Health and Wellness
HEALTHY SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT POLICY
Updated Oct. 2017
TAOS MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS
310 Camino Del La Placita
Taos, NM 87571
Phone: 505-758-5200 Fax: 505-758-5298
INTRODUCTION AND PREAMBLE
The Board of Education recognizes that there is a link between a healthy school environment and a student’s ability to learn affectively and achieve high standards in school. Schools cannot achieve their primary mission of educating students for lifelong learning and success if students and staff are not physically, mentally and socially healthy. The Board supports a comprehensive, coordinated healthy school environment as modeled in the following eight components: Nutrition, Physical Education, Health Education, Health Services, Social and Emotional Wellbeing, Healthy and Safe Environment, Staff Wellness, and Family, School and Community Involvement.
The Board recognizes that it is the District’s role, as part of the larger community, to model and actively practice through policies and procedures: the promotion of family health, physical activity, good nutrition, sustainable agriculture and environmental restoration.
The Board of Education further recognizes that the sharing and enjoyment of food, participation in physical activities, are fundamental experiences for all people and are a primary way to nurture and celebrate our cultural diversity. These fundamental human experiences are vital bridges for building friendships, forming inter-generational bonds, and strengthening communities.
§ Whereas, children need access to healthful foods and opportunities to be physically active and mentally healthy in order to grow, learn and thrive;
§ Whereas, heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes are responsible for two-thirds of deaths in the United States, and major risk factors for those diseases, including unhealthy eating habits, physical inactivity and obesity, often are established in childhood;
§ Whereas good health fosters student attendance and education;
§ Whereas, a healthy diet is connected to a student’s ability to learn effectively and achieve high standards in school;
§ Whereas, each day, students and their parents trust that the foods offered at school are wholesome and safe;
§ Whereas, fresh, seasonal, local, sustainably grown foods are a primary and recommended source of nutrition for growing children, and pre-packaged, highly processed foods create a solid waste packaging management problem and expense for school districts;
§ Whereas, public school is an excellent place to nurture and preserve local food traditions through storytelling, recipe swapping, cooking classes, garden and farm-based learning experiences, food prepared and served in the cafeteria and connections to the core curriculum of science, math, language arts, history, geography and social studies.
FAMILY, SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
District Policy
The Board shall establish a district School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) to make recommendations to the local school board in the development or revision, implementation, and evaluation of the district Healthy School Environment Policy. The district council shall consist of parent(s), school nutrition supervisor, school nutrition manager, school board member(s) school administrator(s), health services coordinator, school nurse(s), local health practitioner (pediatrician, dentist, doctor), public health staff member(s), registered dietician/diabetes educator, school teacher(s), school faculty/staff, school council members, elementary and secondary students, community partners, NM Department of Agriculture/local farmer(s). This policy is posted on the District’s website under both Nutrition and wellness departments. Copies are available in each School office
Definitions[m1]
Family, school and community involvement means an integrated family, school and community approach for enhancing the health and well-being of students by establishing a district healthy school advisory council that has the responsibility to make recommendations to the local school board in the development or revision, implementation and evaluation of the wellness policy.
The family, school and community involvement component promotes long term effective partnerships between families, schools and communities in the planning and implementation of health promotion projects and events both within the school and throughout the community. The partnership can encourage and sustain environmental changes that support healthy lifestyles for children and their families.
Requirements:
The Board shall establish a district School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) to make recommendations to the local school board in the development or revision, implementation, and evaluation of the district Healthy School Environment [m2] Policy. The district council shall consist of:
Original Committee:
· Parent(s)
o Erin Sanborn
· School Nutrition Supervisor
o Mary Ann McCann
· School Nutrition Manager
o Consuelo Martinez
o Geralyn Marquez, Alternate
o Antonia Mares, Alternate
· School board member(s)
o Wanda Quintana
· School administrator(s)
o Jeanelle Livingston, Special Education Coordinator
o Quinton Wood, Facilities and Maintenance Supervisor
o Catherine Collins, Federal Programs Coordinator
· Health services coordinator
o Maria Medina
· School nurse(s)
o Debra Wright
o Carmelita Martinez
· Local health practitioner (pediatrician, dentist, doctor)
o Mary Harrison, PC, Taos Clinic for Children and Youth
o Dr. Charlie Anderson
· Public health staff member(s)
o Barbara Arnold, DOH
o Betsy Martinez, Alternate, DOH
· Registered dietician/diabetes educator
o Molly Beardon, RD
· School teacher(s)
o Bruce Gomez, THS Health
o Flavio Lopez, TMS Health
o Trish Curren, Elementary Health and PE
o Marcia Martinez, Elementary Health and PE
o Marshall Bailon, Elementary Health and PE
o Anthony Gutiererez, THS Health and PE
· School faculty/staff
o Esther Winter, Director of HR
o Joan Malone, Elementary Teacher
o Katherine Duran, Middle School Teacher
o Angela Tafoya, TMS Administrative Staff
o Rick Apodaca, High School Teacher
· School Council Members
o Joseph Quintana
o Irene Cordova
· Elementary and Secondary Students
o Zoe Riblie
o Christina Martinez
o Jasmine Peralta
o Jamie Pacheco
· Community Partners
o Michelle Hunt
o Rudy Martinez
· Bob Pederson, Community Gardener
· Ed Lopez, Farmer, Velarde, NM/NM Apple Council
· Craig Mapel, NM Department of Agriculture
Role of School Health Advisory TEAM – District Wellness Team
In accordance with the districts strategic plan the ( wellness team) shall have the responsibility to make recommendations to the local school board in the development or revision, [m3] implementation, and evaluation of the school district wellness policy. With a focus on implementation of the 4th pillar of the district’s strategic plan to provide Student and staff wellness for our students, families and staff. The team will meet quarterly to evaluate existing programs the district , measure their effectiveness and suggest changes to the district’s overall wellness policy
17-18 Review Committee:
Wellness Commitee Chairman
o Jim Ivanovich
School Nutrition Director
o Kailyn Koop
School Nutrition Manager
o Macedonia Vigil
o Gerlyn Marquez Alternate
o Francine Pacheco, Alternate
o School Nutrition Manager:
Social Worker /Truancy Team:
o Daniel Ingroff ( HS and Elem)
o Necia Etheridge (HS truancy)
o Julie Gray ( TMS, THS and Elem.)
