On June 30, 2004, Congress passed Section 204 of Public Law 108-265, of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004. This law requires each local education agency participating in a program, authorized by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C.1751 et seq.) or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.), to establish a local school wellness policy by July 1, 2006.
In response to this requirement, this State Board of Education Model Local Wellness Policy was developed by the Michigan Department of Education, in collaboration with other state and local agencies, organizations, educators, and concerned citizens. This document may be modified to reflect local school West Village Academy policy and procedure. In addition, it is recommended that prior to adopting this policy West Village Academy’s involve teachers (including specialists in health and physical education), parents/guardians, students, representatives of the school food service program, school board members, school administrators, and the public.
The Michigan State Board of Education recognizes and acknowledges, through its September 2003 policy on coordinated school health programs, that, “schools cannot achieve their primary mission of education if students and staff is not physically, mentally and socially healthy.” The Board believes that schools should provide a campus-wide environment where students are taught healthy eating and physical activity knowledge, skills, and values. In addition, the campus-wide environment should provide ample opportunity to practice these skills on a daily basis.
This Model Local Wellness Policy is provided to assist Michigan school West Village Academy’s in developing their local wellness policies. This document may be modified to reflect local school West Village Academy policy and procedure.
The West Village Academy located at 3530 Westwood Dearborn, MI 48124 is committed to creating a healthy school environment that enhances the development of lifelong wellness practices to promote healthy eating and physical activities that support student achievement.
Nutrition Education
Every year, all students, Pre-K-12, shall receive nutrition education that is aligned
with the Michigan Health Education Content Standards and Benchmarks.1 Nutrition
education that teaches the knowledge, skills, and values needed to adopt healthy
eating behaviors shall be integrated into the curriculum. Nutrition education
information shall be offered throughout the school campus including, but not limited
to, school dining areas and classrooms. Staff members who provide nutrition
education shall have the appropriate training.
Nutrition Standards
The West Village Academy shall ensure that reimbursable school meals meet the program requirements and nutrition standards found in federal regulations.2 The West Village Academy shall encourage students to make nutritious food choices.
The West Village Academy shall monitor all food and beverages sold or served to students, including those available outside the federally regulated child nutrition programs.
The West Village Academy shall consider nutrient density3 and portion size before permitting food and beverages to be sold or served to students.
The West Village Academy superintendent shall continually evaluate vending policies and contracts. Vending contracts that do not meet the intent and purpose of this policy shall be modified accordingly or not renewed.
1 Michigan Department of Education Health Education Content Standards and Benchmarks,
July 1998. http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Health_Standards_15052_7.pdf.
2 Title 7—United States Department of Agriculture, Chapter ii – Food and Nutrition Service,
Department of Agriculture, Part 210 – National School Lunch Program.
http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_04/7cfr210_04.html
3 Nutrient dense foods are those that provide substantial amounts of vitamins and minerals
and relatively fewer calories. Foods that are low in nutrient density are foods that supply
calories but relatively small amounts of micronutrients (sometimes not at all).
http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/report/HTML/G1_Glossary.htm
Physical Education and Physical Activity Opportunities
The West Village Academy shall offer physical education opportunities that include the components of a quality physical education program.4 Physical education shall equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for lifelong physical activity. Physical education instruction shall be aligned with the Michigan Physical Education Content Standards and Benchmarks.5
Every year, all students, Pre-K-12, shall have the opportunity to participate regularly in supervised physical activities, either organized or unstructured, intended to maintain physical fitness and to understand the short- and long-term
benefits of a physically active and healthy lifestyle.
Other School-Based Activities Designed to Promote Student Wellness
The West Village Academy may implement other appropriate programs that help create a school environment that conveys consistent wellness messages and is conducive to healthy eating and physical activity.
Implementation and Measurement
The West Village Academy superintendent shall implement this policy and measure how well it is being managed and enforced. The West Village Academy superintendent shall develop and implement administrative rules consistent with this policy. Input from teachers (including specialists in health and physical education), school nurses, parents/guardians, students, representatives of the school food service program, school board members, school administrators, and the public shall be considered before implementing such rules. A sustained effort is necessary to implement and enforce this policy. The West Village Academy superintendent shall report to the local school board, as requested, on the West Village Academy’s programs and efforts to meet the purpose and intent of this policy.
4 Including goals for physical activity is required by federal law Section 204 of Public Law
108-265. Physical education, while recommended, is not required.
http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/Healthy/108-265.pdf
5 Michigan Department of Education Physical Education Content Standards and Benchmarks,
July 1998.
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Physical_Education_Content_Standards_42242_7.pdf
