ISVI Local Wellness Policy

Table of Contents

Preface…………………..…………………………….....……………………..1

Wellness Policy Committee……………………………………………..2

Wellness Policy Leadership…………………….………………………..2

Wellness Policy Committee Members………………………………2

Wellness Policy Committee Responsibilities…………………....3

Public Involvement……………………………………………...…………..3

Assessments.………………………………………………………………...…3

Updates………………….……………………………………………………….3

Records………….…………………………………….………………………….4

Nutrition……………………………………………………………………….….4

Nutrition Standards………………………………………………………….5

Nutrition Education and Promotion.....................................6

Marketing……………….………………………………………………………..7

Physical Activity………………………………………………………………..8 

Other Activities that Promote Wellness...………………………...10

Preface

In accordance with 7 CFR 210.31(c), a Local Education Agency that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and/or School Breakfast Program (SBP) must establish a Local School Wellness Policy for all facilities under its jurisdiction. As of June 30, 2017, Local Wellness Policies must meet the minimum requirements set forth in the Final Rule: Local School Wellness Policy Implementation Under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.

Local Wellness Policies are a valuable tool in the promotion of student health and wellness through the NSLP and SBP. Schools play an essential role in preparing students for successful future, proper nutrition and physical activity are key to creating constructive learning environments. Local Wellness Policies provide guidance to further support schools efforts to provide students with a successful and healthy future.

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Wellness Policy Committee

Wellness Policy Leadership

Aimee Veith - Superintendent
Contact: Aimee.Veith@illinois.gov

Wellness Policy Committee Members

Aimee Veith- Superintendent
Contact: Aimee.Veith@illinois.gov

Barbara Ballard- Assistant Superintendent
Contact: Barbara.Ballard@illinois.gov

Jasmine Wells- Principal
Contact: Jasmine.Wells@illinois.gov

Heather Staats- Principal
Contact: Heather.Staats@illinois.gov

Kayt Risley- Director of Health Services
Contact: Kaytlin.Risley@Illinois.gov

Jessica Van Ree- Dietary Manager
Contact: Jessica.Vanree@illinois.gov

Ken Mansell- Athletic Director
Contact: Kenneth.Mansell@illinois.gov

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Wellness Policy Committee Responsibilities

Public Involvement

Illinois School for the Visually Impaired permits and encourages public involvement in Local Wellness Policy development, implementation, updates, and reviews. Therefore, ISVI shall invite a variety of stakeholders within the general public to participate in Local Wellness Policy processes. Scheduled meetings will be posted on ISVI's website. We also encourage parents and students to participate in our school's annual Wellness Policy Town Hall.

Assessments

Under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, assessments of the Local Wellness Policy must occur no less than every three years. ISVI shall conduct assessments of the Local Wellness Policy every three years, beginning in 2010 and occurring every 3 years thereafter. These assessments will:

  • Ensure the wellness policy is compliant with USDA, State, and Local rules and regulations
  • Compare the ISVI's wellness policy to model wellness policies
  • Measure the progress made in achieving the goals as outlined in the ISVI's wellness policy
  • Complete the WellSAT-1 and Smarter Lunchrooms Scorecard annually

Updates

The Wellness Policy Committee must update the Local Wellness Policy as appropriate in order to fit the needs and goals of the school. ISVI shall make the following available to the public:

  • The Local Wellness Policy, including any updates to the policy, on a yearly basis
  • The triennial assessment, including progress toward meeting the goals outlined in the wellness policy
  • ISVI will actively notify the public about the content of or any updates to the wellness policy annually, through either email, school newsletter or displaying notices on the district's website.

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2024-2025 Goals:

Goal 1: Warrior store will provide smart snack options during the 2024-2025 school year.

Goal 2: Provide a nutrition newsletter to families at the start of each quarter.

Goal 3: Host a townhall for parents regarding the policy annually.

Goal 4: Provide nutrition education for all student during STRIVE once a semester.
Goal 5: Students will use the nutrition education received during STRIVE to select a family style meal each semester. The students will take turns planning, setting tables, serving, and cleaning up.

Goal 6: A new entrée taste test is offered at least once a year.

Goal 7: Residential students will order out no more than twice a week, with one being a smart meal choice.

Records

ISVI shall maintain record of the Local Wellness Policy. This includes keeping a copy of the current wellness policy on file and maintaining documentation of the following actions:

  • The most recent assessment of the policy
  • Availability of the wellness policy and assessments to the public
  • Reviews and revisions of the policy, including the individuals involved and the efforts made to notify stakeholders of their ability to participate in the process

Nutrition

ISVI recognizes the important role nutrition plays in physical and mental growth and development as well as overall quality of life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 18.5 percent of the nation's youth was considered obese in 2015-16. This percentage increased 1.3 percent when compared to the previous year. Conversely, 15.7 percent of American families experienced food hardship in 2017. Through participation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's School Nutrition Programs, ISVI commits to serving nutritious meals to adolescents in order to prevent both overconsumption of nutrient-poor foods and food insecurity to give adolescents the best chance to succeed inside and outside the school.

