy and documentation to demonstrate compliance with the annual public notification requirement.
Non-sold Foods and Beverages
Non-sold foods and beverages brought into the schools by students and other persons for such events as birthdays and classroom celebrations shall comply with federal nutrition standards. (Note: This is a recommendation, not a requirement.)
Community Input
The Superintendent or designee will provide opportunities, suggestions and comments concerning the development, implementation, periodic review and improvement of the school wellness policy from community members, including parents, students, and representatives of the school food authority, teachers of physical education, school health professionals, members of the Board of Education, school administrators, and the public. This is best achieved through the establishment of a standing wellness committee, with membership as listed above. Efforts shall be made to improve community involvement.
Evaluation of Wellness Policy
In an effort to measure the implementation of this policy, the Board of Education designates the [Superintendent, district principal] as the [person, people] who will be responsible for ensuring that each school meets the goals outlined in this policy. To ensure continuing progress, the District will evaluate implementation efforts and their impact on students and staff at least every three years.
The District will make available to the public the results of the three-year assessment and evaluation including the extent to which the schools are in compliance with policy and a description of the progress being made in attaining the goals of this policy.
The School Wellness Policy shall be made available annually, at a minimum, to students and families by means of school registration, student handbooks and the Board's website. This availability shall include the policy, including any updates to and about the wellness policy and the Triennial Assessment, including progress toward meeting the goals of this policy. In addition, the annual notification shall include a description of each school's progress in meeting the wellness policy goals; summary of each school's wellness events or activities; contact information for the leader(s) of the wellness policy team; and information on how individuals and the public can get involved.
(cf. 3542 - Food Service)
(cf. 3542.33 - Food Sales Other Than National School Lunch Program)
(cf. 3542.34 - Nutrition Program)
(cf. 3452.45 - Vending Machines)
(cf. 6142.6 - Physical Education)
(cf. 6142.61 - Physical Activity)
(cf. 6142.62 - Recess/Unstructured Time)
(cf. 6142.10 - Health Education)
Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
10-16b Prescribed courses of study.
10 215 Lunches, breakfasts and the feeding programs for public school children and employees.
10-221 Boards of education to prescribe rules, policies and procedures.
10 215a Non public school participation in feeding program.
10 215b Duties of state board of education re: feeding programs.
10 216 Payment of expenses.
10-215e Nutrition standards for food that is not part of lunch or breakfast program.
10-215f Certification that food meets nutrition standards.
10-221o Lunch periods. Recess.
10-221p Boards to make available for purchase nutritious, low-fat foods.
10-221q Sale of beverages.
Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies
10-215b-1 Competitive foods.
10-215b-23 Income from the sale of food items.
National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program; Competitive Food Services. (7 CFR Parts 210.11 and 220.12,)
The Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, Public Law 108-265
Nutrition Standards in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, 7 CFR Parts 210 & 220
Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, P.L. 111-296, 42 U.S.C. 1751
Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (as amended by P.L. 108-269, July 2, 2004)
School Breakfast Program, 7 C.F.R. Part 220 (2006)
National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program: Nutrition Standards for All Foods Sold in School (Federal Register, Vol. 78, No. 125, June 28, 2013)
Child Nutrition Programs: Flexibilities for Milk, Whole Grains and Sodium Requirements (Federal Register, Vol. 83, No. 238, December 12, 2018)
Local School Wellness Policy Requirements, 42 U.S.C. 1758b
Policy adopted:
R6142.101
Instruction
Student Nutrition and Physical Activity (School Wellness)
The District promotes healthy schools by supporting wellness, good nutrition and regular physical activity as a part of the total learning environment. The District supports a healthy environment where children 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 children. Improved health optimizes student performance potential and ensures that all children are healthy and hunger free.
National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program
Reimbursable meals served in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) will follow the USDA meal pattern requirements and nutrient standards in accordance with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, as amended. Menu planning, purchasing procedures and production techniques for school meals will be used to decrease fat, saturated fat, trans fat, sodium and sugars, and to increase fiber. In addition, school meals shall:
• Be appealing and appetizing to children;
• Meet at a minimum, the nutrition requirements established by the USDA for federally-funded programs;
• Include only unflavored low-fat (1%) and fat-free (nonfat) milk flavored or unflavored, which contain no more than 4 grams of sugar per ounce and no artificial sweeteners, that meets the requirements of the state beverage statute and federal regulation;
New federal rule allows flavored low fat (1%) milk effective during the 2019-2020 school year.
• Ensure, beginning in the 2019-2020 school year, that at least half of the weekly served are whole grains and that the remaining grain items offered must be enriched.
Note: Schools already offering all grains or whole-grain rich do not have to change their menus as a result of the amended final rule.
• Reduce the levels of sodium, saturated fats and trans fats in meals; (per Department of Agriculture Nutrition Standards and Connecticut Nutrition Standards, which are the same);
Note: Sodium Target 1 is retained through the end of the 2023 school year. Districts are required to comply with sodium Target 2 beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, commencing July 1, 2024.
• Offer a variety of fruits and vegetables; (Meet specific requirements about different types required)
• Meet the nutrition needs of school children within their calorie requirements (per Department of Agriculture Nutrition Standards and Connecticut Nutrition Standards which are the same);
• Contain 0 percent trans fats;
• Bake or steam all cooked foods; and
• Purchase or obtain fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers, when practical.
Menus shall be planned to be appealing and attractive to children and will incorporate the basic menu planning principles of balance, variety, contrast, color and eye appeal. Menus shall be planned with input from students, parents and other school personnel and shall take into account students' cultural norms, ethnic favorites and preferences. Schools shall engage students and parents, through surveys, taste-tests and other activities, in selecting foods sold through the school meal programs in order to identify new, healthful and appealing food choices. Meal patterns and nutrition standards of federal regulations will be fulfilled as required. Proper procurement procedures and preparation methods will be used to decrease excess fat, calorie and sodium levels in food.
The District will share and publicize information regarding the nutrition content of school meals with students, families and school staff. The information will be available in a variety of forms that can include handouts, the school website, articles, school newsletters, presentations and through any other appropriate means available to reach families. Nutrition information for a la carte foods and beverages sold in schools will also be available.
Special dietary needs of students will be accommodated according to the USDA document "Accommodating Children with Special Dietary Needs in School Nutrition Programs."
With parental permission and appropriate medical documentation, modified meals shall be prepared for students with food allergies or other special dietary needs. The medical statement must identify the student's disability, state why the disability restricts the student's diet, identify the major life activity affected by the disability, and state the foods to be omitted and the food or choices of foods that must be substituted.
