Wellness Policy

Severe food allergies and childhood overweight/obesity rates are among children are on the rise, resulting in serious health complications for our students. The Child Nutrition and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Reauthorization Act required school districts to develop a local wellness policy. Part of that act also called for the formation of a local wellness policy committee. The local wellness policy committee made up of community members, parents, teachers and administrators, and with a mission of producing healthy world-class learners by building a connected learning community, met to develop the District 15 Wellness Policy Guidelines (English/Spanish).

Celebrations

Parents can find potential non-food ideas for celebrations, including birthdays, Halloween and Valentines Day on the district website. See Birthday Celebration Ideas (English/Spanish) for more information.

Snacks within the School Day

Food consumed within the classroom is discouraged. In the event that it becomes necessary for a classroom to schedule a "healthy snack" time on a daily basis, snacks high in fiber such as fresh fruits and vegetables and/or low in fat (less than 5 grams) and sugar are recommended. These snacks should be free of the 8 major food allergens: peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, soybeans, and wheat. Please contact your child’s school nurse with further questions. Avoid pre-packaged processed foods that are generally high in calories and fat and have little nutritional value. Limit portion sizes so that the snack does not become a substitute for a nutritious meal and can be eaten within a limited time period are also recommended.

Nutrition and Fitness Initiatives

Northwest Community Hospital has partnered with District 15 by contracting with Health World to enhance the nutrition education for all of our fourth grade students. Health World will be coming to our fourth grade classrooms to help nutrition become an established habit. Northwest Community Hospital is also working in conjunction with many of our local PTA's to establish Family Fitness Fairs during January and February.

Individualized Health Planning

Health Services staff members act as consultants and liaisons between the family, school staff, and healthcare provider. Individualized Health Plans are developed as needed to accommodate students with special health needs. For students with disabilities, the student's Individualized Health Plan may become part of the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan. All health information and recommendations are shared with staff on a need-to-know basis.

Health Information Survey

Completion of the Health Information Survey by the parent/guardian at registration assists the Health Services staff with safely meeting the health needs of students.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Confidentiality of student health records is maintained in accordance to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Illinois School Student Records Act (ISSRA).

Contact Us

The Health Services staff believes family is an essential part of good health. Your input is valued and welcome. Please stop by to ask questions, share thoughts, and exchange health information. We look forward to partnering with you.

Reference Board of Education School Policy, Section 6—Instruction: 6:50 School Wellness