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Nutrition Standards

Meals

All reimbursable meals served for the purposes of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) must meet or exceed USDA nutrition standards and regulations. This includes meeting standards for each of the meal pattern components for lunch (i.e., Grains, Meat/Meat Alternates, Fruits, Vegetables, and Milk) and breakfast (i.e., Milk, Grains, and Fruit) as well as meeting or exceeding the limitations set for calories, sodium, saturated fat, and trans-fat.

Competitive Foods

All competitive foods and beverages sold must comply with the USDA Smart Snacks in Schools nutrition standards (7 CFR 210.31(c)(3)(iii)). Competitive foods and beverages refer to those that are sold to students outside the reimbursable meal on the school campus (i.e., locations on the campus that are accessible to students) during the school day (i.e., the midnight before to 30 minutes after the end of the school day). This includes, but is not limited to, vending machine and à la carte items.

  • Vending machines are not available for student purchases during school hours
  • All snacks served to students are on the approved Smart Snacks list

Other Foods and Beverages

The following policy refers to all foods and beverages provided, but not sold to students. ISVI will limit the use of food as a reward or as part of a celebration. Providing alternatives to food as a reward promotes healthier habits by reducing exposure to less nutritious food items and, therefore, the amount of calorie-dense food items consumed (e.g., cakes, cookies, candy, etc.). This helps students develop improved food preferences and hunger cues to carry them throughout life. Instead, ISVI will implement the following methods for rewards and celebrations:

  • Warrior Bucks
  • Gift Cards
  • Healthy food choices during celebrations/parties
  • Fun alternatives to food-field day, outings
  • Verbal praise

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Prohibited Food and Drinks

  • Energy Drinks

Food Sharing Plan

ISVI will incorporate a food sharing plan for unused food. The plan will focus on providing food for our needy students. ISVI will adhere to the provisions of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, as well as accompanying guidance for the U.S. Department of Agriculture on the Food Donation Program, to ensure that any leftover food items are properly donated to combat potential food insecurity in our community. In addition to following public act 102-0359, we will also follow all IDHS administrative directives for leftover food donations.

Fundraisers

All fundraisers promoting food and/or beverage items that are held on the ISVI campus during the school day must meet Smart Snacks nutrition standards.

ISVI shall also utilize non-food fundraisers to promote healthy habits and well-being. We have the following non-food fundraising ideas:

  • Warrior Gear Activewear (clothing)
  • Warrior Gear materials and supplies (cups, blankets, etc.)
  • Flower and plant sales

Nutrition Education

ISVI shall make menus available through the following platforms:

  • On the ISVI website
  • In the students google classroom account
  • A copy posted in preferred media in the dorms
  • During the morning announcements

ISVI shall incorporate nutrition education posters and other resources throughout the dietary department from the following resources:

  • USDA Team Nutrition
  • My Plate
  • Dairy Council

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Cooking Classes

All classes that offer food during the educational day will be mindful of calorie-dense meal preparations and will educate students on total daily caloric intake. The Meal Planning Prep class will follow the most up to date NSLP guidelines and provide all components needed for a well-rounded healthy lunch. Educators will notify Residential Supervisors and the Dietary Manager with their class lists and meal plans. This will help Dietary staff reduce food waste and Residential staff know where students will be eating lunch.

Other Celebrations

Staff are discouraged from bringing any outside food onto campus for student consumption. This includes any food used as motivators or for celebrations. Parents may provide snacks for their child to be eaten in the dorms and monitored by staff. Celebrations that focus only on food are highly discouraged. Staff should also remember to set a good example for our students.

Smarter Lunchrooms Movement

The Smarter Lunchrooms Movement uses behavioral economics to positively influence food choices made by children. The evidence-based techniques implemented through the Movement have been proven to increase children's consumption of nutritious foods. ISVI shall participate in the Smarter Lunchrooms Movement by utilizing the Smarter Lunchrooms 60-point Scorecard strategies. ISVI shall implement the following Smarter Lunchrooms techniques:

  • At least two kinds of fruit offered daily
  • Raw vegetables are paired with a low-fat dip
  • Premade salads are offered daily
  • A taste test of a new entrée is offered at least once a year
  • The lunch menu is part of the daily announcements
  • A weekly menu is posted to the ISVI website
  • Unique fruit and vegetable taste test at least once a year

Marketing

ISVI will prohibit the marketing and advertising of all foods and beverages that do not meet Smart Snacks nutrition standards on campus (i.e. locations on the campus that are accessible to the patrons) during the school day (i.e. the midnight before to 30 minutes after the end of the school day). The marketing standards described above apply, but are not limited to, oral, written, and graphic statements made for promotional purposes. Items subject to marketing requirements include, but are not limited to, posters, menu boards, vending machines, coolers, trash cans, and other equipment. This policy does not require organizations to immediately replace equipment that does not meet this requirement; however, the organization shall implement these standards as equipment needs replaced in the future.

