Wellness Policy

Our District has developed a Wellness Policy that is focused on improving the health of students. The policy was developed by the health and wellness advisory council that includes teachers, parents, administrators, and the district nurse.

Sharing the Message of Wellness

One of our goals is to share the message of nutrition and wellness via our department's Web site that emphasizes the importance of nutrition AND fitness. Our site provides information on the nutrition and fitness for teachers, parents, and students, as well as, a variety of learning tools.

Key Areas of our Wellness Policy

Balance is essential for any Wellness Policy. Key areas include:

• Nutrition Education
• Physical activity
• Other school-based activities that are designed to promote student wellness.

District Wellness Policy Overview

Local wellness policies are an important tool for parents, local educational agencies (LEAs) and school districts in promoting student wellness, preventing and reducing childhood obesity, and providing assurance that school meal nutrition guidelines meet the minimum federal school meal standards.

Alvord Unified School District is committed to providing school environments that promote and protect student's health, well-being, and ability to learn by supporting healthy eating and physical activity. A few of the Wellness Policy highlights include the following:

All foods & beverages served, offered and sold during the school day meet the USDA’s Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards: All foods and beverages served, offered and sold to students during the school day meet or exceed the USDA’s Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards. This includes snacks that are not part of a federally reimbursed child nutrition program, birthday parties, holiday parties, and school-wide celebrations.

All foods & beverages sold during the extended school day meet the USDA’s Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards: All foods and beverages sold to students during the extended school day meet or exceed the USDA’s Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards. This includes vending machines, school stores, and snack or food carts. 

• Extended school day: time during before and afterschool activities that includes clubs, intramural sports, band and choir practice, drama rehearsals, etc.

All foods & beverages served and offered during the extended school day meet the USDA’s Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards: All foods and beverages served and offered to students during the extended school day meet or exceed the USDA’s Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards. This includes snacks that are not part of a federally reimbursed child nutrition program, birthday parties, holiday parties, and school-wide celebrations.

• Extended school day: time during before and afterschool activities that includes clubs, intramural sports, band and choir practice, drama rehearsals, etc.

Physical Activity as Punishment. Teachers and other school and community personnel will not use physical activity (running laps, push-ups) or withhold opportunities for physical activity (recess, physical education) as punishment. (Ed Code 49001).

Withholding Food as Punishment. Teachers and other school and community personnel will not withhold food or opportunities for meals (breakfast, lunch or snack time) as punishment.

Food as reward. Teachers and other school and community personnel will not use food as a reward or incentive.

The school district will engage students, parents, teachers, food service professionals, health professionals, and other interested community members in developing, implementing, monitoring, and reviewing such district-wide nutrition and physical activity policies