The District shall help 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:
• to the extent possible, and within state law, operate and promote the USDA School Breakfast Program;
• Use methods to serve school breakfasts that encourage participation, including serving breakfast in the classroom, "grab-and-go" breakfast, or breakfast during morning break or recess;
• notify parents and students of the availability of the School Breakfast Program (if the school serves breakfast to students); and
• encourage parents to provide a healthy breakfast for their children through newsletter articles, take-home materials, or other means.
• Inform families of the availability and location of Summer Food Service Program meals in accordance with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. Schools in which more than 50 percent of students are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals will sponsor the Summer Food Service Program when feasible.
• Provide the After School Meal Program, when it becomes available, in accordance with the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. (optional)
Cafeteria A La Carte Sales
(Option 1: If the District does not implement the healthy food certification program)
The school food service program must follow the District's nutrition standards when determining the items for a la carte sales. All beverages sold to students in school meals and as a la carte sales must meet the requirements of state statute and USDA beverage requirements. (Schools must follow whichever are stricter.)
(Option #2: If the District implements healthy food certification under CGS Section 10-215f, replace the previous language above with the following.)
The school food service program must follow the Connecticut Nutrition Standards when determining the items for a la carte sales. All beverages sold to students in school meals and as a la carte sales must meet the requirements of state statute and USDA requirements for a la carte foods.
At all times when food is available for purchase by students during the school day, nutritious and low-fat foods must also be available for sale at the same time. These foods may include, but shall not be limited to, low-fat dairy products and fresh or dried fruit.
All snacks and a la carte foods must meet USDA Smart Snacks Standards.
In accordance with Connecticut State Statute, the sale of beverages, as part of school meals and as a la carte sales, shall be limited to the following five categories:
1. milk, low-fat (1%) unflavored or nonfat which may be flavored or unflavored but contains no artificial sweeteners and no more than 4 grams of sugar per fluid ounce; (federal regulation require non-fat or 1% low fat milk)* The new federal rule allows, beginning in the 2019-2020 school year flavored low-fat (1%) milk.
2. nondairy milks, such as soy or rice milk, which may be flavored or unflavored but contains no artificial sweeteners, no more than 4 grams of sugar per fluid ounce, no more than 35% of calories from fat per serving, and no more than 10% of calories from saturated fat per serving;*
*(Consult the CSE's List of Acceptable Foods and Beverages for allowable products.)
3. 100% fruit or vegetable juice or combination of such juices, containing no added sugars, sweeteners, or artificial sweeteners;*
4. beverages that contain only water and fruit or vegetable juice and have no added sugars, sweeteners, or artificial sweeteners; and*
5. water, which may be flavored but must contain no added sugars, sweeteners, artificial sweeteners, or caffeine.* (Note: The Federal Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 requires schools to make free portable water available where meals are served for schools participating in the federal and school lunch program.)
Note: The beverage requirements of CGS Section 10-221q apply to all public schools, regardless of whether the district certifies for the healthy food option under CGS 10-215f.
Lunchroom Climate
A lunchroom environment that provides students with a relaxed, enjoyable climate shall be developed. It is encouraged that the lunchroom environment be a place where students have:
• adequate space to eat and pleasant surroundings;
• appropriate supervision; and
• convenient access to hand washing facilities before meals.
Meal Schedules
Meal periods shall be scheduled at appropriate hours. In compliance with federal regulations, lunch must be scheduled between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in all schools. Pursuant to state statute, schools are required to provide all full day students a daily lunch period of not less than 20 minutes. Activities such as tutoring, clubs or organizational meetings or activities shall not be scheduled during meal times unless students may eat during such activities.
Qualifications of Food Service Staff
Qualified nutrition professionals shall administer the school meal programs. As part of the school district's responsibility to operate a food service program, continuing professional development shall be provided for all nutrition professionals in schools. Such training shall involve all individuals working in the cafeteria, including monitors, so that all are aware of the requirements of the school wellness policy. Staff development programs shall include appropriate certification and/or training programs for school food service directors, managers and cafeteria workers, according to their levels of responsibility. (See USDA's Professional Standards for School Nutrition Professionals website.)
Training for Food Service Staff
All food service personnel, including volunteers and monitors, shall have adequate pre-service training in food service operations and regularly participate in professional development activities that address requirements for Child Nutrition Programs, menu planning and preparation, food safety, strategies for promoting healthy eating behaviors and other appropriate topics.
Summer Food Service Program
Schools in which more than 50 percent of students are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals shall/may sponsor the Summer Food Service Program for at least six weeks between the last day of the academic school year and the first day of the following school year, and preferably throughout the entire summer vacation.
Other Foods Offered or Sold
To create a school environment that supports the promotion of healthy food and beverage choices for children, it is important to consider all venues where food and beverages are consumed or sold. The District's nutrition standards apply to all food served to students on school premises, including but not limited to, cafeteria a la carte sales, vending machines, school stores, fundraisers, activities and classroom snacks. All beverages sold or served to students at school shall meet the requirements of state statute and federal regulations at all times, whichever are stricter.
If the District allows beverage exemptions under CGS Section 10-221q, replace the previous language with the following:
To create a school environment that supports the promotion of healthy food and beverage choices for children, it is important to consider all venues where food and beverages are consumed or sold. The District's nutrition standards apply to all food sold or served to students on school premises, including but not limited to, cafeteria a la carte sales, vending machines, school stores, fundraisers, activities and classroom snacks.
All beverages sold or served to students at school shall meet the requirements of state statute and federal regulations, whichever are stricter, unless they are sold at the location of an event occurring after the end of the regular school day or on the weekend, provided the beverages are not sold from a vending machine or school store. The District strongly encourages the sale or distribution of nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean meats and legumes.
If the District implements healthy food certification under CGS Section 10-215f, replace the previous language with one of the following:
Option 1 (District does NOT allow food and beverage exemptions): To create a school environment that supports the promotion of healthy food and beverage choices for children, it is important to consider all venues where food and beverages are consumed or sold. The Connecticut Nutrition Standards apply to all food sold or served to students on school premises, including but not limited to, cafeteria a la carte sales, vending machines, school stores, fundraisers, activities and classroom snacks. All beverages sold or served to students at school shall meet the requirements of state statute and federal regulations at all times, whichever are stricter. The District strongly encourages the sale or distribution of nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean meats and legumes.
