PERKINS COUNTY SCHOOL WELLNESS POLICY & GOALS 2023
1. Measure Compliance with policy and policy comparison to NDE model wellness policy.
The district completed the SWP Assessment Survey - Alliance for a Healthier Generation 10 Step Checklist. Based on this survey results (found here: Wellness Survey 2023.pdf ), our annual and triennial wellness committee meeting to review the policy and NDE policy (with agenda and meeting notes being found here: Wellness Committee May 25, 2023 ) from the our 5-25-23 meeting), and Board review, the district within compliance of the policy. Additionally, notice of the policy review and policy are part of our Open Meetings within out board meetings and posting of the agenda. The policy is also within our district handbooks. Wellness Policy 5052 may found here: BP_5052_School_Wellness.pdf
2. Demonstrate Progress made in reaching the goals of the policy.
AND
3. Measure the extent of compliance of all schools in the District meeting LSWP requirements.
The goals and progress include both our 7-12 Jr/Sr High School and our Prek-6 Buildings. Both buildings participate and adhere to the policy and are in compliance.
Goals & Progress
PERKINS COUNTY SCHOOLS WELLNESS POLICY/GOALS 2023
Nutrition Promotion & Education Goals
Perkins County Public Schools (PCPS) promotes healthy food and beverage choices for all PK-12th grade students and staff. We adhere to and meet all USDA standards and goals in promoting foods, beverages, and smart snacks. As part of the curriculum, all 8th grade students are required to take one semester of a health class. The curriculum is approved through the school board and emphasizes wellness and healthy choices. To ensure adequate hydration, all students and staff have access to water throughout the school day, including lunch and breakfast periods. Students are allowed to have a clear water bottle in class to ensure water is available at all times. Nutrition and health topics are discussed in physical education classes and elementary classes.
PCPS is currently working to collaborate with local beef producers to provide meals sourced from nearby farmers and ranchers. The distinct hopes to have this implemented within a year. Additionally, we partner with our local hospital to assist with Health Day for up to six area schools. This Health Day involves our school nurse, parents, a dietician from the hospital, and others to teach students about healthy choices and lifesyles.
Physical Activity Goals
Perkins County Public Schools emphasizes physical activity for all our students. Kindergarten through 6th-grade students receive the required minutes per week for physical education classes. Junior high grades have daily physical education classes whenever school is in session. Students in grades 9th-12th are required to participate in at least one year of physical education classes, with many also opting for weightlifting classes. We provide numerous opportunities for students to engage in physical activity both within and outside the school. Our elementary students can participate in youth sports and activities organized by the school or external organizations throughout the year. The junior high and high school students can join school-sponsored sports teams or other clubs and organizations of their choice. We actively inform parents about these opportunities and encourage their involvement in supporting their children's physical activity endeavors, such as coaching outside teams or promoting physical activity among all students.
Goals for Other School-Based Activities Designed to Promote Student Wellness
At Perkins County Public Schools, our school lunch program is part of the commodities program, which allows us to purchase food. We utilize the commodities program for our breakfast and lunch programs to procure approved food supplies, and we also work with local businesses to obtain lunch provisions.
We provide professional development opportunities for all health and physical education teachers, ensuring they stay up-to-date with best practices. The staff working in the school lunch program also receives professional development training. All students and staff are given 30 minutes to eat each day, meeting the requirement set by the NDE. Food service workers are also provided professional development opportunities.
We have a strong relationship with our local hospital and Lions Club. The Lions Club conducts annual vision and hearing screenings for all students. Additionally, our local hospital sends physical therapist to our school once a week to check on students. The local hospital also provides free physicals to our students at the start of each school year.
Physical activity is encouraged during recess for elementary-aged students, and incorporate physical activity into the classroom environment. We also promote physical activity among the staff through monthly wellness programs organized by EHA. All programs, curriculum, and health concepts are based on extensive research. We continuously seek better strategies to implement health and wellness initiatives for all stakeholders within the district.
Progress Towards Goals
Perkins County Public Schools maintains a wellness committee comprising of the superintendent, physical education teachers, parents, at least one student representative, our food service coordinator, and our food service accounts coordinator. This committee convenes at at least once a year to review the policy and set goals as seen fit.
During these meetings, we will evaluate goals and policy compliance. In our most recent meeting, we observed an increase in student participation in the school nutrition program, particularly our lunch program. We attributed this to the improved quality of our lunch and breakfast choices.
In the area of Other School-Based Activities Designed to Promote Student Wellness, the district was able to hire our school nurse as a science teacher. This hire allowed us to not only have a school nurse in our building five days a week, where prior it was only two days a week, but it also allowed the district to further push health and wellness initiatives with a beyond qualified teacher.
As stated previously, PCS is currently working to collaborate with local beef producers to provide meals sourced from nearby farmers and ranchers. The district hopes to have this implemented within a year. This will add even more value and quality to an already healthy menu.
4. Make the Triennial Assessment results available to the public.
The results of the Triennial Assessment are available to the public via our website postings and through notice as a topic on our agenda, and specifically this year, notice of our Triennial Assessment and progress toward goals during June 19, 2023, board meeting. All public have access to our agenda on Sparq and can also access prior year reviews of the policy. The district also identifies and references the policy in our multiple district-level handbooks.