Updates to Our School Wellness Policy

Oakridge Public Schools today announced the approval of updates to its comprehensive school wellness policy, reaffirming its commitment to fostering a healthier environment for students and staff. These enhancements, driven by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) triennial assessment requirements for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP), focus on promoting healthy nutrition, increased physical activity, and overall well-being.

Working diligently to meet and exceed USDA guidelines, Oakridge Public Schools utilized the WellSAT Self-Assessment Tool to evaluate existing wellness initiatives and Board policies. The District Wellness Committee, comprised of dedicated parents who also serve on the Sex Education Advisory Board, reviewed the findings and provided valuable recommendations. These recommendations were then presented to and approved by the Board of Education.

"The health and well-being of our students and staff are paramount," said Tom Livezey, Superintendent. "These policy updates reflect our ongoing dedication to creating a supportive environment that encourages healthy choices every day."

Key changes to the wellness policy include:

• Prioritizing Fresh, Local Foods: Whenever possible, school meals will feature fresh, locally grown foods from farms committed to sustainable practices, with these healthy options actively promoted in cafeterias.
• Modern Nutrition Education: Nutrition education benchmarks will now incorporate a focus on traditional and social media platforms, addressing food marketing and developing essential literacy strategies.
• Encouraging Active Role Models: School staff members are encouraged to model healthy eating and physical activity behaviors. Each school will also be encouraged to develop comprehensive physical activity programs, allowing staff to participate in or lead activities with students throughout the school day.
• Supporting Staff Well-being: The district may implement employee wellness programs in each building to address the unique wellness needs of school staff.
• Smart Snack Compliance: The sale of foods and beverages to students during the school day that do not meet USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans and USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards is prohibited. This applies to vending machines, which will only be operable outside of school hours. (Note: This prohibition does not apply to special occasion treats or "donut be absent" days promoting our "Show Up." campaign, though healthy habits are always encouraged.)

The official updated wellness policy will be posted on the Oakridge Public Schools website this summer.

Special thanks to the co-leaders who guided this vital process:

• Gina Hojnacki - Middle School Health Teacher and Sex Education Advisory Board Supervisory
• Nick Lazo - District Food Service Director
• Tom Livezey - Superintendent and Director of Academic Programs