Option 2 (District DOES allow food and beverage exemptions): To create a school environment that supports the promotion of healthy food and beverage choices for children, it is important to consider all venues where food and beverages are consumed or sold. The Connecticut Nutrition Standards apply to all food sold or served to students on school premises, including but not limited to, cafeteria a la carte sales, vending machines, school stores, fundraisers, activities and classroom snacks. All beverages sold or served to students at school shall meet the requirements of state statute and federal regulations, whichever are stricter, at all times. However, beverages not meeting the requirements of state statute and foods not meeting the Connecticut Nutrition Standards may be sold or served at the location of an event occurring after the end of the regular school day or on the weekend provided they are not sold from a vending machine or school store. The District strongly encourages the sale or distribution of nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean meats and legumes.
Pursuant to state statute (CGS 10-221p), whenever any group makes foods available for purchase in a school during the school day, low-fat dairy products and fresh or dried fruits must also be available in the school at the same time for purchase by students. "Foods available for purchase" include, but are not limited to, foods sold in cafeterias, vending machines, school stores, fundraisers and any other food sales during the school day. This includes the following:
• If a snack machine with food items is available for use by students during the school day, the school must also have non-fat or low-fat dairy products and fresh or dried fruit available for purchase. When the snack machine is operating outside of cafeteria hours, schools must make alternate provisions to offer non-fat or low-fat dairy products and fresh or dried fruit for sale at the same time.
• School stores that sell food to students must ensure that non-fat or low-fat dairy products and fresh or dried fruit are available for purchase either in the store itself or elsewhere in the school, while the school store is selling food.
Access to Drinking Water
The Federal Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010 requires schools to make free potable water available where meals are served for schools participating in the Federal School Lunch Program.
Outside of the cafeteria and meal times, students and staff will have access to safe, fresh drinking water throughout the school day. Fluoridated or bottled water that does not contain added sugars, sweeteners, artificial sweeteners, or caffeine, should be made available for purchase by students and staff.
Foods Brought Into School
The District shall encourage families to pack healthy lunches and snacks and to refrain from including beverages that do not meet the requirements of state statute or foods that do not meet the District's nutrition standards. Classroom snacks if provided to all children, must only include healthy choices that meet the state requirements for allowable beverages and the District's nutrition standards.
District policy is that the foods will/should also meet the Smart Snacks standards and the Connecticut Healthy Food Certification standards.
If food is brought from home to be shared with other students, the District shall develop procedures to ensure that all food is safe.
Sharing of Foods
Schools shall discourage students from sharing their foods or beverages with one another during meal or snack times, given concerns with allergies and other restrictions on some children's diets.
Fundraising
Fundraising activities will support healthy eating and wellness. Schools will promote the sale of non-food items for school-sponsored fundraising. School fundraising activities shall not involve food or beverages or shall only use foods that meet the USDA Smart Snacks nutrition standards and beverages that meet the requirements of state statute and federal regulations. Schools shall encourage fundraising activities that promote physical activity. The District shall make available to students, parents, teachers and school groups a list of ideas for acceptable fundraising activities, such as healthy foods and beverages or alternate nonfood fundraisers. Any fundraising requires administrative approval. Fundraisers subject to this rule are those sold during the school day on school grounds. School day is defined as from midnight the night before to 30 minutes after the end of school.
If the District allows beverages exemptions under CGS Section 10-221q, replace the previous language with the following:
School fundraising activities shall not involve food or beverages or shall only use foods that meet the District's nutrition standards and beverages that meet the requirements of state statute and federal regulations. However, beverages not meeting the requirements of state statute and federal regulations can be sold as fundraisers on school premises if they are sold at the location of an event occurring after the end of the regular school day or on the weekend, provided they are not sold from a vending machine or school store. Schools shall encourage fundraising activities that promote physical activity. The District shall make available to students, parents, teachers and school groups a list of ideas for acceptable fundraising activities, such as healthy foods and beverages or alternate nonfood fundraisers.
If the District implements healthy food certification under CGS Section 10-215f, replace the previous language with one of the following:
Option 1 (District does NOT allow food and beverage exemptions): School fundraising activities shall not involve food or beverages or shall only use foods that meet the Connecticut Nutrition Standards and beverages that meet the requirements of state statute and federal regulations. Schools shall encourage fundraising activities that promote physical activity. The District shall make available to students, parents, teachers and school groups a list of ideas for acceptable fundraising activities, such as healthy foods and beverages or alternate nonfood fundraisers.
Option 2 (District DOES allow food and beverage exemptions): School fundraising activities shall not involve food or beverages or shall only use foods that meet the Connecticut Nutrition Standards and beverages that meet the requirements of state statute and federal regulations. However, food items that do not meet the Connecticut Nutrition Standards and beverages not meeting the requirements of state statute and federal regulations can be sold as fundraisers on school premises if they are sold at the location of an event occurring after the end of the regular school day or on the weekend, provided they are not sold from a vending machine or school store. Schools shall encourage fundraising activities that promote physical activity. The District shall make available to students, parents, teachers and school groups a list of ideas for acceptable fundraising activities, such as healthy foods and beverages or alternate nonfood fundraisers.
Competition with nutritious meals served by the school food services operations must be minimized. Income from any competitive foods or beverages sold from 30 minutes prior to the start of any state or federally subsidized milk or meal program until 30 minutes after the end of the program must accrue to the food service account.
Concessions
Organizations operating concessions at school functions after school or on weekends should include at least 50 percent healthy beverages and foods, according to the approved nutrition standards in their offerings. It is recommended that groups market these healthy options at a lower profit margin to encourage selection by students. Beverages sold at concessions on school premises must meet the requirements of state statute.
If the District allows beverage exemptions under CGS Section 10-221q, replace the previous language with the following:
Organizations operating concessions at functions on school premises after school or on weekends should include at least some healthy food and beverage choices in their offerings. It is recommended that groups market these healthy options at a lower profit margin to encourage selection by students.
If the District implements healthy food certification under CGS Section 10-215f, replace the previous language with the following:
Organizations operating concessions at functions on school premises must sell only those food items that meet the Connecticut Nutrition Standards and beverages that meet the requirements of state statute and federal regulations.
If the District implements healthy food certification under CGS Section 10-215f AND allows food and beverage exemptions, replace the previous language with the following:
Food items that do not meet the Connecticut Nutrition Standards and beverages that do not meet the requirements of state statute and federal regulations can be sold at concessions operated at the location of an event that occurs after the school day or on the weekend, provided they are not sold from a vending machine or school store. Organizations operating concessions at school functions after school or on weekends should include at least some healthy food choices in their offerings. It is recommended that groups market these healthy options at a lower profit margin to encourage selection by students.
