Wellness Policy

Wellness Policy - Holy Spirit School - Catholic Diocese of Columbus

WELLNESS
Catholic schools recognize that educating the whole child spiritually,

academically, physically, socially, and emotionally is essential. Similarly, wellness education
must be multi-dimensional and encompass all the same areas in order to promote
ultimate health. Catholic schools aid this emphasis on total wellness by embracing
the reverence for life, self-respect, and respect for others.

The primary goal of nutrition education is to impact eating behaviors positively.
Nutrition Education:

1. Wellness objectives concerning nutrition are supported through the Diocesan
Health Course of Study (2005) grade-level indicators relating to diet, nutrition, and
exercise. Additionally, similar grade-level indicators are included in the Science
Course of Study (2010).
2. Nutrition guidelines, food pyramids, charts, suggestions for healthy food choices,
and other messages that support wise food choices will be displayed in or near the
cafeteria as well as in classrooms during the nutrition unit of instruction.
3. Snack breaks, if applicable, will be scheduled as necessary to maintain energy
levels. Additionally, school policy will outline what types of healthy snacks may be
eaten during this time.

The primary purpose of Physical Education is to promote physical fitness and to
have students develop habits that will be beneficial throughout their lives.
Physical Education:

1. Physical fitness is supported through the Diocesan Physical Education Course of
Study (2010).
2. All elementary students and the designated grade levels in high school shall
participate in Physical Education.
3. All appropriate grade levels will have scheduled recess times.
4. Discipline should not include loss of recess time except in rare instances.
5. Students will be encouraged to participate in school and community sports
programs and to be physically active outside of school.

The school has activities in which both nutrition and physical education are inherent
parts of the activities. Therefore, the school must be mindful of these connections
when planning activities.

School-Based Activities

1. The Religion Course of Study (2006) supports reverence for life, self-respect,
and respect for others, which are foundational concepts of wellness. All school-based
activities aide also rooted in these Religion Course of Study concepts.
2. The school should use food in limited ways as a reward for behavior, and
minimize sugary treats for classroom celebrations,
3. Schools are encouraged to consider healthy food or non-food fundraisers.
4. Parents, students, and the school community should be updated annually
regarding the content and implementation of the policy.
5. Teachers will be offered professional development in nutrition as is needed, and
in physical activities that might be appropriate to incorporate in the classroom.
All schools with a lunch program must follow nutritional guidelines.

Nutrition Guidelines

1. School lunch programs must follow nutritional guidelines established by the Ohio
Department of Education, Office of Child Nutrition Services, and Federal School
Lunch Guidelines,
2. School lunch periods will be scheduled so as to provide nourishment within a
reasonable time frame from the start of the school day.
3. Schools should evaluate food and beverage products sold and determine
nutritional guidelines for all foods and beverages that are available.
4. Drinking fountains are available in all buildings.
All schools are required to periodically measure and evaluate the implementation of
their wellness policy.

Measurement and Evaluation:

1. The policy shall be reviewed regularly to evaluate school-wide compliance and
effectiveness.
2. Based on the regular reviews, the school will determine any revisions necessary
to support wellness in the school.
6. Whenever applicable, students could monitor wellness through activities such as
monitoring their heart rate, or keeping a food and/or exercise journal.

Office of Catholic Schools Catholic Diocese of Columbus
Adopted 8/06; Reviewed 8/11; Revised 8/12

This wellness policy is reviewed on a regular basis. Parents and other stakeholders interested in participating in the development, review, update, and implementation of the Local School Wellness Policy should contact the school office at [email protected].

Latest Review Date: 11/2022
Findings:  Unavailable at this time. Will be posted when available.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.