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Physical Activity & Education

Physical Activity 

District schools shall strive to provide opportunities for developmentally appropriate physical activity during the school day for all students. District schools shall contribute to the effort to provide students opportunities to accumulate at least 60 minutes of age-appropriate physical activity daily, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Opportunities offered at school will augment physical activity outside the school environment, such as outdoor play at home, sports, etc.  

Students shall participate daily in a variety of age-appropriate physical activities designed to achieve optimal health, wellness, fitness and performance benefits. Age-appropriate physical activity opportunities, such as outdoor and indoor recess, before and after school programs, during lunch, clubs, intramurals and interscholastic athletics, shall be provided to meet the needs and interests of all students, in addition to planned physical education. A physical and social environment that encourages safe and enjoyable activity for all students shall be maintained. Extended periods of student inactivity,  2 hours or more, shall be discouraged.  

Physical activity breaks shall be provided for students during classroom hours. Before and/or after-school programs shall provide developmentally appropriate physical activity for participating children. District schools shall partner with parents/guardians and community members and organizations, such as YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, local and state parks, hospitals, etc., to institute programs that support lifelong physical activity. Physical activity shall not be used or withheld as a form of punishment. District schools shall promote physical activity through encouragement of walking and biking as a means of transportation to and from school. Students and their families shall be encouraged to utilize district-owned physical activity facilities, such as playgrounds and fields, outside school hours in accordance with established district rules. 

 

Gym

Physical Education

A sequential physical education program consistent with curriculum regulations and Health, Safety and Physical Education academic standards shall be developed and implemented. All district students must participate in physical education. Quality physical education instruction that promotes lifelong physical activity and provides instruction in the skills and knowledge necessary for lifelong participation shall be provided. Physical education classes shall be the means through which all students learn, practice and are assessed on developmentally appropriate skills and knowledge necessary for lifelong, health-enhancing physical activity. A comprehensive physical education course of study that focuses on providing students skills, knowledge and confidence to participate in lifelong, health-enhancing physical activity shall be implemented.  A varied and comprehensive curriculum that promotes both team and individual activities and leads to students becoming and remaining physically active for a lifetime shall be provided in the physical education program.

Adequate amounts of planned instruction shall be provided in order for students to achieve the proficient level for Health, Safety and Physical Education academic standards. A local assessment system shall be implemented to track student progress on Health, Safety and Physical Education academic standards. Students shall be moderately to vigorously active as much time as possible during a physical education class. Documented medical conditions and disabilities shall be accommodated during class. Safe and adequate equipment, facilities and resources shall be provided for physical education courses.  

Physical education shall be taught by certified health and physical education teachers. Appropriate professional development shall be provided for physical education staff. Physical education classes shall have a teacher-student ratio comparable to those of other courses for safe and effective instruction.

Physical activity shall not be used or withheld solely as a form of punishment.   

Other School-Based Activities

  • Drinking water shall be available and accessible to students, without restriction and at no cost to the student, at all meal periods and throughout the school day. Nutrition professionals who meet hiring criteria established by the district and in compliance with federal regulations shall administer the school meals program. Professional development and continuing education shall be provided for district nutrition staff, as required by federal regulations. 
  • District schools shall provide adequate space, as defined by the district, for eating and serving school meals. Students shall be provided a clean and safe meal environment. Students shall be provided adequate time to eat: 10 minutes sit down time for breakfast; 20 minutes sit down time for lunch.   
  • District schools shall implement alternative service models to increase school breakfast participation where possible, such as breakfast served in the classroom, “grab & go breakfast” and breakfast after first period to reinforce the positive educational, behavioral and health impacts of a healthy breakfast.
  • Meal periods shall be scheduled at appropriate hours, as required by federal regulations and as defined by the district. Students shall have access to hand washing or sanitizing before meals and snacks. Access to the food service operation shall be limited to authorized staff. Nutrition content of school meals shall be available to students and parents/guardians. Students and parents/guardians may be involved in menu selections through various means, such as taste testing and surveys. To the extent possible, the district shall utilize available funding and outside programs to enhance student wellness.   

The district shall provide appropriate training to all staff on the components of the School Wellness policy. Goals of the School Wellness Policy shall be considered in planning all school-based activities. Fundraising projects submitted for approval shall be supportive of healthy eating and student wellness.  

Administrators, teachers, food service personnel, students, parents/guardians and community members shall be encouraged to serve as positive role models through district programs, communications and outreach efforts. The district shall support the efforts of parents/guardians to provide a healthy diet and daily physical activity for children by communicating relevant information through various methods. The district shall maintain a healthy school environment, including but not limited to indoor air quality, in accordance with the district’s healthy learning environment program and applicable laws and regulations.