Teacher-to-Student Incentives and Punishments
Teachers and staff shall not use foods or beverages as rewards for academic performance or good behavior, unless this practice is allowed by a student's individualized education plan (IEP). The use of sugar-sweetened beverages or candy as a classroom reward at any school is not appropriate. Alternative rewards shall be developed and promoted.
Schools shall not withhold foods or beverages (including food served through school meals) as a punishment.
Student Nutrition Education and Promotion
Nutrition education and promotion shall be offered as part of a planned, ongoing, systematic, sequential, standards-based, comprehensive school health education program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote and protect their health. Nutrition education shall use national or state-developed standards, such as the Connecticut State Department of Education's Healthy and Balanced Living Curriculum Framework. The District shall develop and implement a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate, curriculum approach to nutrition in all grades. Students shall be able to demonstrate competency through application of knowledge, skill development and practice.
The nutrition education program shall focus on students' eating behaviors, be based on theories and methods proven effective by published research, and be consistent with the state's/district's comprehensive school health education standards/guidelines/curriculum framework. Nutrition themes include but are not limited to:
• My Plate and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (Healthy Eating Plan)
• Healthy heart choices
• Sources and functions of major nutrients
• Guide to a healthy diet
• Diet and disease
• Understanding calories
• Healthy snacks
• Identify and limit foods of low nutrient density
• Food labels
• Multicultural influences
• Serving sizes
• Proper food safety and sanitation
• Body-size acceptances, healthy weight and dangers of unhealthy weight-control practices
The District nutrition policy reinforces nutrition education to help students practice these themes in a supportive school environment. Nutrition education shall also be included in other classroom content areas such as math, science, language arts, social sciences, family and consumer sciences and elective subjects. Instructional staff is encouraged to integrate nutritional themes into daily lessons when appropriate, to reinforce and support health messages.
The school District shall assess all nutrition education lessons and materials for accuracy, completeness, balance and consistency with the state's/district's educational goals and curriculum standards. Materials developed by food marketing boards or food corporations that contain any commercial or branded messages shall not be used.
Educational Reinforcement
School instructional staff members shall collaborate with agencies and groups conducting nutrition education in the community to send consistent messages to students and their families. Guest speakers and performers invited to address students shall receive appropriate orientation to relevant district policies. School staff members shall be encouraged to coordinate with other agencies and community groups to provide opportunities for student volunteer work related to nutrition, such as assisting with food recovery efforts and preparing nutritious meals for home-bound people. School officials shall disseminate information to parents, students and staff members about community programs that offer nutrition assistance to families.
Nutrition Promotion
The school District shall conduct nutrition education activities and promotions that involve parents, students and the community. The District shall participate in programs that promote and reinforce student health, such as Team Nutrition and the Healthier US School Challenge. The school team responsible for planning nutrition activities shall ensure interdisciplinary collaboration by including school food service, school nurses, health and physical education teachers, family and consumer sciences teachers, and other appropriate school staff members.
Consistent Health Messages
Students shall receive positive, motivating messages, both verbal and nonverbal, about healthy eating and physical activity throughout the school environment. All school personnel shall help reinforce these positive messages. Foods and beverages sold or served at school shall not contradict healthy eating messages. The school district shall not use practices that contradict messages to promote and enjoy physical activity; for example, withholding recess or using physical activity as punishment (e.g., running laps, doing pushups).
Food and Beverage Marketing in Schools
The District is committed to providing a school that ensures opportunities for all students to practice healthy eating and physical activity behaviors throughout the school day while minimizing commercial distractions. The District strives to teach students how to make informed choices about nutrition, health and physical activity. These efforts will be weakened if students are subjected to advertising on district property that contains messages inconsistent with the health information the District is imparting through nutrition education and health promotion efforts. Any foods and/or beverages marketed or promoted to students on the school campus during the school day will meet or exceed the USDA Smart Snacks in School Nutrition standards. [or include a more stringent standard, decided by the District, that eliminates the marketing of look-alike Smart Snacks and/or eliminates the advertising of all brands that do not meet USDA Smart Snacks in School standards both within or outside of schools.]
Food and beverage marketing is defined as advertising and other promotions in schools. Food and beverage marketing often includes an oral, written, or graphic statement made for the purpose of promoting the sale of a food or beverage product made by the producer, manufacturer, seller, or any other entity with a commercial interest in the product. This term includes, but is not limited to the following:
• Brand names, trademarks, logos or tags, except when placed on a physically present food or beverage product or its container.
• Displays such as on vending machine exteriors.
• Corporate brand, logo, name or trademark on school equipment, such as marquees, message boards, scoreboards or backboards.
(Note: Immediate replacement of these items is not required; however, districts will replace or update scoreboards or other durable equipment when contracts are up for renewal or to the extent that it is financially possible over time so that items are in compliance with the marketing policy.)
• Corporate brand, logo, name or trademark on cups used for beverage dispensing, menu boards, coolers, trash cans and other food service equipment; as well as on posters, book covers, pupil assignment books or school supplies displayed, distributed, offered or sold by the District.
• Advertisements in school publications or school mailings.
• Free product samples, taste tests or coupons of a product, or free samples displaying advertising of a product.
As the District Nutrition Services/Athletics Department/PTA/PTO review existing contracts and considers new contracts, equipment and product purchasing and/or replacement, decisions should reflect the applicable marketing guidelines established by the District wellness policy.
Staff as Role Models
The school district shall build awareness among teachers, food service staff, coaches, nurses and other school staff members about the importance of nutrition, physical activity and body-size acceptance to academic success and lifelong wellness. School staff members shall be encouraged to model healthy eating and physical activity behaviors.
Education Links with School
The nutrition education program links with school meal programs, other school foods, and nutrition-related community services that occur outside the classroom or that link classroom nutrition education to the larger school community, such as school gardens, cafeteria-based nutrition education and after-school programs. Nutrition education shall be offered in the school cafeteria and classroom, with coordination between school food service and teachers. The district shall link nutrition education with other coordinated school health initiatives.
Professional Development for Teachers
The District shall include appropriate training for teachers and other staff members. Staff members responsible for nutrition education shall be adequately prepared and shall regularly participate in professional development activities to effectively deliver the nutrition education program as planned. Preparation and professional development activities shall provide basic knowledge of nutrition, combined with the development of skills and adequate time to practice skills in program-specific activities. Training shall include instructional techniques and strategies designed to promote healthy eating behaviors. Staff members providing nutrition education shall not advocate dieting behaviors or any specific eating regimen to students, other staff members or parents.
