Hornell City School District Wellness Policy

Mission Statement: The Wellness Committee of the Hornell Central School District is
committed to providing a school environment that enhances learning and development
of lifelong wellness practices as well as promoting physical activity and nutrition
education for all students, staff, parents and community members.
Rationale: The link between nutrition, physical activity, and learning is well
documented. Healthy eating and activity patterns are essential for students to achieve
their full academic potential, full physical and mental growth, and lifelong health and
well being. Healthy eating and physical activity, essential for a healthy weight, are also
linked to reduced risk for many chronic diseases, like Type 2 diabetes. Schools have a
responsibility to help students learn, establish, and maintain lifelong, healthy eating and
activity patterns. Well planned and effectively implemented school nutrition and fitness
programs have been shown to enhance students overall health, as well as their behavior
and academic achievement in school. Staff wellness also is an integral part of a healthy
school environment, since school staff can be daily role models for healthy behaviors.
In accordance with federal mandates, the HCSD Wellness Committee has worked
together to develop a wellness policy that will meet guidelines of the mandate.
Goals:
It is the policy of the Hornell City School District that:
HCSD will strive to engage students, parents, teachers, staff, food service
professionals, health professionals, and other interested community members in
developing, implementing, monitoring, and reviewing district-wide nutrition and
physical activity policies.
All students And staff grades K-12 will make every effort to have opportunities,
support, and encouragement to be physically active on a regular basis, trying to
meet at least 60 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity.
Foods and beverages sold at school will aim to meet the nutrition
recommendations of the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Qualified child nutrition professionals will strive to provide students with access to
a variety of affordable, nutritious, and appealing foods that meet the health and
nutrition needs of students; will accommodate the religious, ethnic, and cultural
diversity of the student body in meal planning; and will provide clean, safe, and
pleasant settings and adequate time for students to eat.

To the maximum extent practicable, all schools in our district will participate in
available federal school meal programs (including the School Breakfast Program
and National School Lunch Program)

Fundraising Activities: To support health and school nutrition education efforts, school
fundraising activities will not involve food or will only use foods that meet the nutrition
and portion size standards for foods and beverages sold individually. School will
encourage fundraising activities that promote physical activity. The wellness committee
will make a list of ideas for acceptable fundraising activities.
Snacks: Snacks during the school day will make a positive contribution to childrens
health and diets, with an emphasis on serving fruits and vegetables as the primary snack
choice and water as the primary beverage choice. Schools will assess if and when to
offer snacks based on timing of school meals, childrens nutritional needs, childrens
ages, and other considerations. The wellness committee will build a list of healthful
snack items to teachers, after-school program personnel, and parents.
Rewards: Schools will not use foods or beverages, especially those that do not meet the
nutrition standards for foods and beverages sold individually, as rewards for academic
performance or good behavior, and will not withhold food or beverages (including food
served through school meals) as a punishment
Celebrations: School parties should include food or beverages that meet nutrition
standards. The wellness committee will disseminate a list of healthy party ideas to
parents and teachers. Parents are strongly encouraged to provide store bought and
prepackaged items for school events. Parties that include low nutritional food items will
be allowed up to 4 times per year in any given classroom.
Food Consumption: Food should be kept to the cafeteria location in all schools. We will
not have food or drink in the hallways, auditoriums, or classrooms with the exception of
water. All other exceptions to this will need approval from the building administrator.
School Sponsored Events:(such as, but not limited to, athletics, dances,
performances, etc.) Food and beverages offered or sold at school-sponsored events
outside the school day will offer alternative choices that meet the nutritional standards
for meals or for foods and beverages sold individually.

Daily Recess: All elementary school students (K-6) are encouraged to participate in at
least 15-20 minutes a day of supervised recess, preferably outdoors, during which
schools should verbally encourage moderate to vigorous physical activity.
Physical Activity as Punishment: Teachers and other school personnel will not use
physical activity (i.e. running laps, pushups, conditioning, etc.) or withhold opportunities
for physical activity (recess, physical education, etc.) as punishment.