o Florence Miera (district, Title 1, homeless)
o Joey Silva ( TMS)
o Chrispin Roque ( TMS truancy)
Nurse Team
o Phyliss Yardman - Elementary
o Jason Ormsby –TMS
o Danette Quintana- THS
o Lisa Baker – Ranchos
PE/Health teachers:
o Art Abrea -THS Health
o Trish Curran - Elementary PE
o Camille Rivera- THS Health
o Emy Deherrera- THS Nursing
Community partners:
o Risa Lehrer- HELP outreach Taos
o Herbert Valdez- Taos County DWI
o Julie Bay – Taos Alive
o Amanda Miera- El Centro Family Health
o Erick Struck- El Centro Family Health
o Sadie Quintanilla- Non Violence Works
o Simon Torrez – Director Non Violence Works
o Michael Boyle – Tri County Health Services
Goal:[m4]
The goal of family, school and community involvement within a coordinated school health approach is to create a total school environment that is conducive to student health and academic achievement, including social and emotional well-being. This inclusive atmosphere features a shared responsibility that supports healthy children and families. Effective partnerships between families, schools and communities support the development and the maintenance of this comprehensive learning environment.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
District Policy
The District shall provide opportunities for students and staff to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to perform a variety of physical activities, maintain physical fitness, regularly participate in physical activity, understand the short and long-term benefits of physical activity and value and enjoy physical activity as an ongoing part of a healthful lifestyle. The District will encourage teachers and staff to support and model regular physical activity with students. All students will be encouraged to exercise on and off campus during non-instructional hours.
Definitions
Physical activity is any form of exercise or body movement including recreational, fitness or sport activities. It is not a substitute for a quality physical education program, taught by a certified physical education educator which focuses on developing skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to personally decide to participate in a lifetime of healthful [m5] physical activity.
Requirement:
The Healthy School Environment Policy shall include guidelines to provide physical activity opportunities to students before, during and/or after school.[m6]
Goal:
The goal of physical activity within the coordinated school health approach provides students with increased opportunities to engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity before, during and/or after school.[m7]
Activities:
§ Physical Activity Guidelines [m8]
o Taos Municipal Schools students shall have priority in use of school facilities for intramural and extracurricular activities with proper supervision approved by school administration.
o Non-instructional, intramural, extracurricular physical activates shall promote positive experience with physical activity at a young age that help lay the basis for being regularly active throughout life.
o Create opportunities for physical activity will be incorporated into other subject lessons lessons and curriculum. Physical activity will be integrated across curriculum and throughout the school day when possible. In collaboration with the physical educator, classroom teachers will link physical activity to math, science, social studies and literacy.
o Classroom teachers will provide short physical activity breaks between lessons or classrooms, appropriate.
o Schools will provide opportunities and encouragement for staff to be physically active.
o Schools will provide opportunities to involve family members in activity decisions.
o Through communications with parents, the schools will support parents’ efforts to provide a healthy diet and daily physical activity for their children. The schools will provide information about physical activity and other school-based physical activity opportunities before, during and after the school day; and support parents’ efforts to provide their children with opportunities to be physically active outside of school.
o Schools will provide facilities and equipment that encourage educational movement experiences.
o Schools will seek to partner with recreation agencies and other community organizations to coordinate and enhance opportunities available to students and staff for physical activity during, before and after school.
o Schools will encourage the basic physical activities of walking and biking as transportation modes to and from school when and where determined safe.
o Schools will encourage after-school program to provide developmentally appropriate physical activity for participating children and reduce or eliminate the time spent in sedentary activities.
· Other Activities:
o Elementary schools in the district will provide daily recess for all students.
o All schools in the district prohibit withholding physical activity (i.e. physical education class, recess, etc.) as a means/method of punishment.
o All schools in the district will provide physical activity opportunities before and after school (i.e. intramurals, club activities, interscholastic sports, etc.).
o All schools in the district encourage basic physical activities of walking, biking and skating as transportation modes to and from school.
o All schools in the district will encourage the use of school facilities outside of school hours.
o All schools will create a plan to incorporate physical activity into the academic curriculum (i.e. brain breaks, etc.)
o All schools plan to promote community-based physical activities (i.e. sports clubs, bike club, hiking club).
o All schools plan for school-wide physical activities (i.e. fun days, family fitness days, field days).
o Encourage the Implementation of the Coordinated Approach to Child’s Health (CATCH) Program.
o Discovery After school program – physical activity
o Health Fairs
o Family fun nights
NUTRITION
District Policy
The Student Nutrition Program will participate in the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast, After School Snack Program, Summer Food Service Program and other nutrition programs mandated by federal or state requirements. School meals will be used to enhance nutrition education as the learning lab for classroom activities, promoting the development of healthy eating habits and providing nutritional information for students, staff and community members.
Definitions
The School Nutrition Program will provide students, staff, parents and community the opportunity to access healthy and nutritious meals and snacks supported by a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables with a minimum of processed foods, supporting healthy living.
Nutrition Education provides opportunities to teach, encourage, and support healthy living through healthier food choices. Nutrition Education will support healthy eating which will promote proper physical health and growth, physical activity, brain development, the connection between healthy eating and exercise and learning, emotional well-being, obesity prevention and the ability to resist disease.
§ The cafeteria is a learning lab for nutrition education taught in the core classes and will be available for nutrition education activities.
§ The curriculum will integrate nutrition education and physical education in other areas of the curriculum such as math, science, language arts and social studies. Student Nutrition Supervisor and Coordinator of Health Services or their designee will provide examples of content integration related to nutrition education.
§ Nutrition education will meet nutrition-related benchmarks in NMAC 6.30.2.19 Performance Standards for Health Education;
§ Staff shall be encouraged to integrate hands-on experiences in gardens and kitchen classrooms, and enriched activities such as farm field tours, farmers’ markets tours, visits to community gardens with core curriculum available so that students begin to understand how food reaches the table and the implications that has for their health and future;
§ Nutrition education will be integrated into the core academic curriculum through positive and healthy eating experiences, including but not limited to school and community gardens, cooking classes and after school activities promoting healthy living.
Requirements:
Student Nutrition Program Operations
§ The Student Nutrition Program (SNP) will offer school breakfast, lunch and after school snack programs with menus that meet the meal patterns and nutritional standards required under the National School Lunch Program, Breakfast Program and After School Snack Program.
§ SNP will participate in the Seamless Summer Food Program (PED) or the Summer Food Service Program (CYFD) for at least six weeks between the last day of the academic year and the first day of the following school year.
§ School meals will be offered at no charge to students under CEP Guidance of the National School Meal Programs so long as the program remains financially solvent and/or district meets CEP direct certification requirements.
§ SNP will involve students, school staff, parents and community members in menu development and choosing a la carte food items.
§ SNP will use locally grown or produced products when available for meal production.
§ SNP will play a role in a recycling program that recycles can, bottles, jars, cardboard, paper and other products which can be recycled through existing programs within our community and county.
Eating Environment
To help ensure the health and well being of each student attending Taos Municipal Schools, and to provide guidance to school personnel in the areas of nutrition, health, physical activity and school nutrition, the Board encourages teaches, principals and School Nutrition employees to recognize that school meals as an integral part of the educational program of the district and work to implement the goals of this policy. The Board will ensure that:
§ No students in the district goes hungry during school;
§ An economically sustainable meal program makes available a healthy and nutritious breakfast, lunch and after-school snack to every student at every school so that students are prepared to learn to their fullest potential;
§ The student lunch period each day must be at least thirty (30) minutes as per Section 6.30.2.10, NMAC [H.(3)]. This will allow adequate time for meal service, eating and socializing.
§ Lunch periods shall be scheduled so that students do not have to eat lunch unusually early or late with recess scheduled before lunch.
§ Cafeterias include enough serving areas so students do not have to spend more than 10 minutes waiting in line.
§ Meals will be attractively presented and served in a pleasant environment with sufficient time for eating while fostering good eating habits, enjoyment of meals, good manner and respect for others.
§ Dining areas are attractive and have enough space for seating all students.
§ All school eating areas shall contain, free, safe, drinking water sources for students at and between meals.
§ Hand washing (hand sanitizing) facilities for hand washing are accessible and time is available for hand washing before, during and after meal periods.
§ Food should not be used as a reward. Withholding food should never be used as a punishment.
§ School staff responsible for supervising meal periods should model proper conduct, voice level, and discipline techniques in the cafeteria.
§ School staff should be encouraged to model healthy eating behaviors when eating with students.
§ At elementary and middle schools, students will not be allowed to bring to school foods which are prohibited from sale or service to eat during the lunch period.
Qualifications of Student Nutrition Staff
§ The Supervisor of SNP will be properly qualified and professionally certified to administer the school nutrition program and satisfy reporting requirements.
§ The Supervisor of SNP will ensure that all SNP personnel shall have adequate training in food service and school nutrition operations.
Food Safety
§ All foods made available on campus will comply with state and local food safety and sanitation regulations. Any group or organization selling food and/or beverages within a district facility must meet the requirements of the New Mexico Environmental Health Department’s Food Sanitation Ordinances and obtain an appropriate food permit.
§ SNP will ensure that Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans and guidelines are implemented in school nutrition establishments to prevent food borne illness in schools.
§ SNP will ensure that all staff is properly trained in food safety and sanitation.
§ Students will be discouraged from sharing foods to prevent spread of illness and possible food allergies.
Nutrition Guidelines for All Foods on Campus
§ Elementary Schools (K-5) may not serve, sell or provide access to purchase competitive foods at anytime during the normal school day.
§ Taos Middle Schools (6-8) may not serve, sell or provide access to purchase competitive foods outside the School Nutrition Program during the normal school day.
§ Taos High School may not serve, sell or provide access to purchase competitive foods outside the School Nutrition Program during the normal school day. The THS Culinary Arts class is grand fathered and exempt from this policy.
§ Staff is encouraged to serve healthy food choices at any staff and parent-teacher meetings, during school hours and after the academic days ends.
Student Nutrition Program Guidelines for Foods Sold on Campus
§ Elementary schools SNP will not sell or provide access to any foods or beverages, except bottled water, during the normal school day.
§ Taos Middle School SNP may sell or provide access to any foods or beverages as long as they meet the following standards:
o For packaged foods sold a la carte
· Contains no more than 200 calories per container/package or amount served, with the exception of nuts, seeds, cheese, and yogurt products.
· Contain no more than 8 grams fats per serving with no more than 2 grams from saturated and trans fats.
· No more than 15 grams of sugar/package.
· *with exception of nuts, seeds, cheese, and yogurt products.
o For a la carte items
· Contain 400 or fewer calories
· Contain no more than 16 grams of fat per serving with no more than 2 grams from saturated and trans fat combined.
· No more than 30 grams of sugar/package.
· *with exception of nuts, seeds, cheese and yogurt products.
o May only serve, sell or provide access to purchase the following beverages (includes vending and a la carte sales) during the regular academic school day:
· Water
· 100% fruit juice with no added sweeteners and no more than 125 calories/container
· Milk 2% or less
· Soy milk
§ Taos High School SNP may sell or provide access to any foods or beverages long as they meet the following standards:
o For packaged foods sold a la carte
· Contains no more than 200 calories per container/package or amount served, with the exception of nuts, seeds, cheese, and yogurt products.
· Contain no more than 8 grams fats per serving with no more than 2 grams from saturated and trans fats.
· No more than 15 grams of sugar/package.
· *with exception of nuts, seeds, cheese, and yogurt products.
o For a la carte items
· Contain 400 or fewer calories
· Contain no more than 16 grams of fat per serving with no more than 2 grams from saturated and trans fat combined.
· No more than 30 grams of sugar/package.
· *with exception of nuts, seeds, cheese and yogurt products.
o May only serve, sell or provide access to purchase the following beverages (includes vending and a la carte sales) during the regular academic school day:
· Water
· 100% fruit juice with no added sweeteners
· Milk 1% or less
· Soy milk
Nutrition Guidelines for School Sponsored Fundraisers
To support children’s health and school nutrition-education efforts, school fundraising efforts will not involve food or will use only foods that meet nutrition guidelines and portion size standards for foods and beverages sold individually.
§ Food fundraisers are not allowed to be sold during the normal school day at any schools.
§ Schools are encouraged to sell non-food items and support participation in physical activity events.
§ Beverages and food products may be sold as fund raisers outside of normal school hours for Elementary, Middle and High Schools provided that at least 50 per cent of the offerings meet the following requirements:
o Beverages
§ Milk 1% or less
§ Soy Milk
§ Water
§ 100% fruit juice that has:
· No added sweeteners
· No more that 125 calories/container and
· A servicing size not to exceed 20 oz.
o Foods(with the exception of nuts, seeds, cheese, yogurt and fruit:
§ No more than 200 calories per container or per package or amount served, and
§ No more than 8 grams fats per serving with no more than 2 grams from saturated and trans fats per container or per package or amount served, and
§ No more than 15 grans of sugar per container or per package or amount served.
o A list of fundraising ideas and resources will be provided to all clubs, classes and organization that do not involve the sale of food.
Nutrition Guidelines for Special Diets, Food Allergies, and students with Disabilities
To recognize diversity and indivudal student dietary needs the following guidlines apply to students with medical, 504 or IDEA eligible needs.
· Reimbursable, alternative breakfasts , lunches, and or snacks will be provided to any child with a food allergy or disability.
· Special Diet request forms will be provided and must be signed by a licensed physician and updated annually.
· Information provided from the physician must cover any dietary restrictions, allergies or food intolerances, and specific food items that may be substituted for foods to be avoided.
· For disabilities, information provided from physician or IEP team must cover any foods that require a change in texture or consistency and the approved alteration.
HEALTH EDUCATION
District Policy
The District will implement a comprehensive, sequential, K-12 health education curriculum that addresses the nutritional, physical, mental, emotional and social dimensions of health, aligned with health education content standards with benchmarks and performance standards as set forth by the New Mexico Public Education Department. It is the goal of the Board that students gain the essential knowledge and skills they need to become “health literate” –that is to make health enhancing choices and avoid behaviors that can damage their health and well-being.
The District will provide comprehensive sexual education at the middle and high school levels. The district shall also provide HIV and related issues in the curriculum of the required health education content area to all students in the elementary grades, in the middle/junior high school grades, and in the senior high grades as set forth in 6.12.1.10 NMAC.
Definitions
Health Education means the instructional program that provides the opportunity to motivate and assist all students to maintain and improve their health, prevent disease and reduce health-related risk behaviors. It allows students to develop and demonstrate increasingly sophisticated health-related knowledge, attitudes, skills, and practices. It means the content standards with benchmarks and performance standards as set forth in 6.30.2.19 NMAC.
Requirement
The healthy school environment policy shall include a planned, sequential, k-12 health education curriculum that address the physical, mental, emotional and social dimensions of health and is aligned to the health education content standards with benchmarks and performance standards as set forth in 6.30.2.19 NMAC.
Note: Districts should align health education curriculum to the health education content standards with benchmarks and performance standards for implementation in the 2006-07 school year.
Goal:
The goal of a comprehensive health education curriculum within a coordinated school health approach is to acquire life skills in order to attain personal, family, community, consumer and environmental health.