Staff Wellness
The District highly values the health and well-being of every staff member and shall plan and implement activities and policies that support personal efforts by staff members to maintain a healthy lifestyle and that encourage staff members to serve as role models.
Partnering with Community Organizations
Schools shall partner with community organizations (e.g., local businesses, faith-based organizations, libraries, local health departments, local colleges and their students, and local health care providers) to provide consistent health messages and support school-based activities that promote healthy eating and physical activity.
Engaging Students
Schools shall consider student needs in planning for a healthy school environment. Students shall be asked for input and feedback through the use of student surveys and other means, and attention shall be given to their comments. Key health messages shall be promoted by coordinating classroom and cafeteria, and through planned promotions such as health fairs, nutrition initiatives, programs and contests.
Parent Nutrition Education
The District shall encourage family involvement to support and promote healthy eating and physical activity habits. The District shall support families' efforts to provide a healthy diet and daily physical activity for their children through effective two-way communication strategies that allow sharing of information from school to home and from home to school.
Nutrition education will be provided to parents beginning at the elementary or pre-k level. The goal will be to continue to educate parents throughout the elementary, middle and high school levels. Nutrition education may be provided in the form of handouts, postings on the District website or presentations that focus on nutritional value and healthy lifestyles. Additional strategies are suggested in the Connecticut State Department of Education's "Action Guide for School Nutrition and Physical Activity Policies" (page 139) at:
http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/cwp/view.asp?a=2626&q=320754#Action.
The District shall provide information about physical education and other school-based physical activity opportunities before, during and after the school day, and shall support families' efforts to provide their children with opportunities to be physically active outside of school. Such supports shall include sharing information about physical activity and physical education through a website, newsletter or other take-home materials, special events or physical education homework.
Family and Community Involvement
In order to promote family and community involvement in supporting and reinforcing nutrition education in the schools, the building Principal is responsible for ensuring:
1. Nutrition education materials and cafeteria menus are sent home with students;
2. Parents are encouraged to send healthy snacks/meals to school;
3. Parents and other family members are invited to periodically eat with their student in the cafeteria;
4. Families are invited to attend exhibitions of student nutrition projects or health fairs;
5. Nutrition education workshops and screening services are offered;
6. Nutrition education homework that students can do with their families is assigned (e.g., reading and interpreting food labels, reading nutrition-related newsletters, preparing healthy recipes, etc.);
7. School staff collaborate with agencies and groups conducting nutrition education in the community to send consistent messages to students and their families; and
8. School staff are encouraged to cooperate with other agencies and community groups to provide opportunities for student volunteer or paid work related to nutrition, as appropriate.
Many additional strategies are found in the "Action Guide for School Nutrition and Physical Activity Policies." (page 141)
School District Wellness Committee (District Health Advisory Council)
With the purposes of monitoring the implementation of the District's policy, evaluating policy progress, serving as a resource to school sites, and revising the policy as necessary, a District-wide representative wellness committee shall be established and maintained or the District shall work within an existing school health committee. (Required by federal law only for districts that participate in the USDA child nutrition programs.) The committee will meet a minimum of four times annually to establish goals for and oversee school health and safety policies and programs, including development, implementation and periodic review and update of the District level wellness policy (wellness policy). Committee membership will represent all school levels and include to the extent possible, but not be limited to:
• District Food Service Coordinator
• Parent representative from each school level
• Student representative from each school level
• Staff member representative from each school level
• Administrative Representatives, (Superintendent, principal, vice-principal)
• Physical Education and Health Program Leader
• School health professionals (nurses, physicians, dentists)
• Health Education Coordinator/Teacher
• Physical Education Coordinator/Teacher
• Other individuals appropriate to the evaluation process
• Board of Education Members
• Any interested member of the public
• Mental health and social services staff (school counselors, psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists)
Optional: Each school within the District will establish an ongoing School Wellness Committee that convenes to review issues, in coordination with the District Wellness Committee.
The Superintendent, or his/her designee, will convene the District Wellness Committee and facilitate development of and updates to the wellness policy, and will ensure each school's compliance with the policy. Each school will designate a school wellness policy coordinator, who will ensure compliance with the policy.
Wellness Policy Implementation, Monitoring, Accountability & Community Engagement
Implementation
The District will develop and maintain a plan for implementation to manage and coordinate the execution of this wellness policy. The plan delineates roles, responsibilities, actions and timelines specific to each school; as well as specific goals and objectives for nutrition standards for all foods and beverages available on the school campus, food and beverage marketing, nutrition promotion and education, physical activity, physical education and other school-based activities that promote student wellness. It is recommended that the school use the Healthy Schools Program online tools to complete a school-level assessment based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's School Health Index, create an action plan that fosters implementation and generate an annual progress report.
Recordkeeping
The District will retain records to document compliance with the requirements of the wellness policy at the District's Administrative Offices. Documentation maintained in this location will include but will not be limited to:
• The written wellness policy;
• Documentation demonstrating that the policy has been made available to the public;
• Documentation of efforts to review and update the Local Schools Wellness Policy; including an indication of who is involved in the update and methods the District uses to make stakeholders aware of their ability to participate on the District Wellness Committee;
• Documentation to demonstrate compliance with the annual public notification requirements;
• The most recent assessment on the implementation of the local school wellness policy;
• Documentation demonstrating the most recent assessment on the implementation of the Local School Wellness Policy has been made available to the public.
Annual Notification of Policy
The District will actively inform families and the public each year of basic information about this policy, including its content, any updates to the policy and implementation status. The District will make this information available via the District website and/or district-wide communications. The District will provide as much information as possible about the school nutrition environment. This will include a summary of the District's (or schools') events or activities related to wellness policy implementation. Annually, the District will also publicize the name and contact information of the District/school officials leading and coordinating the committee, as well as information on how the public can get involved with the school wellness committee.
Triennial Progress Assessments
At least once every three years, the District will evaluate compliance with the wellness policy to assess the implementation of the policy and include;
• The extent to which schools under the jurisdiction of the District are in compliance with the wellness policy; and
• A description of the progress made in attaining the goals of the District's wellness policy.
The position/person responsible for managing the triennial assessment and contact information is (list the person responsible here, their title, and their contact information). The District Wellness Committee, in collaboration with individual schools, will monitor schools' compliance with this wellness policy. The District [or school] will actively notify households/families of the availability of the triennial progress.
Revisions and Updating of the Policy
The District Wellness Committee will modify the wellness policy based on the results of the triennial assessments and/or as District priorities change; community needs change; wellness goals are met; new health science, information, and technology emerges; and new Federal or state guidance or standards are issued. The wellness policy will be assessed and updated as indicated at least every three years, following the triennial assessment.
