ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL WELLNESS POLICY DeWitt, Iowa |
| Catholic schools "exist in order to educate the whole person; mind, body, and soul." (1) In educating the students about the body, they strive to develop "a profound reverence for the great gift of life, their own lives, and the lives of others, along with readiness to spend themselves in serving all that preserves and enhances life." (2) |
| |
| |
St Joseph School's goal is to promote a working and learning environment that promotes children's health and well-being.
|
| |
| |
Therefore:
|
| 1. St Joe's has formed a Wellness Committee which will oversee the goals of this Wellness Policy |
| |
2. Students in grades preschool through 8th receive health education in science and physical education Preschool students have 30 minutes of activity each day Kindergarten through 5th grade have one half hour twice a week. Sixth grade through 8th grade have 45 minutes two times a week. During this time they are not only partaking in physical activity, but they are also taught and encouraged to make healthy choices in their daily lives |
Health educationand the school meal program are also linked together. Students are taught how the different foods served in the daily lunches are part of the food pyramid. |
| |
| 3. Parents of Kindergarteners send healthy snacks for students. Parents are also encouraged to send healthy snacks for birthday treats. |
| |
4. Throughout the school year all students and staff have opportunities to be physically active on a regular basis.
|
| |
This includes:
|
| August · At the annual “Back to School Bash,” the committee holds a Wellness Fair. The fair includes local businesses who promote healthy habits. The vendors talk with students about making healthy choices. |
| September · Students participate in the Physical Fitness Challenge during P.E. class. · Students and staff walk throughout the community to help rake leaves. |
| October · All students and staff are encouraged to participate in the annual “Crop Walk.” · Students and staff walk in the school wide “Goblin Gallop.” · Funds are being raised for new playground equipment through a Happy Joe’s coupon fundraiser. |
| November · Students and staff participate in the annual “Turkey Trot.” Everyone walks to the local Referral Center to donate one healthy non-perishable item. |
| December · Healthy snacks are given to all students for St. Nicholas Day. |
| January · During Catholic Schools Week the annual “Paintball” tournament is held for both students and staff. · Everyone walks to the movie theater for our annual “Movie Day.” · Healthy snacks are distributed during Basic Skills tests. · Many staff members participate in “Lighten Up Iowa.” |
| February · Students take part in the annual “Jump Rope for Heart.” · Dental Health is taught to the primary grades during this month. |
| March · The “100 Day Challenge” begins. The program is designed to get children moving. |
| April · The “100 Day Challenge” continues. · Physical Fitness tests are given again to students during P.E. |
| May · This month marks the conclusion of the “100 Day Challenge.” · The school joins in the “Go the Distance” walk. · Staff and students hold the annual “Community] Day.” Everyone walks throughout the community to help the less fortunate with yard work. |
| |
5. All students preschool through 8th grade are encouraged to by physically active on a regular basis. This includes P.E. classes, recess, and athletics. Kindergarten through grade 3rd have 3 recesses each day that total 50 minutes. 4th and 5th grade have 2 recesses that total 40 minutes each day, and 6th through 8th grade have a 25 minute noon recess. Students in grade 5th through 8th are encouraged to participate in sports. Many of them are on athletic teams throughout the school year and the summer. |
| |
6. The school meals served at ST. Joes's offer a variety of fruits and vegetables. They meet the nutritional requirements established by local, state, and federal law. Free and reduced priced meals are available to those who qualify and the identity of those students I protected. |
| |
7. The Wellness Committee is responsible to oversee that this policy is observed and communicate with the administration.
|
