School Wellness Policy 

The school district is committed to providing a school environment that enhances learning and the development of lifelong wellness.  The goals outlined in this policy were determined and selected after reviewing and considering evidence-based strategies.*

1. Goals for Nutrition Promotion and Education

1. The district will promote healthy food and beverage choices for all students, as well as encourage participation in school meal programs by such methods as implementing evidence-based healthy food promotion techniques through the school meal programs and promoting foods and beverages that meet or exceed the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards.

2. The health curriculum will include information on good nutrition and healthy living habits. 

3. Teachers will incorporate information on nutrition and wellness into the classroom curriculum as appropriate.

4. The district will collaborate with public and private entities to promote student wellness.

5. Water will be made available to students throughout the school day.

2. Goals for Physical Activity

1. The school district’s curriculums shall include instruction on physical activity and habits for healthy living.

2. Students will be encouraged to engage in physical activities throughout the school day and will be provided with opportunities to do so.

3. The district encourages parents and guardians to support their children's participation in physical activity, to be physically active role models, and to include physical activity in family events.

3. Goals for Other School-Based Activities Designed to Promote Student Wellness  

1. The district will participate in state and federal child nutrition programs as appropriate.

2. The district will provide professional development, support, and resources for staff about student wellness.

3. Students will be provided sufficient time in which to eat school-provided meals.

4. The district’s lunchrooms will be attractive and well-lighted.

5. The district will allow other health-related entities to use school facilities for activities such as health clinics and screenings so long as the activities meet the district’s requirements and criteria for the use of facilities.  

6. The district may partner with other individuals or entities in the community to support the implementation of this policy.

7. The district will strive to provide physical activity breaks for all students, recess for elementary students, and before and after school activities, as well as encourage students to use active transport (walking, biking, etc.)

8. The district will use evidence-based strategies to develop, structure, and support student wellness.  

4. Standards and Nutrition Guidelines for All Foods and Beverages Sold to Students on the School Campus and During the School Day

1. The district will ensure that student access to foods and beverages meet federal, state and local laws and guidelines including, but not limited to: 

1. USDA National School Lunch and School Breakfast nutrition standards

2. USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards.

2. The district will offer students a variety of age-appropriate, healthy food and beverage selections with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains aimed at meeting the nutrition needs of students within their calorie requirements in order to promote student health and reduce childhood obesity.

5. Standards for All Foods and Beverages Provided, But Not Sold to Students During the School Day

The district may provide a list of healthy party ideas or food and beverage alternatives to parents, teachers, and students for classroom parties, rewards and incentives, or classroom snacks.  The district discourages the use of food and beverages as a reward or incentive for performance or behavior.

6. Food and Beverage Marketing

Marketing and advertising is only allowed on school grounds or at school activities for foods and beverages that meet or exceed the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards, except as follows:

1. This requirement does not apply to marketing that occurs at events outside of school hours such as after school sporting or any other events, including school fundraising events.

2. The district will not immediately replace menu boards, coolers, tray liners, beverage cups, and other food service equipment with depictions of noncompliant products or logos to comply with the new USDA Smart Snacks in Schools nutrition requirements.  All previously purchased products will be used, and all existing contracts honored. 

3. All equipment that currently displays noncompliant marketing materials will not be removed or replaced (e.g., a score board with a Coca-Cola logo).  However, as the district reviews and considers new contracts, and as scoreboards or other such durable equipment are replaced or updated over time, any products that are marketed and advertised will meet or exceed the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards

7. Public Participation 

Parents, students, representatives of the school food authority, teachers, school health professionals, board members, school administrators, and members of the general public shall be allowed to provide their input to the school district during the wellness policy adoption and review process.

8. Competitive Foods (Includes Food and Beverages Sold in Vending Machines, School Stores, Fundraisers or in Competition with the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs)

1. Except as otherwise allowed by the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE), all foods and beverages sold during the school day as part of a fundraiser or for any other purpose in competition with the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs must meet the nutrition standards of those programs.  

2. Fundraiser food or beverages are NOT exempt from the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards. Therefore, if food is sold as a fundraiser: 

(1) It shall not be sold in competition with school meals in the food service area during the meal service.

(2) It shall not be sold or otherwise made available to students anywhere on school premises during the period beginning one half hour prior to the serving period for breakfast and/or lunch and lasting until one half hour after the serving of breakfast and/or lunch.

(3) The sale of food items during the school day shall meet the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition requirements

(4) This restriction does not apply to food sold during non-school hours, weekends, and off-campus fundraising events such as concessions during after-school sporting events, school plays or concerts; or to bulk food items that are sold for consumption at home. (Ex: frozen pizzas, cookie dough tubs, etc.)

9. Triennial Assessment

The school board shall assess and review this policy at least every three years to determine:

a. Compliance with this policy;

b. How this policy compares to NDE model wellness policies;

c. Progress made in attaining the goals of this policy.

The school board will update or modify this policy as appropriate.

10. Public Notice

In addition to identifying the topic on its meeting agenda as required by the Open Meetings Act, the school district will provide notice of this policy at least annually to the public and other stakeholders identified in this policy by one or more of the following methods:  on its webpage, in its newsletter, in the student and employee handbooks, newspaper advertisements, direct mailings, electronic mail, and public postings.  

In addition to identifying the topic on its meeting agenda as required by the Open Meetings Act, the school district will provide notice of the Triennial Assessment and progress reports towards meeting the goals in this policy using one or more of those same methods.

11. Recordkeeping

The District will retain records to document compliance with the requirements of the wellness policy at its central office.

12. Operational Responsibility  

The superintendent is responsible for coordinating the implementation of this policy and for monitoring the district’s progress in meeting the goals established by this policy.  The superintendent will periodically report to the board on the district’s progress in implementing this policy.

* These strategies include, but are not necessarily limited to, those cited in the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s Model Wellness Policy (Updated June 2020 to Reflect the USDA Final Rule) found at https://api.healthiergeneration.org/resource/2.  

Adopted on: 01/01/2007

Revised on: 07/20/2015

Reviewed on:09/16/2020

Revised on: 06/19/2023