Activities:
· Schools will provide a planned, sequential, k-12 health education curriculum that addresses the physical, mental, emotional and social dimensions of health.
· Curriculum will include training in life saving techniques including recognizing signs of a heart attack, use of an external defibrillator and performing the Heimlich maneuver on a choking victim
· Schools Health Education curriculum will be aligned to NM Health Education content standards and benchmarks and performance standards.
· Schools will provide activities in comprehensive health education that align with the NM content standards and benchmarks and performance standards.
· Schools will implement a policy that will insure that parents have the ability to request that their child be exempted from parts of the health education curriculum that addresses the sexuality performance standards. The policy should include but is not limited to: the process for parents to request exemptions and how alternative lessons will be established.
· Schools will provide health education lessons will be taught in culturally sensitive manner.
· Schools will provide health education that is taught using a variety of instructional strategies.
· Schools will have health education that is integrated into the core curriculum.
· School will have teachers, staff and administrators that are aware of coordinated school health professional development opportunities (Ex., Head2Toe, AAPHERD, Elementary and Secondary School Health Institute).
· In accordance with state statute 6.1.2.10 health educators will implement curricula on HIV/Aids awareness and prevention. Community members will be encouraged to participate in the development and review of materials for this instruction.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
District Policy
The District will implement a comprehensive and sequential, K-12 physical education curriculum that provides the optimal opportunity for all students to learn and develop skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to participate in lifelong healthful physical activity, aligned to the physical education content standards with benchmarks and performance standards as set forth by the New Mexico Public Education Department.
Definition:
Physical education means the instructional program that provides cognitive content and learning experiences in a variety of activity areas. It provides the opportunity for all students to learn and develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to personally decide to participate in a lifetime of healthy physical activity. It meets the content standards with benchmarks and performance standards as set forth in Section 6.30.2.20 NMAC.
Requirement:
A planned, sequential K-12 physical education curriculum that provides the optimal opportunity for all students to learn and develop skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to personally decide to participate in lifetime healthful physical activity and is aligned to the physical education content standards with benchmarks and performance standards as per 6.30.2.20 NMAC.
Goal:
To provide every student with daily physical education during which a certified physical educator uses appropriate practices to teach the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to be physically fit and active for a lifetime. Activities are based on goals and objectives which are appropriate for all children, and are planned after referring to a curriculum which has an obvious scope and sequence which aligns with the content standards with benchmarks and performance standards.
Activities:
· Schools will provide every student, at the elementary and secondary level with opportunities to participate in physical education, including students with disabling conditions, students not athletically inclined, and those in alternative education programs.
· Schools will provide an adequate time for physical education classes. In elementary schools, physical education will be offered to all students at elementary level a minimum of once a week in a formal Physical Education setting. In middle and high schools, physical education classes should be available at all grade levels for one class period per day.
· Middle school students will be required to have at least one PE credit before 8th grade
· High School graduation requirements require one full credit and .5 health credits
· Schools will provide physical education classes that meet NMAC 6.30.2.20 Physical Education Performance Standards, using the NM Physical Education Standards and Benchmarks as the guiding tools. Furthermore, lesson plans at all levels shall reflect the Standards and Benchmarks being met in the lessons. Thus Physical Education curriculum will be sequential, developmentally appropriate, and designed, implemented, and evaluated to help students develop the knowledge, motor skills, self-management skills, attitudes, and confidence needed to adopt and maintain physical activity throughout their lives.
· The district will consider hiring a Physical Education Coordinator to aid in alignment of curriculum throughout all levels of Physical Education instruction in the district; to oversee the implementation of Physical Education instruction and components that meet development needs at each level, and see that the NM Physical Education Standards and Benchmarks are being applied and met; and to encourage collaboration among the Physical Educators at each level, and across levels to ensure the sequential and development needs of students are being consistently met district wide.
· In addition to regular Physical Education Curriculum, established supplemental programs will be incorporated into regular P.E. classes, which will provide students with feedback on fitness components, incentives for physical activity and stimulating supplemental activities that involve students in more and different ways than those geared toward future athletic opportunities.
· Well-prepared specialists who are certified by the state to each physical education will teach Physical Education.
· Physical Education teacher will regularly participate in professional development activities related to physical education instruction. Training opportunities will be provided during in-service days.
· The district will support schools in providing adequate facilities and equipment, as well as budget allowances strictly for physical education.
· Schools will minimize the extent that physical education facilities are used for other events during Physical Educational instructional days that interfere with effective P.E. instruction.
· Physical Education classes will provide a variety of different physical activity choices that take into account gender and cultural differences, and that feature cooperative as well as competitive physical activity choices.
· Physical Education classes will devote at least 50%-70% of class time to actual moderate to vigorous physical activity, and/or to addressing fitness components and fitness levels.
· Physical Education grades will be based on students’ attainment of physical performance objectives, as much as possible in the same ways that grades are awarded in other subject areas. Secondary physical education grades will be included in the calculations of grade point averages used for academic recognition programs.
· Physical education will develop students’ self-confidence, and will maintain a safe, psychological environment free of embarrassment, humiliation, shaming, taunting or harassment. Furthermore, physical education shall provide and nurture body awareness, a live of physical activity, and a lifelong desire to participate in a variety of physical activities.
· Physical educators will promote the subject area in such a way as to educate teachers, parents and community members about physical education and physical activity programs available to students, and will encourage parent involvement in shifting families toward physically active lifestyles.
· All elementary school students will have at least 20 minutes per day of supervised recess, preferable outdoors, during which school should encourage moderate to vigorous physical activity and through the provision of space and equipment for play. Extended periods (two or more hours) per day of inactivity should be discouraged; school should give periodic breaks during which they are encouraged to stand and be moderately active. Thus the connection between physical activity and brain stimulation and efficacy in function are established and reinforced.
· School leaders shall encourage the development of a school’s schedule so that it provides time within every elementary school day for supervised recess.
· Recess will compliment, not substitute for, physical education classes.
· Recess will not be denied to a student as punishment.
· The total daily recess times should include a lunch recess, if possible, preferable to be scheduled before lunch.
HEALTH SERVICES
District Policy
The District will provide a Health Services Program designed to ensure access or referral to primary health and behavioral and mental health care services, fostering appropriate use of health care services for students, staff and families. Health Services will follow the procedures in the New Mexico State School Health Manual for delivery of the program, in compliance with Public Education Department and Department of Health requirements. Health Services works to prevent and control communicable diseases and other health problems, provide emergency care for illness and injury, provide optimum sanitary conditions for safe school facilities. School based health centers are integral part of the health services system to the extent that funding allows.
Definition
Health services means services provided for students to apprise protect and promote health. These services are designed to ensure access or referral to primary health care or behavioral health services or both, foster appropriate use of primary health care services, behavioral health services, prevent and control communicable disease and other health problems, provide emergency care for illness or injury, promote and provide optimum sanitary conditions for a safe school facility and school environment and provide educational and counseling opportunities for promoting and maintaining individual, family and community health.
Requirement:
Health Services will provide nurses in the schools (as funding allows) to ensure, access and appropriate use and/or referral to primary health care, behavioral services, prevent and control communicable disease and other health problems.
Goal:
Health services will collaborate with school nutrition program, local and state health agencies, mental health agencies (providers) and dental health to insure students nutritional, physical and emotional health needs are being met.
Required Activities:
· Health Services[m11] Plan
o Health services will provide as required by the Public Education Department and the Department of Health as necessary to include:
§ Vision
§ Auditory
§ Dental
§ Height/Weight
§ Heart, lung and blood pressure
§ Ear, nose and throat
o Immunization surveillance and reporting to PED and DOH
o Compliance letters to parents with needed immunization and administering of Tdap and HepB to secondary and middle school students.
o Students who are not properly immunized or exempted from immunization by NM Department of health will be referred to principal for disenrollment
o Emergency care for ill and injured students
o Provide health education for staff and students:
§ Puberty classes for 5th grade and as requested by teachers and/or staff
§ Dental health
§ General health
§ Social and emotional well-being including violence prevention.
o Collaborate with NM Medicaid Program to ensure that as many students as possible have access to physical, dental and mental health care.
o Participate as necessary with student IEP’s, SAT’s and 504 plans.
o Develop appropriate individual health plans to ensure that students with health needs affecting their academic progress have clearly communicated directions and accommodations that will help ensure academic success.
o Ensure that per NM 6.12.2.10 students with HIV/Aids have access to public education and their rights to privacy are protected.
· Other Activities
o Services provide a linkage to school and community health resources (e.g., primary care, public health, community healthy agencies and faith based groups, school-based health centers).
o Services include but are not limited to preventive services, behavioral healthy services, screenings and referrals; evaluations and assessments; first aid and emergency care; follow-up care; school safety; health education and ancillary services (e.g., speech therapy or physical therapy and/or occupational therapy).
o Services are provided in partnership with students, parents, staff and community.
o Health services professionals are provided professional development opportunities such as workshops, conventions and collaboration for the purpose of receiving the latest information, innovations and ideas in their field and implementing them in their areas of expertise.
o Health services programs shall strive to meet all reporting, record-keeping and confidentially requirements. Per the NM School health manual.
o Vision screenings will be conducted on all PRE K through third grade students enrolled in the district within the first two months of each school year. Referrals for further evaluation will be forwarded to parents by school nurses.
· Administration of medication:
· Per board policy Nurses oversee the administration and storage of student medicine including the monitoring of students who choose to carry and self administer emergency treatment medications per NMSA 6.12.2.9. regulatory guidelines.
·
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL WELLBEING
District Policy
The District will provide a program designed to ensure access or referral to assessments, interventions and other services to students, staff and families, providing support for their behavioral, emotional and social health, in compliance with Public Education requirements. The District will provide an environment in which students are able to request assistance when needed and provide a supportive school environment that links to community resources.
Definition:
Social and emotional well-being means services provided to maintain and/or improve student’ mental, emotional, behavioral and social healthy.
Requirement:
The wellness policy shall include a plan addressing the behavioral health needs of all students in the educational process by focusing on students’ social and emotional well-being.
Goal:
The goal of social and emotional well-being is to collaborate with students, parents, staff and community to influence student success by building awareness and promotion strategies to maintain and/or improve student mental health.
Activities:
The activities below are broken up into two components. Component one (I) includes the Public Education Department (PED) requirements that are outlines in the school district wellness policy rule (6.12.6.6 NMAC) The PED required activities are expected to be included in every wellness policy submitted to the PED. Component two (II) includes other activities each school healthy advisory council (Note: Taos Municipal Schools has titled their advisory council – Healthy School Environment Council) can create in addition to the requirements that are specific to the needs of the local school district.
· PED Required Activities:
o Guidelines for Social and Emotional Well-being
o Curriculum Goals
· Provide guidance counseling and content in a systematic way at all grade levels including need based and proactive classroom instruction.
· Taos schools provides Emotional Intelligence Education (EQ) at the secondary level to assist students with coping skills in responding and dealing with common adolescent stress factors.
o Responsive Services
· Taos Schools has partnerships with Non-Violence works, El Centro Health Services , Taos Help Outreach and other community providers for additional services for students in crisis or in need of additional supports. Each school site will establish procedures and identified personnel for the intake and referral of students in crisis or those needing further intervention services.
· In accordance with the district’s safety plan, a crisis response team is in place to address individual student crisis. The plan includes specific procedures and responsibilities for assessing and providing immediate intervention in the event of a possibility of suicide.
o System Support- Includes program and staff support activities and services (i.e., Student Assistant Team, 504’s, IEP, etc.)
· Taos School has licensed Psychologists, nurses, social workers, counselors, and teachers who provide tiered support for students. A referral system for accessing each of these persons will be established at each site by site based management teams and distributed to staff.
· Secondary schools have truancy coaches who are licensed teachers, social workers or counselors that monitor student attendance and intervene as appropriate and develop individual plans for habitual truants or students at risk of academic failure.
o Support Services for Students
o Special Education Students
If a special education student is having emotional and/or behavioral issues that are significant enough to be interfering with their ability to access the curriculum or maintain adequate progress towards goals. An IEP will be held in which a social work and/or psychological evaluation can be requested for the student. If eligible for services, a schedule of services will be developed based on the student’s specific needs. If it is appropriate, a Behavioral Management Plan (BIP) will also be developed to specifically delineate interventions, consequences and rewards that should be used to most effectively work with the student. The IEP team can also recommend that the student receive additional support services outside the school and assist the parent by making referrals to appropriate agencies.
o Regular Education Students
· If a regular education student is having emotional and/or behavioral issues that are significant enough that is interfering with their ability to perform academically there are resources available. The student can approach their counselor for support. If it is appropriate the counselor may contact the student’s parent to discuss the situation and can also make referrals to outside agencies. A Student Assistance Meeting can also be called by a parent and/or school personnel to assess the student’s needs and to make an appropriate intervention plan. The recommendations that result from such a meeting might include an assessment for whether the student meets the criteria for Special Education. The team might also recommend that the student be linked to support services outside of the school.
· Students with health needs that affect their academic performance or participation in school activities will be referred to the school nurse for the development of an Individual Health plan (IHP) or 504 plans that allow for maximum participation and academic success.
· Taos schools offers a GRADS program for students who are expecting or have young children. In this program students are able to maintain adequate progress in the curriculum while caring for children or preparing for birth.
· Per NMSA 22-12-3.1 Taos Schools grants up to 10 days excused absence for student parents for the birth of a child. Opportunities to make up work missed and maintain progress are available to student parents with a documented pregnancy or child birth within the semester.
o Behavioral Support Services for all Students
· Special education and regular education students have a variety of resources available to them to address emotional and behavioral problems. These include meeting with the vice principle to address conflicts with peers and meeting with the nurse for any health related concerns. Students can also access service from the on campus teen clinic given permission by their parent or if they are of age to seek support independently.
· Per NMSA 22-10A-32 all staff are trained annually on their responsibilities to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Reporting hotline numbers are posted throughout each school for staff reference.
· Per NMSA 22-5-4,4 Staff are required to report any suspected substance abuse on campus to site supervisors and are free from any liability in reporting such incidents
o System Support- Includes program and staff support activities and services (i.e., Student Assistant Team, 504’s, IEP, etc.)
· Taos School has licensed Psychologists, nurses, social workers, counselors, and teachers who provide tiered support for students, A referral system for accessing each of these persons will be established at each site by site based management teams and distributed to staff .
· Secondary schools have truancy coaches who are licensed teachers, social workers or counselors that monitor student attendance and intervene as appropriate and develop individual plans for habitual truants or students at risk of academic failure.
o Support Services for Students
o Special Education Students
· If a special education student is having emotional and/or behavioral issues that are significant enough to be interfering with their ability to access the curriculum or maintain adequate progress towards goals.. An IEP will be held in which a social work and/or psychological evaluation can be requested for the student. If eligible for services a schedule of services will be developed based on the student’s specific needs. If it is appropriate, a Behavioral Management Plan (BIP) will also be developed to specifically delineate interventions, consequences and rewards that should be used to most effectively work with the student. The IEP team can also recommend that the student receive additional support services outside the school and assist the parent by making referrals to appropriate agencies.
o Regular Education Students
· If a regular education student is having emotional and/or behavioral issues that are significant enough that is interfering with their ability to perform academically there are resources available. The student can approach their counselor for support. If it is appropriate the counselor may contact the student’s parent to discuss the situation and can also make referrals to outside agencies. A Student Assistance Meeting can also be called by a parent and/or school personnel to assess the student’s needs and to make an appropriate intervention plan. The recommendations that result from such a meeting might include an assessment for whether the student meets the criteria for Special Education. The team might also recommend that the student be linked to support services outside of the school.
· Students with health needs that affect their academic performance or participation in school activities will be referred to the school nurse for the development of an Individual Health plans (IHP) or 504 plans that allow for maximum participation and academic success.
· Taos schools offers a GRADS program for students who are expecting or have young children. In this program students are able to maintain adequate progress in the curriculum while caring for children or preparing for birth.
· Per NMSA 22-12-3.1 Taos Schools grants up to 10 days excused absence for student parents for the birth of a child. Opportunities to make up work missed and maintain progress are available to student parents with a documented pregnancy or child birth within the semester.
o Behavioral Support Services for all Students
· Special education and regular education students have a variety of resources available to them to address emotional and behavioral problems. These include meeting with the vice principle to address conflicts with peers and meeting with the nurse for any health related concerns. Students can also access service from the on campus teen clinic given permission by their parent or if they are of age to seek support independently.
· Per NMSA 22-10A-32 all staff are trained annually on their responsibilities to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Reporting hotline numbers are posted throughout each school for staff reference.
· Per NMSA 22-5-4,4 Staff are required to report any suspected substance abuse on campus to site supervisors and are free from any liability in reporting such incidents
STAFF WELLNESS
District Policy
The District values the health and wellbeing of every staff member and will provide opportunities for school staff to improve and promote the nutritional, physical, emotional and mental health of school employees as well as prevent disease and disability, contributing to healthier lifestyle.
The District will encourage each school site to have a staff wellness committee for their building. When feasible, staff may be allowed time to exercise on campus during non-contract time such as prior to arrival and after dismissal. The schools will be encouraged to provide in-service for employees and opportunity to take advantage of any wellness information and benefits that may be provided through their health insurance.
Definition:
Staff wellness means opportunities for school staff to improve their health status through activities such as health assessments, health education and health-related fitness activities. These opportunities encourage school staff to pursue a healthy lifestyle that contributes to their improved health status, improved morale and a greater personal commitment to the school’s overall coordinated school health approach.
A staff wellness program allows the staff to learn and practice skills to make personal decisions about health-enhancing daily habits.
Requirement:
The Healthy School Environment Policy shall include a plan addressing the staff wellness needs of all school staff that minimally insures an equitable work environment and meets the Americans with Disabilities Act, Part III.
Goal:
The goal of staff wellness is to promote activities for staff that are designed to promote the physical, emotional and mental health of school employees as well as to prevent disease and disability.
Activities:
· Guidelines for Staff Wellness
o Promote health assessments, health education and health related fitness activities making them to available to staff.
o Encourage staff to participate in New Mexico on the Move to increase physical activity.
o Promote the use of school facilities before and after school for physical activity.
o Create a plan to reduce stress and increase holistic wellness.
o Staff training on the American with Disabilities Act Part III and section 504
o Ensure that the rights to privacy for all HIV infected staff members are maintained and all related records are safe and confidential
o Collaborate with community organizations (Taos Community Wellness) to continually inform and update staff on holistic wellness.
o Encourage Town of Taos, Youth and Family Center, Northside Spa, Taos Spa and Tennis Club, and Curves to offer reduced pricing for school employees.
o Encourage Taos Country Club, Taos Ski Valley, Angel Fire Resort, Sipapu Ski Resort and Red River to provide discount prices to school employees.
o UNM-Taos, Northern New Mexico and Highlands offer physical activity classes (golf, skiing, fishing, fly fishing, hiking, rock climbing,) with minimal lab fees.
o Collaborate with NM Game and Fish, BLM and US Forest to provide reduced rates for recreational and outdoor activities.
o Implementation of annual health and wellness fair prior to the beginning of each school year.
· Principals at each school site are charged with the operational responsibility for ensuring that each school fulfills the district’s wellness policy .
· Other Activities:[m12]
o Increase community awareness of student health needs.
o Partner with community to support policies and programs.
o Review contracts with outside vendors that encourage healthful eating and reduction
of school/district dependence on profits from foods of little nutritional value.
MEASURING, IMPLEMENTATION AND EVALUATION
District Policy
The Superintendent through school principals and building administrators shall be responsible to ensure the school/building fulfils and adheres to the District’s Health School Environment Policy. The Superintendent, Student Nutrition Supervisor and Wellness committee chairman shall report annually to the Board on the status and implementation of the policy.
Implementation
§ The Taos Municipal Schools Wellness committee will:
o Monitor the implementation of this policy
o Evaluate progress of policy implementation
o Serve as a resource to school sites
o Recommend policy revisions as necessary.
o Report yearly to the Board of Education on the status and success of the policy and progress on pillar four of the district’s strategic plan
Evaluation
Evaluation plan will include the following components to assess policy:
§ Individual school assessment forms (checklist for all policy goals, with activities)
§ SNP monthly menus, meal counts and average daily participation (adp).
§ List of nutrition education programs and activities available throughout the school year.
§ List of physical activity programs and activities available throughout the school year.
§ Report from club, organizations and classes on success of healthy fundraiser or alternative fundraising activities.
§ Development of new assessments as policy implementation moves forward.
[m1]PED “Definition” template.
Both paragraphs
[m2]TMS policy statement
[m3] PED GuidanceTemplate Requirement
[m4]PEd Guidance Template Goal
[m5]PED Guidance Template
Re-written to include the PED definition.
Anthony Gutierrez and Trish Curren
[m6]PED Guidance Template
[m7]PED Guidance Template
[m8]PED Guidance Template – Required Activities
Anthony Gutierrez, Trish Curran
[m9]DUPLICATION –
PED Guidance Template
Community Involvement & PA
[m10]Mary Ann will do after template is complete.
[m11]PED Guidance Template – Required activities
Maria Medina, Betsy Martinez, All School nurses
[m12]Suggestions for PED. These can be used, but we can create our own.