Community Involvement
The District will actively communicate ways in which representatives of the District Wellness Committee and others can participate in the development, implementation and periodic review and update of the wellness policy through a variety of means. The district will inform parents of the improvements that have been made to school meals and compliance with school meal standards, availability of child nutrition programs and how to apply, and a description of and compliance with Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards. The District will use electronic mechanisms, such as the District's website, as well as non-electronic mechanisms, such as newsletters, presentations to parents, or sending information home to parents, to ensure that all families are actively notified of the content of, implementation of, and updates to the wellness policy, as well as how to get involved and support the policy. The District will ensure that communications are culturally and linguistically appropriate to the community, and accomplished through means similar to other ways that the District and individual schools are communicating important school information with parents.
The District will actively notify the public about the content of or any updates to the wellness policy annually at a minimum. The District will also use these mechanisms to inform the community about the availability of the annual and triennial reports.
Monitoring and Evaluation (optional language to the above)
Monitoring
The Superintendent or designee shall ensure compliance with the established district-wide school wellness policy. In each school, the Principal or designee shall ensure compliance with those policies in his or her school and shall report on the school's compliance to the school district Superintendent or designee. School food service staff members, at the school or district level, shall ensure compliance with nutrition policies within school food service areas and shall report on this matter to the Superintendent (or if done at the school level, to the school Principal). The Superintendent or designee shall provide periodic implementation data and/or reports to the Board concerning this policy's implementation sufficient to allow the Board to monitor and adjust the policy.
Policy Review
The District shall identify a strategy and schedule to help review policy compliance, assess progress and determine areas in need of improvement. As part of that process, the District shall review nutrition and physical activity policies; new research and evidence on health trends and effective programs; provision of an environment that supports healthy eating and physical activity; and nutrition and physical education policies and program elements. The District and individual schools within the District shall, as necessary, revise the school wellness policy and develop work plans to facilitate its implementation.
(Note: USDA regulations require the board of education to conduct an assessment every three years to determine compliance with the wellness policy and the progress made in attaining the policy goals)
District Nutrition Standards
The District strongly encourages the sale or distribution of nutrient-dense foods for all school functions and activities. Nutrient-dense foods are those foods that provide substantial amounts of vitamins and minerals with relatively few calories, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean meats and legumes. In an effort to support the consumption of nutrient-dense foods in the school setting the District will follow the beverage requirements of state statute and federal regulations, whichever are stricter, and has adopted the following Nutrition Standards governing the sale of food on school grounds. Sites are encouraged to study these standards and must develop building policy using the following District Nutrition Standards and state beverage requirements as minimal guidelines.
If the District implements healthy food certification under CGS Section 10-215f, replace the previous language with the following:
The District strongly encourages the sale or distribution of nutrient-dense foods for all school functions and activities. Nutrient-dense foods are those foods that provide substantial amounts of vitamins and minerals with relatively few calories, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean meats and legumes. In an effort to support the consumption of nutrient-dense foods in the school setting the District will follow the beverage requirements of state statute and federal regulations, whichever are stricter, and has adopted the Connecticut Nutrition Standards governing the sale of food on school grounds. Sites are encouraged to study these standards and must develop building policy using the following Connecticut Nutrition Standards and state beverage requirements as minimal guidelines.
Food:
1. Any given food item offered for sale to students separately from reimbursable meals will:
• meet the portion size requirements of the Connecticut Nutrition Standards and the USDA Nutrition Standards.
• not contain any chemically altered fat substitutes and will meet the fat requirements of the Connecticut Nutrition Standards.
• meet the saturated fat requirements of the Connecticut Nutrition Standards.
• meet the trans-fat requirements of the Connecticut Nutrition Standards.
• not contain any artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols and will meet the sugar requirements of the Connecticut Nutrition Standards.
• meet the sodium requirements of the Connecticut Nutrition Standards and the USDA Nutrition Standards.
2. Foods and beverages will not contain caffeine, with the exception of trace amounts of naturally occurring substances.
3. Limit condiment use and provide low-fat, low-sugar and low-sodium varieties.
4. Increase choices of whole grains and foods containing fiber.
5. Encourage the consumption of nutrient-dense foods, e.g., whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, legumes and low-fat dairy products.
Note: Public Law 108-265, the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, requires that the district school wellness policy must include "nutrition guidelines for all foods available on the school campus during the school day, with the objectives of promoting student health and reducing childhood obesity." If the district does not adopt the preceding standards, it must develop specific nutrition standards that address what foods can be sold or served to students during the school day.
Candy:
• Vending sales of candy will not be permitted on school grounds.
• Pursuant to state regulations, the sale of candy on school premises is prohibited from 30 minutes prior to the start of any state or federally subsidized milk or meal program until 30 minutes after the end of the program.
If the District implements healthy food certification under CGS Section 10-215f, replace the language in the previous two bullets with the following:
Candy and gum (including sugarless candy and sugarless gum) shall not be sold to students on school premises.
If the District implements healthy food certification under CGS Section 10-215f AND allows food exemptions, replace the previous language with the following:
Candy and gum (including sugarless candy and sugarless gum) can only be sold to students on school premises if they are sold at the location of an event that occurs after the school day or on the weekend, provided they are not sold from a vending machine or school store. (Note: Board vote is required to allow this exemption)
Beverages:
• Pursuant to state statute, the sale of beverages to students on school premises shall be limited to the following five categories:
1. milk, effective 7/1/19, which may be flavored but contains no artificial sweeteners and no more than 4 grams of sugar per fluid ounce; (federal regulation requires milk to be non-fat or low-fat (1%) flavored or unflavored)*
2. nondairy milk substitutes, such as soy or rice milk, which may be flavored but contains no artificial sweeteners, nonnutritive sweetening agents, sugar alcohols, added sodium, and no more than 4 grams of sugar per fluid ounce, no more than 35% of calories from fat per serving, and no more than 10% of calories from saturated fat per serving;*
3. 100% fruit or vegetable juice or combination of such juices, contain0ing no added sugars, sweeteners, or artificial sweeteners;*
4. beverages that contain only water and fruit or vegetable juice and have no added sugars, sweeteners, or artificial sweeteners or sodium and that meet the healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, P.L. 11-296, as may be amended from time to time;* and;
5. water, which may be flavored but must contain no added sugars, sweeteners, artificial sweeteners, sodium or caffeine.*
• Portion sizes of the beverages specified above are limited to no more than 8 fluid ounces for students in grades K-5 inclusive and 12 fluid ounces for students in grades 6-12 inclusive, except water, which is unlimited.
• Vending sales of any beverages other than those listed as approved in state statute are not permitted on school grounds at any time.
• School store sales of any beverages other than those listed as approved in state statute are not permitted on school grounds at any time.
• The sale of any beverages other than those listed as approved in state statute will not be permitted on school grounds from any source at any time.
If the District allows beverages exemptions under CGS Section 10-221q, replace the previous bullet with the following:
The sale of any beverages that do not meet the requirements of state statute and federal regulations is allowed at the location of an event that occurs after the school day or on the weekend, provided they are not sold from a vending machine or school store. (Note: Board vote is required to allow this exemption.)
Guidelines for Food and Beverages Offered to Students at School
The District encourages the use of nutrient-dense foods for all school functions and activities. Nutrient-dense foods are those foods that provide substantial amounts of vitamins and minerals and relatively few calories, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean meats and legumes. At any school function (parties, celebrations, feasts, sporting events, etc.) where foods and beverages are sold or served to students, healthy choices meeting the District's nutrition standards and beverage requirements of state statute must be available. Some suggested foods and beverages are listed below. The list should be checked against the Connecticut Nutrition Standards developed by the State Department of Education and published annually, the state beverage statute, and the Department's online list of acceptable foods and beverages, which is updated quarterly.
If the District implements healthy food certification under CGS Section 10-215f, replace the previous language with the following:
*Consult the CSE's List of Acceptable Foods and Beverages for allowable products. Foods that meet the Connecticut Nutrition Standards meet or exceed the USDA's competitive food standards. Listed beverages will meet both federal and state requirements.
The District encourages the use of nutrient-dense foods for all school functions and activities. Nutrient-dense foods are those foods that provide substantial amounts of vitamins and minerals and relatively few calories, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean meats and legumes. At any school function (parties, celebrations, feasts, sporting events, etc.) where foods and beverages are sold or served to students, healthy choices meeting the Connecticut Nutrition Standards and beverage requirements of state statute must be available. Some suggested foods and beverages are listed below. The list should be checked against the Connecticut Nutrition Standards developed by the State Department of Education and published annually, the state beverage statute, and the Department's online list of acceptable foods and beverages, which is updated quarterly.
• Raw/fresh vegetable sticks (e.g., carrots)/slices with low-fat dressing* or yogurt dip*
• Fresh fruit
• 100% fruit juices or 100% vegetable juices or combination of such juices*
• Frozen 100% fruit juice pops*
• Bottled water, without added sugars, sweeteners, artificial sweeteners or caffeine*
• Dried fruits (raisins, banana chips, etc.) without added sugar, fat or salt*
• Trail mix (dried fruits and nuts)*
• Dry roasted peanuts, tree nuts and soy nuts (not coconut or palm nuts) without added fat, sugar or sodium*
• Low-fat meat and cheese sandwiches (use low-fat mayonnaise in chicken/tuna salads)*
• Party mix* (variety of cereals, nuts, pretzels, etc.), depending on added fat, sugar and salt
• Low-sodium crackers*
• Baked corn chips & fat-free potato chips with salsa and low-fat dips* (Ranch, French Onion, Bean, etc.)
• Low-fat muffins, granola bars, crackers and cookies such as fig bars and ginger snaps*
• Angel food and sponge cakes*
• Flavored yogurt & fruit parfaits (low-fat/nonfat yogurt)*
• Gelatin and low-fat pudding cups*
• Low-fat ice creams, frozen yogurts, sherbets*
• Low-fat and nonfat dairy products*
• Pure ice cold water without sugars, sweeteners, artificial sweeteners or caffeine*
• Pretzels*
• Bread products as such as bread sticks, rolls, bagels and pita bread*
• Ready-to-eat low sugar cereals (with no more than 15 grams added sugars per serving and no more than 35% sugar by weight)*
• Low-fat (1 percent) and skim milk*
*Compliance with the state beverage statute and the Connecticut Nutrition Standards varies depending on the brand and type of item. Check online listings at http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/cwp/view.asp?a=2626&q=320754#Healthy.
If the District allows beverage exemptions under CGS Section 10-221q, the following can be added:
Beverages that do not meet the requirements of state statute and federal regulations can be sold to students on school premises at the location of an event that occurs after the school day or on the weekend, provided they are not sold from a vending machine or school store.
If the District implements healthy food certification under CGS Section 10-215f, replace the previous language with the following:
Food items that do not meet the Connecticut Nutrition Standards and beverages not meeting the requirements of state statute and federal regulations can be sold at the location of an event occurring after the end of the regular school day or on the weekend, provided they are not sold from a vending machine or school store.
Competitive Foods and Beverages
Note: As of July 1, 2014, the USDA interim final rule nutrition standards apply to all competitive foods sold in schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. School districts that follow the Connecticut Nutrition Standards under the Healthy Food Certification must meet stricter requirements. The Connecticut Nutrition Standards meet or exceed the USDA's competitive foods standard.
"Competitive foods" include any foods and beverages sold in schools to children anytime on school premises except for meals provided through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. Competitive food sales include, but are not limited to, cafeteria, a la carte sales, vending machines, school stores and fundraisers. Pursuant to federal regulations and state statutes and regulations, the sale of competitive foods is restricted as follows:
1. Water ices (any frozen, sweetened water such as "⃛sicles" and flavored ice with the exception of products that contain fruit, fruit juice, milk, milk ingredients or egg ingredients other than egg whites) and chewing gum shall not be sold to students in the food service areas during the meal periods.*
2. Candy may not be sold to students on school premises during the period from 30 minutes before any meal or milk program up until 30 minutes after the end of the program.**
3. Beverages that do not meet the requirements of state statute and federal regulations, whichever are stricter, (including, but not limited to, coffee/decaffeinated coffee/iced coffee, tea/herbal tea/iced tea, soda/diet soda, sports drinks, hot chocolate, fruit drinks that are not 100 percent juice) can only be sold to students on school premises at the location of an event that occurs after the school day or on the weekend, provided they are not sold from a vending machine or school store. (Note: Board vote is required to allow this exemption.)
4. The income from any food or beverages sold to students anywhere on school premises during the period of 30 minutes before any meal or milk program up until 30 minutes after the end of the program must accrue to the nonprofit school food service account.
5. No competitive foods may be sold without the prior approval of the Superintendent. Such sales must comply with state law, Sections 10-215b-23 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.
* Alternatively, districts can eliminate these foods during the school day by replacing the language stating "meal periods" with "school day."
