A new student wellness policy was adopted at the Dec. 16 meeting of the Salisbury Township School District.

The original policy was adopted in June 2006; revisions are in accordance with federal and state laws.

The policy states the board is committed to providing a school environment which “promotes student wellness, proper nutrition, nutrition education and regular physical activity as part of the total learning experience. In a healthy school environment, students will learn about and participate in positive dietary and lifestyle practices that can improve student achievement.”

The policy will be included in the district’s strategic plan.

The district will provide the following to students, according to the Policy 246:

•A nutrition program which promotes whole-grain, fruit, vegetable, 1 percent low-fat and fat-free milk offerings. It will also stay in compliance with the dietary specifications for calories, saturated fat, trans fat and sodium.

•Access, at reasonable cost, to foods and beverages meeting established nutrition guidelines.

•Curriculum and programs for grades kindergarten through 12 designed to educate students about proper nutrition and lifelong physical activity.

The superintendent or designee shall be responsible to monitor district schools, programs and curriculum to ensure compliance with this policy, related policies and established guidelines or administrative regulations.

Each building principal shall report to the superintendent or designee regarding compliance in his/her school.

The superintendent shall appoint a wellness committee comprised of at least one of each of the following: school board member, district administrator, district food service representative, student, parent/guardian, teacher, school nurse, student adviser and other individuals chosen by the superintendent.

The wellness committee may examine related research and laws, assess student needs and the current school environment, review existing board policies and administrative regulations and raise awareness about student wellness issues.

The wellness committee may make policy recommendations to the board related to other issues necessary to promote student wellness.

The committee shall provide periodic reports to the superintendent or designee regarding the status of its work, as required.

These reports will include information made available to Salisbury staff, students, parents and the community.

Staff members responsible for programs related to student wellness shall report to the superintendent or designee regarding the status of such programs.

The superintendent or designee shall report to the board on the district’s compliance with law and policies related to student wellness as the law prescribes or as changes in the environment deem necessary. The report may include: assessment of school environment regarding student wellness issues, recommendations for policy and/or program revisions based on feedback received from district staff, students, parents/guardians, community members and wellness committee, an assurance district guidelines for reimbursable meals are not less restrictive than regulations and guidelines issued for schools in accordance with federal law shall be provided annually by the food service director.

Nutrition education will be provided and may be integrated into other subjects to complement but not replace academic standards based on nutrition education.

Nutrition education shall provide all students with the knowledge and skills needed to lead healthy lives

Consistent nutrition messages shall be disseminated throughout the district, schools, classrooms, cafeterias, homes, community and media and shall extend beyond the school environment by engaging and involving families and communities

District schools shall strive to provide opportunities for developmentally appropriate physical activity within a physical and social environment encouraging safe and enjoyable activity for all students. Physical activity shall not be used as a form of punishment.

Competitive food is defined as any food or beverage offered or sold to students on the school campus during the school day outside of the reimbursable meals served through the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program.

Competitive foods available for sale shall comply with established federal nutrition standards known as Smart Snacks in School.

Food shall not be used as a punishment and if food is offered as a reward, it shall be compliant with Smart Snack nutritional guidelines.

Other competitive foods available or offered during the school day shall comply with the applicable sections in the Nutrition Standards for Competitive Foods at Pennsylvania Schools. These include, but are not limited to, classroom parties and celebrations.