2025-2026 Wellness Policy
Area 1: Setting Nutrition Education Goals
- Students will receive nutrition education integrated into the regular curriculum at all grade levels.
- Students in grades three through five will receive additional nutrition education through health classes.
- Teachers will promote a healthy lifestyle within their classrooms by incorporating age-appropriate activities, lessons, and instructional materials.
- Nutrition-related information will be shared with parents and guardians through the school website and the school handbook.
- St. Francis School staff will utilize community resources, such as guest speakers and local organizations, to promote a healthy lifestyle among faculty, students, and families.
- Cafeteria, after-school, and summer program staff will provide opportunities for students to sample new food items.
- Cafeteria, after-school, and summer program staff will offer hands-on nutrition education activities to support students’ understanding of healthy food choices.
Area 2: Setting Physical Activity Goals
- Students will be given the opportunity for physical activity through physical education classes for grades K – 5, 60 minutes per day of gross motor activities for preschool children, and daily recess for all students.
- Daily recess will be provided for all students. During inclement weather, students will have access to indoor recess utilizing gym facilities and equipment to ensure continued physical activity.
- Preschool students will participate in the Minds in Motion program, navigating physical challenges through the fifteen stations of the Minds in Motion maze.
- St. Francis School will sponsor extracurricular physical activities, including basketball and open gym opportunities, available to students of all grade levels.
- The school will distribute information to families regarding local community sports and physical activity opportunities, such as swimming, bowling, community dances, basketball, soccer, and open gym nights.
- St. Francis School will establish a running club, facilitated by volunteer parents and staff sponsors.
- Students attending after-school programs will be provided with opportunities for physical activity.
- Each year, St. Francis School will host a Field Day to promote school-wide participation in physical activity.
Area 3: Establishing Nutrition Standards For School Grounds
- School breakfasts and lunches will be planned to meet or exceed the nutritional guidelines established by the National School Lunch Program.
- Fast food items, soda, and candy are not permitted during school lunch periods.
- The Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) will assist in establishing guidelines for healthy snack choices at all school parties and celebrations. In addition, PTO-sponsored events will incorporate physical activities, such as dances with a DJ, Jupiter Jump, and Jump Craze.
- Marketing or advertising of non-nutritious foods or beverages will not be displayed within the school or cafeteria. There are no vending machines on campus.
- After School Care snacks will be planned monthly in alignment with CACFP nutritional guidelines, and menus will be shared with families.
- Water will be readily available to students on each floor of the school, in the cafeteria, and in the gymnasium.
- Food allergy awareness is a priority. Teachers and staff are informed of student allergies, and school policy contains information about peanuts and peanut product allergy awareness.
Area 4: Setting Goals for Other School Based Activities to Promote Student Wellness
- St. Francis School will encourage student participation in the hot lunch program by posting monthly school menus in classrooms, on bulletin boards, on the school website, and by sending them home to families.
- The school will provide a clean, safe, and enjoyable environment during all lunch periods.
- Students will be provided 20–30 minutes to eat their lunch and will be permitted to socialize with peers using appropriate indoor voices.
- Students will have access to drinking water during lunch periods.
- On Career Day, guest speakers will address topics related to dental care and overall health.
- Parents are discouraged from sending edible treats, such as cupcakes, for birthday celebrations and are encouraged to provide non-food alternatives.
- Students will be encouraged to bring a nutritious snack for consumption in the classroom at designated times that do not interfere with scheduled lunch periods.
- St. Francis School teachers and cafeteria staff will participate in ongoing professional development related to healthy lifestyle choices.
- School administrators will collaborate with community organizations to offer nutrition and wellness education programs for staff, students, and families. Examples of past initiatives include Master Gardening programs, Farm to Table and Farmer’s Market activities, and the Eating Smart – Being Active program through the WV Extension Service Family Nutrition Program.
- St. Francis School will host guest speakers on wellness-related topics, including dental health, anti-drug education, and sports nutrition.
Area 5: Setting Goals for Measurement And Evaluation of Wellness Policy
- The Wellness Committee will maintain records of student participation in the National School Lunch Program.
- Copies of all nutrition and physical activity information distributed to parents and guardians will be retained in the Wellness Program file.
- Agendas from all wellness-related educational opportunities offered to faculty, staff, or families will be maintained in the Wellness Program file.
- The Wellness Committee will consist of the principal (serving as the leadership chair), a staff chair, the head cook, a parent representative, and a student representative.
- A formal assessment of the Wellness Policy will be completed every three years, and the policy will be reviewed twice annually by committee members.
- Information regarding the Wellness Policy will be made available in the parent handbook, on the school website, and in the school office.