CIVICORPS
LOCAL SCHOOL WELLNESS POLICY
1. Purpose
Civicorps prioritizes wellness and proper nutrition, recognizing that it directly correlates to physical
well-being, growth, development, and readiness to learn of both staff and students. Civicorps is
committed to providing an environment that promotes wellness, proper nutrition, mindfulness, and
regular physical activity to sustain and advance achievement.
2. Authority
To ensure the health and well-being of all students and staff, Civicorps shall provide:
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A nutrition program consistent with federal and state requirements.
Mindfulness practices incorporated into each day for staff and students.
Physical education opportunities provided for staff and students in school, in the job training
program, and through planned weekend activities.
3. Delegation
The Food Program Coordinator shall be responsible to monitor Civicorps to ensure overall
compliance with this policy, related policies and established guidelines.
The Local School Wellness Policy will be available to both staff and students at Civicorps, and the
public.
All members of the Civicorps community are invited to share recommendations and feedback for
policy and/or program revisions and suggestions for improvement in specific areas.
4. Guidelines
Health Education
The goal of health education is to teach, encourage and support healthy eating and lifestyle by students
and staff. Advocating and emphasizing health and nutrition increases readiness for learning and student
achievement.
The Health & Wellness course is required for all students and shall provide students with the knowledge
and skills needed to lead healthy lives.
Health education shall be integrated into other subjects to complement the link between healthy minds
and bodies.
Lifelong healthy habits shall be reinforced by linking nutrition and physical activity.
Consistent nutrition messages from staff shall be expressed throughout the classroom, job training
center, job training sites, and out-of-school trips.
Case Counselors shall work with students one-on-one to focus on mental and physical health concerns
while fostering positive relationships and making connections to outside resources when applicable.
In partnership with Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP), students and staff will learn positive
communication skills and teambuilding.
An annual Health Summit is planned by Civicorps based on student feedback that provides opportunities
to learn more about nutrition, sexual education, financial awareness, and mental health services.
Physical Activity
Civicorps strives to provide opportunities for physical activity during the school and work day as well as
outside of the school day for all students. These physical activities are provided to achieve optimal
health, wellness, fitness, and performance benefits.
Physical activity opportunities, such as the Seven Minute Workout and yoga in Health & Wellness class;
Physical Training at the beginning of the work day and the physical labor of land management projects;
the Physical Education seminar; and weekend trips including but not limited to sea kayaking, crosscountry skiing, hiking, and white-water rafting are all provided to meet the needs and interests of all
students and to engage them in movement and exposure to fun physical activities.
A physical and social environment that encourages safe and enjoyable activity for all students is always
maintained.
Extended periods of student inactivity, two (2) hours or more, is discouraged.
Physical activity is not used as a form of punishment.
Nutrition & Meal Service
Civicorps shall provide adequate space for eating and serving school meals.
Students shall be provided a clean and safe meal environment.
Students shall be provided adequate time to eat: (45) minutes sit-down time for lunch.
Drinking water shall be available at all meal periods and throughout the school day.
Students shall have access to hand washing or sanitizing before and after meals and snacks.
Nutrition content of school meals shall be available to students.
Food shall not be used as a reward or punishment.
Nutrition Guidelines
All foods available at Civicorps during the school day shall be offered to students with consideration for
promoting student health and wellness.
Foods provided through the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs shall comply with
federal nutrition standards under the School Meals Initiative.
Competitive foods are defined as foods offered or sold at school other than through the National School
Lunch or School Breakfast Programs and include snacks and beverages available a la carte; in vending
machines; school store; fundraisers; classroom parties; holiday celebrations; and food from home.
When staff and/or students provide food options beyond the meal program, they are encouraged to be
mindful of the Civicorps Wellness Policy and our commitment to healthy living.
There will be no food advertisements or marketing materials displayed at the Academy, Job Training
Center, vehicles, or other property owned or operated by Civicorps.
Mindfulness
Civicorps shall incorporate opportunities for mindfulness practices, recognizing that the mental health of
students and staff is essential to academic and professional achievement.
Mindful Minutes will be held at the beginning of each day during morning circle for the Learning
Academy and at the Job Training Center, Monday-Thursday, and at community meeting on Fridays.
Mindful Minutes will be held at the beginning of each academic class, and each staff meeting.
An opportunity for 20 minute meditation will be offered one time each week for Academy staff and
students.
Community Expectations
Civicorps shall provide appropriate training to all staff on the components of the Student Wellness
Policy.
Goals of the Student Wellness Policy will be considered in planning all school based activities.
Administrators, teachers, food service personnel, students, and community members are to serve as
positive role models through programs, communications, events, and trips.
Civicorps will review and assess the alignment of the Wellness Policy each year, and at a minimum every
three years, to ensure goals are being met and the extent to which it compares to other local schools.