Local Wellness Policy

Introduction

Miles Ahead Charter School recognizes that good nutrition and regular physical activity affect the health and well-being of all students. Furthermore, research suggests that there is a positive correlation between a student’s health and well-being and his/her ability to learn. Moreover, schools can play an important role in the developmental process by which students establish their health and nutrition habits by providing nutritious meals and snacks through the schools’ meal programs, supporting the development of good eating habits and promoting increased physical activity both in and out of school. Miles Ahead Charter School is committed to creating school environments that promote and protect the overall well-being of all students and staff. The guidelines listed below encourage a comprehensive wellness approach that is sensitive to both individual and community needs.

1. Local School Wellness Policy Leadership

School Level Each school within Miles Ahead Charter School will establish an ongoing Healthy School Team that will meet annually to ensure compliance and to facilitate the implementation of Miles Ahead Charter School wellness policy.

• The School Director of Operations, Operations Manager and additional stakeholders shall have the responsibility to comply with federal and state regulations as they relate to Miles Ahead Charter School wellness policy.
• In each school, the Director of Operations and Operations Manager/Associate will be responsible for establishing the Healthy School Team that will ensure compliance with the policy.
• The Healthy School Team should include, but not be limited to, the following stakeholders: parents, scholars, school food service program representatives, school administrators, school health professionals, and school science instructors.
• The Healthy School Team is responsible for:
  • Ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations for competitive food and beverage items sold on the school campus (7 CFR 210.11 and FAC 5P-2.002);
  • Maintaining a school calendar identifying the dates when exempted competitive food fundraisers will occur in accordance with the frequency specified in paragraph (c) of FAC 5P-2.002;
  • Reporting its school’s compliance of the regulations to the Director of Operations, the person responsible for ensuring overall compliance with Miles Ahead Charter School wellness policy.

Miles Ahead Charter School will review and consider evidence-based strategies and techniques in establishing goals for nutrition promotion and education, physical activity and other school-based activities that promote student wellness to include, at a minimum, a review of Smarter Lunchroom tools and techniques.

2. Nutrition Promotion

Nutrition promotion can positively influence lifelong eating behaviors by creating food environments that encourage healthy choices and encourage participation in the school meal programs.

• At a minimum, utilize Smarter Lunchroom tools and strategies to promote and reinforce healthy eating in the school environment, ensuring that messages are clear and consistent.
• Increase the number of on campus locations that students can access useful nutrition information by 10-15%.
• Increase student awareness of useful nutrition information from brochures, worksheets, handouts and digital content by 20-25%.
• Increase the variety of opportunities that allow parents to engage in support of school wellness initiatives by 20-25%.
• Discover effective ways to communicate school wellness messages and identify healthy eating and active living messages that resonate with parents. Examples may include presentations, newsletters, social media posts, and printed materials which highlight a wellness topic of interest.
• Organizations operating concessions at school functions will promote healthy food choices by introducing several healthier items at a lower profit margin to encourage student selection.
• Nutrition education messages from the classroom will be modeled in the cafeteria and across campus by offering locally-grown food whenever possible within the school meals programs as well as in a la carte sales, including vending machines.
• School food service, in partnership with other school departments and community organizations, will work to creatively market and promote locally-produced food to students, through activities such as:
  • Featuring food grown in the school garden in the cafeteria, through sampling and inclusion in school meals based upon availability and acceptability.
  • Developing cafeteria themes relating to local farmers and products grown in the region.
  • Developing creative campus fundraisers based on healthy food items, integrating farm-grown produce where appropriate.

3. Nutrition Education

Academic performance and quality of life issues are affected by the choice and availability of nutritious foods in our schools. Healthy foods support student physical growth, brain development, resistance to disease, emotional stability and ability to learn.

• The nutrition benchmarks included in Georgia’s Physical Education Standards shall be taught as part of the structured and systematic unit of instruction general education classes (e.g., math, science) where there is a natural fit.
• Students receive nutrition education that is interactive and teaches skills they need to adopt age-appropriate healthy eating behaviors. Classroom lectures, activities and student participation are provided in nutrition and health classes. Classroom written tests (such as multiple choice, essay and fill in the blank) are given in the areas of nutrition. (Example topics include: mindful eating, balanced meals, how to read nutrition facts labels)
• Students will understand how food reaches the table and the implications that has for their health and future.
• The staff responsible for nutrition education will be adequately prepared and participate regularly in professional development activities to effectively deliver an accurate nutrition education program as planned.

4. Physical Activity

Miles Ahead Charter School shall ensure that physical activity is an essential element of each school’s instructional program. The program shall provide the opportunity for all students to develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to participate in a lifetime of physical activity.

