Lincoln Academy Wellness Policy

“The Health of Body and Mind is Forever”
Local Wellness Policy

Lincoln Academy recognizes that student wellness and good nutrition are related to students’ physical and psychological well-being and their readiness to learn. Lincoln Academy is committed to creating a healthy school environment that enhances the development of lifelong wellness practices to promote healthy eating and physical activity.

NUTRITION
Nutrition Education

• All students 9-12 will receive nutrition education that teaches the knowledge and skills needed to adopt healthy eating behaviors and is aligned with the Federal statutes, state of Maine laws, and the Maine Learning Results.
• Nutrition education will be a core piece of the health education curriculum.

Nutrition Promotion

• Nutrition information and education will be encouraged throughout the school campus including, but not limited to, school dining areas and classrooms.
• Faculty and staff will be encouraged to model and emphasize good eating habits through their own practices.
• The Lincoln Academy Dining Commons will provide an attractive menu and announcements to encourage individuals to choose healthy food item(s).

Nutrition Standards

• Lincoln Academy will offer school meal programs with menus exceeding the meal patterns and nutrition standards established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and compliant with all Smart Snacks calculator. Lincoln Academy will encourage students to make food choices based on the most current Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
• Food and beverages that compete with Lincoln Academy’s policy of promoting a healthy school environment will be discouraged.
• Lincoln Academy is encouraged to continually evaluate vending policies and contracts. Vending contracts that do not meet the intent and purpose of this policy shall be modified accordingly or not renewed.
• Lincoln Academy should encourage healthy school parties.
• Notices will be sent home to parents/guardians either separately or as part of a school newsletter, reminding them of the necessity of providing healthy snacks for students. Food will not be used as a reward for academic performance or good behavior.
• Lincoln Academy will encourage the use of non food items for sale during fundraisers.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Physical Education and Physical Activity Opportunities

• Lincoln Academy will offer physical education opportunities that include the components of a quality physical education program.
• Physical education will equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for lifelong physical activity.
• Lincoln Academy staff and faculty will neither deny nor require physical activity as a means of punishment.
• All Lincoln Academy students will have the opportunity and be encouraged to participate regularly in physical activities, to maintain physical fitness, and understand the short and long-term benefits of a physically active and healthy lifestyle.

Physical Education Curriculum:

Lincoln Academy will encourage and implement a quality physical education program that addresses the following:

• Is aligned with Maine Learning Results/State Guidelines 9-12.
• Integrates physical education topics into the curriculum when appropriate.
• Influences personal and social skill development.
• Ensures all physical education teachers are trained in best practice physical education methods and hold valid certification from the state of Maine.
• Keeps all students involved in purposeful activity for the majority of the class period.
• Strives to build students’ confidence and competence in their physical abilities.
• Includes students of all abilities.

Opportunity to Learn:

• Lincoln Academy will provide facilities to implement the curriculum for the number of students served.
• Lincoln Academy will provide enough functional equipment for each student to actively participate.
• Lincoln Academy should consider providing opportunities for some type of physical activity for all students in grades 9-12 apart from physical education class and organized sports. Examples include before and after school extracurricular physical activity programs.

OTHER INITIATIVES
Maintaining Student Wellness

• Students can learn healthy lifestyle habits by observing the food and physical activity patterns of school personnel and other adults who serve as role models in their lives. Therefore, all adults in the school environment are encouraged to make healthy food choices and engage in regular physical activity.
• Lincoln Academy may implement other appropriate programs that help create a school environment that conveys consistent wellness messages and is conducive to healthy eating and physical activity.

Policy Management

• The students, staff and community will be informed and updated about “The Health of Body and
  Mind is Forever,” the Wellness Policy at Lincoln Academy.
• Lincoln Academy shall work through its Wellness Team and staff to find no, or low cost ways to encourage staff wellness.
• A sustained effort is necessary to implement and enforce this policy. The Team will measure how well this policy is being implemented, managed, and enforced.
• The Wellness Team shall report to the Board of Trustees and Head of School as requested, on Lincoln Academy’s programs and efforts to meet the purpose and intent of this policy.
• Policy will be included in the student, faculty, and employee handbooks. This policy will be periodically reviewed and updates made as needed.

Reviewed 6/2024