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Physical Activity

Physical activity is a key component of the health and well-being of all adolescents. Physical activity lowers the risk for certain diseases, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. ISVI recognizes this connection and is committed to promoting and providing opportunities for physical activity. ISVI's Physical Education Program provides opportunities for students to gain current knowledge of physical fitness facts, healthy living practices, leisure time pursuits, stress management techniques, independent fitness skills, and to receive instruction in the skills necessary for successful participation in activities necessary for optimum health and physical efficiency.

ISVI includes the following physical activity opportunities each day:

  • Improve self-esteem, self-confidence and interpersonal skills
  • Improve and develop social skills, communication, and advocating for themselves
  • Have the confidence and ability to establish and reach fitness goals
  • Be confident, comfortable and have the ability to independently set and retain a healthy exercise/healthy fitness plan.
  • Gain a sense of belonging through teamwork
  • Develop self-confident to become independent, understanding the benefits of and living a healthy lifestyle/program.
  • Prepare to embrace cooperation and competition
  • Handle adversity through winning and losing
  • Learn self-discipline and accountability
  • Improve problem solving skills and increase creativity
  • Develop an understanding of the role of physical activity in promoting health
  • Understanding the value of good nutrition and exercise
  • Enhance social and cognitive development and academic achievement

At ISVI, all of our State and National Physical Education learning standards are being met through a wide range of activities throughout the year.

Various programs are implemented throughout the year for the various ages/levels of our students.

While different assessments are done at various levels (Pre-K, Elementary, Middle School, High School, and 5th year), ISVI also utilizes the Fitness Gram and Brockport fitness assessments twice a year. A yearly report/summary is then sent to local BOE's and the State as required in April.

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Assisting in the development of our students, we use programs i.e.:

  • Heart Rate Monitors
  • Immediate feedback / understanding data, setting and reaching goals
  • IHT . Interactive Health Technologies
  • Interactive software - for assessment, development, and growth / aligned with 504/IEP goals and objectives
  • C.A.T.C.H. Program
  • Leader in Me
  • Pangrazzi & Lieberman (curriculum/assessments/physiology)
  • SPARK (curriculum/assessments)
  • OPEN (curriculum/assessments)
  • Fitness for Life
  • ACES Program
  • Fuel Up / Play 60
  • IAHPERD / SHAPE
  • State and National Physical Fitness Professional Organizations

The following opportunities for participation in community-based physical activity opportunities shall be offered to students each year:

  • ISVI works in collaboration/partnership with the local schools and community.
  • Formed athletic Co-ops with local schools
  • ISD - Bowling, Wrestling, and Swimming
  • Routt - Wrestling
  • JHS - joint practices Swimming and Wrestling
  • interaction, relationships, development
  • Illinois College - Swimming / Academics
  • Academics - active students
  • interactions/development
  • Work together with local businesses
  • Work Study Program
  • Partnerships with local Fire and Police Departments
  • Join classes, interactive lessons, and lunch programs

Staff members shall promote and encourage students to participate in physical activity opportunities and ISVI shall provide safe facilities and equipment to support physical activity efforts. In addition to providing various opportunities for physical activity on both a daily and annual basis, ISVI will not withhold participation in physical activity opportunities as punishment.

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Other Activities that Promote Wellness

ISVI's wellness approach must be comprehensive in its intent to provide students with the tools they need to live a healthy lifestyle. In order to further establish positive behaviors related to nutrition, physical activity, and health, ISVI is committed to making additional wellness-based activities available to all students.

ISVI shall offer coordinated events that promote wellness in order to support overall health. The following events shall be organized and promoted each year:

  • Class sponsored 5K run/walk at ISVI
  • 5K run/walk at ISD
  • Leader in Me Program
  • Memorial 5K run/walk in Mattoon
  • Mindfulness Challenge
  • Increased wellness challenges in the dorms
  • Water Bottle Conservation Challenge in the classrooms
  • Students keep track of how many water bottles have been saved per the new water fountains by increasing water intake.
  • Life Beyond ISVI
  • New project to promote independence skills beyond ISVI.
  • Involvement in School Programs
  • School Music/Arts Program
  • Plays, Concerts, Musical and Talent, Shows, etc.
  • Art and Braille Challenge
  • Athletics

Track, Goalball, Cheerleading, Wrestling, Bowling, Forensics, Swimming

  • School Recreation Program
  • Monthly activities set by Program Director

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