• All elementary school students will have at least 20 minutes of daily recess. Each school will provide space, equipment and an environment conducive to safe and enjoyable play.
• Students will have an increase in both the number and variety of physical activity opportunities offered to them.
• Staff will be encouraged to participate in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (e.g., brisk walking, jogging, swimming) every week.
• Regular classroom teachers will be encouraged to provide short physical activity breaks between lessons or classes, at least biweekly as appropriate.

5. Other School-Based Activities

Miles Ahead Charter School will integrate wellness activities across the entire school setting. The school environment, not just the classroom, shall be aligned with healthy school goals to positively influence a student’s understanding, beliefs, and habits as they relate to good nutrition and regular physical activity. Such learning experiences shall support academic achievement and mental health, as well as promote positive social skills.

• After-school programs shall encourage healthy snack options, physical activity, and positive mental health awareness.
• Staff wellness programs and initiatives will be encouraged to promote a healthy work environment, helping staff serve as role models for students.
• School celebrations and classroom events will promote healthy foods and beverages when possible.
• Student clubs and school events will include physical activity components when appropriate.
• Teachers and staff will not use food as a reward or punishment for student behaviors or performance.

6. Nutrition Standards

Miles Ahead Charter School is committed to serving healthy meals to children, with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free and low-fat milk; that are moderate in sodium, low in saturated fat, and have zero grams trans-fat per serving (nutrition label or manufacturer’s specification); and that meet the nutrition needs of school children within their calorie requirements. The school meal program aims to improve the diet and health of school children, model healthy eating to support the development of lifelong healthy eating patterns, and support educational achievement through improved focus and concentration.

• All schools within Miles Ahead Charter School participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP).
• All meals, snacks, and beverages served and sold to students will comply with current USDA nutrition standards (7 CFR 210.10 and 220.8).
• Drinking water will be available and accessible to students during meal service.
• Competitive foods and beverages sold during the school day will meet the Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards.
• Information about the nutritional content of meals and snacks will be made available to parents and students.
• Fundraisers involving food and beverage items will comply with USDA Smart Snacks guidelines and applicable state regulations.

7. Food and Beverage Marketing in Schools

School-based marketing will be consistent with the nutrition education and health promotion goals of Miles Ahead Charter School. Schools will limit food and beverage marketing to the promotion of foods and beverages that meet the nutrition standards for meals or Smart Snacks.

• Marketing of foods and beverages inconsistent with the school’s wellness goals is prohibited on campus during the school day.
• Examples of marketing materials include posters, menu boards, vending machine fronts, and in-school advertisements.
• Contracts with vendors will include guidelines to ensure that all products marketed to students align with school wellness policies.

8. Evaluation and Monitoring

To ensure compliance and assess progress, Miles Ahead Charter School will establish a system for measuring implementation of the wellness policy, including school-level assessments and public reporting.

• The Director of Operations will be responsible for oversight of policy implementation and compliance at the district level.
• Each school will complete an annual review of wellness policy compliance and submit a report to the school administration.
• Wellness policy goals and implementation progress will be made available to parents, students, and the community annually through the school’s website or printed communication.
• The policy will be reviewed and updated at least once every three years based on assessment findings and new federal or state guidelines.

9. Communication and Promotion

Miles Ahead Charter School will actively inform families and the public about the content and implementation of the wellness policy through the school’s communication channels.

• The wellness policy will be posted on the school website and shared through newsletters, bulletin boards, and family engagement events.
• Information will include wellness initiatives, upcoming events, and opportunities for participation in health-related programs.
• Parents, students, and community members will be encouraged to provide feedback on policy effectiveness and suggest improvements.

10. Policy Implementation and Public Involvement

The development, implementation, and periodic review of the Miles Ahead Charter School Wellness Policy will involve a diverse group of stakeholders to ensure inclusivity and effectiveness.

• The school will invite participation from parents, students, teachers, health professionals, administrators, and community representatives.
• Opportunities for involvement will be communicated through multiple channels such as the school website, social media, and newsletters.
• The Healthy School Team will oversee meeting schedules, agendas, and documentation related to wellness policy implementation.

11. Compliance with Federal and State Requirements

Miles Ahead Charter School acknowledges and adheres to all federal and state requirements related to the Local School Wellness Policy as outlined by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 and applicable USDA regulations.

• The school will maintain documentation demonstrating compliance with USDA meal patterns, Smart Snacks standards, and public notification requirements.
• Records will include copies of policy updates, meeting agendas, participation logs, and evaluation results.
• All wellness policy documents will be accessible to the public upon request.

12. Conclusion

Miles Ahead Charter School believes that a healthy school environment supports academic achievement, personal growth, and lifelong well-being. Through the implementation of this wellness policy, we are committed to fostering a culture of health, nutrition, and physical activity that benefits students, staff, and the community as a whole. This policy will be reviewed and updated as needed to ensure alignment with evolving best practices and regulations.