Happy Hearts and Healthy Students
We hope you had a Happy Valentine’s Day! That might be why February is considered Heart Month, but we don’t have facts to back that up. What we do know is that Heart Month means more than limited edition Cheerios™ are in season. Healthy habits for healthy hearts are important for our children to develop, so the USDA and CDC jointly advise schools on developing wellness policies.
Unlike a daily regimen of vitamin D to maintain heart health, a wellness policy is more than just a recommendation. If you participate in the National School Lunch Program or any federal nutrition program, this policy is mandated. A review of your wellness policy provides an opportunity to check-in on how your school instructs students to build healthy habits. The CDC outlines several ways to improve student health, including:
Designating a “wellness champion” such as a school nurse or community member that is responsible for developing and implementing the wellness policy.
Creating a wellness council involving various stakeholders to implement programs and activities.
Partnering with local community groups for wellness activities.
Making the most out of your wellness policy review will help your school remain focused on the continuing health of your students. We have our finger on the pulse of charter school policy, so if you need a second opinion on your wellness policy, we are here to help!