** Alternatively, districts can eliminate these foods during the school day by replacing the language stating "period from 30 minutes before any meal or milk program up until 30 minutes after the end of the program" with "school day."
Schools shall use the Connecticut State Department of Education's "List of Acceptable Foods and Beverages" to determine whether commercial food and beverage products meet the USDA's nutrition standards for competitive foods. Foods that meet the Connecticut Nutrition Standards meet or exceed the USDA's competitive foods standards. Listed beverages will meet both federal and state requirements.
If the District implements healthy food certification under CGS Section 10-215f, replace the previous section on "Competitive Foods and Beverages" with the following language below:
"Competitive foods" include all foods and beverages sold in schools except for meals provided through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. The USDA interim final rule groups competitive foods into three categories: (1) Entrée Items (sold only a-la-carte), (2) Side Dishes; and (3) Beverages. Pursuant to federal regulations and state statutes and regulations, the sale of competitive foods is restricted as follows:
1. Foods that do not meet the Connecticut Nutrition Standards cannot be sold to students on school premises, including, but not limited to:
• Water ices (any frozen, sweetened water such as "⃛sicles" and flavored ice with the exception of products that contain fruit, fruit juice, milk, milk ingredients or egg ingredients other than egg whites)
• Candy/sugarless candy
• Chewing gum/sugarless chewing gum
2. Beverages that do not meet the requirements of state statute and federal regulations (including, but not limited to, coffee/decaffeinated coffee/iced coffee, tea/herbal tea/iced tea, soda/diet soda, sports drinks, hot chocolate, fruit drinks that are not 100 percent juice) can only be sold to students on school premises at the location of an event that occurs after the school day or on the weekend provided they are not sold from a vending machine or school store. (Note: Board vote is required to allow this exemption.)
3. During the period of 30 minutes before any meal program up until 30 minutes after the end of the program, competitive foods and beverages may only be sold anywhere on school premises if they meet the Connecticut Nutrition Standards or state beverage statute and the income they generate accrues to the nonprofit school food service account.* Outside of this timeframe, competitive foods and beverages may only be sold if they meet the Connecticut Nutrition Standards and state beverage statute and federal regulations, whichever are stricter.
4. No competitive foods may be sold without the prior approval of the Superintendent. Such sales must comply with state law, Section 10-215b-23 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.
Schools shall use the Connecticut State Department of Education's "List of Acceptable Foods and Beverages" to determine whether commercial food and beverage products meet the USDA's competitive foods standards. Listed beverages will meet both federal and state requirements.
Physical Education/Physical Activity
It is the Board's position that all students have equal and equitable opportunities for physical activity and physical education in District schools. The Superintendent is encouraged to review and consider implementing physical activity and physical education program improvements. The goals of the District are:
A. All children, from pre-kindergarten through grade 12, will participate in a daily, quality, standards-based physical education program; (Note: Physical education is not a required element of the local school wellness policy.)
B. All schools will have certified physical education teachers providing physical education instruction; and
C. All schools will have appropriate class sizes, facilities, equipment, and supplies needed to deliver quality physical education consistent with state and/or national standards.
Schools shall strive, within financial, space, and staffing constraints, for students in grades pre-k through six to engage in physical education averaging 150* instructional minutes per week and all middle and high school students to engage in 225 minutes per week* and shall complete, at a minimum, one credit of high school physical education (required for graduation).
* Boards are advised to exercise caution in adopting this language as such adoption results in the creation of a mandate by the Board.
Incorporating Physical Activity Into the Classroom
Students in all grade levels shall be provided with opportunities for physical activity beyond and in addition to physical education. Classroom health education shall complement 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, such as watching television. Opportunities for physical activity shall be incorporated into other subject lessons and can be used as reinforcement, reward and celebration for achievement, positive behavior and completion of assignments. Classroom teachers shall provide short physical activity breaks between lessons or classes, as appropriate.
Use of School Facilities Outside of School Hours
Access to school sites will be provided through permitting use of facilities to community youth sports groups consistent with the District's facilities use policy so additional opportunities are available for youth to participate in quality physical activity, fitness, sports and recreation programs. School spaces and facilities shall be available to students, staff members, and community members before, during, and after the school day, on weekends and during school vacations. The spaces and facilities shall also be available to community agencies and organizations offering physical activity and nutrition programs. School policies concerning safety shall apply at all times.
Prohibiting Physical Activity as Punishment
Schools shall prohibit the use of physical activity (such as required running or push-ups as punishment) and withholding of physical education class and other forms of physical activity as punishment. Recess or other opportunities for physical activity shall not be withheld as a measure to enforce the completion of academic work. (See Policy #5144.4, "Physical Exercise and Discipline of Students.")
Daily Recess
All elementary school students shall have at least 20 consecutive minutes a day of supervised recess, preferably outdoors, during which schools should encourage moderate to vigorous physical activity and provide space, equipment and an environment that is conducive to safe and enjoyable activity. Districts shall ensure that students with special physical and cognitive needs have equal physical activity opportunities, with appropriate assistance and services. Districts shall not permit extended periods (i.e., periods of two or more hours) of inactivity. When activities, such as mandatory school-wide testing, make it necessary for students to remain indoors for long periods of time, schools shall give students periodic breaks during which they are encouraged to get up from their chairs and be moderately active.
Physical Activity Opportunities Before and After School
All elementary, middle and high schools shall offer extracurricular physical activity programs, such as physical activity clubs or intramural programs. All high schools, and middle schools as appropriate, shall offer interscholastic sports programs. Districts shall offer a range of activities that meet the needs, interests and abilities of all students, including boys, girls, students with physical and cognitive disabilities, and students with special health care needs. After-school, childcare and enrichment programs shall provide and encourage - verbally and through the provision of space, equipment and activities - daily periods of moderate to vigorous physical activity for all participants.
Safe Routes to School
When appropriate, the District shall work together with local public works, public safety and/or police departments to make it safer and easier for students to walk and bike to school.
Family and Community Involvement
In order to promote family and community involvement in supporting and reinforcing physical education in the schools, the school Principal is responsible for ensuring:
A. Physical education activity ideas are sent home with students;
B. Parents are encouraged to promote their child's participation in the school's physical education programs and after school activities;
C. Families are invited to attend and participate in physical education activity programs and health fairs;
D. Physical education curriculum includes homework that students can do with their families;
E. School staff consider the various cultural preferences in development of physical education programs; and
F. School staff is encouraged to cooperate with other agencies and community groups to provide opportunities for students to participate in physical activity programs.
Regulation approved: