Did you know that we are required by law to have a wellness policy?

RSU 20 implements a wellness policy for all schools in the district that we review each year in light of improvements. Here’s why:

On July 8, 2011, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued memo SP 42-2011: Child Nutrition Re-authorization 2010: Local School Wellness Policies, outlining the new guidelines for the local school wellness policies as established by Section 204 of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.

This federal legislation requires each school district that participates in the National School Lunch Program to establish a local school wellness policy for all schools under its jurisdiction. RSU 20 is such a district.

Guidelines change from time to time, especially around nutrition, promotion and accountability. New requirements that became effective in the fall of 2012 now require that the local school wellness policy, at a minimum, include:

• Goals for nutrition promotion* and education, physical activity, and other school based-activities that promote student wellness;
•      Nutrition guidelines for all foods and beverages available on school campus during the school day;
• Requirements that Stakeholders be provided opportunities to participate in the development, implementation*, and periodic review and update* of the wellness policy;
•  A plan for measuring effectiveness, that is measured periodically and that the assessment is made available to the public;*
• Public notification informing and updating the public (parents, students, and others in the community) periodically about the content and implementation of the local school wellness policy;*
•  Local designation must include one or more local education agency officials or school officials to ensure that each school complies* with the local school wellness policies.

*These are new requirements.

RSU 20 recognizes its responsibility to provide a healthy learning environment by supporting wellness, good nutrition and regular physical activity. Our policies promote life-long wellness behaviors and links healthy nutrition and exercise to students' overall physical well-being. Healthy eating behaviors and regular physical activity are essential for students to achieve their full academic and life potential.

The District also supports staff wellness behaviors, linking life-long healthy nutrition and exercise to overall health, job performance and a positive work environment.

Our policies are attached here, for your reference: