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Wellness Policy Rationale <br /> Approximately 13% of school-age children are obese, and 15% are overweight. (2001 <br /> Surgeon General's Report). <br /> ➢ Between 56-85% of school age children consume soda everyday. <br /> (J Am Diet Assoc.2003) <br /> ➢ 51% of school-age children consume less than one serving of fruits and vegetables a <br /> day. (J Am Diet Assoc. 2003) <br /> ➢ 84% of school-age children consume too much fat. (J Am Diet Assoc. 2003) <br /> ➢ Among children of varying ages, 8 to 45% (depending on geographic region) of newly <br /> diagnosed cases of childhood diabetes are Type 2, non insulin dependent associated <br /> with obesity. (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2000) <br /> ➢ Most high school students take only one year of physical education between grades 9 <br /> and 12 and less than a third of high school students attend physical education classes <br /> daily (NASPE 2001). One out of four children do not attend any school education <br /> classes (CDC 1999-2000) <br /> The research listed above presents an alarming reality for today's schools, communities, and families. <br /> The Mashpee School district acknowledges the vital need to provide a school environment that models <br /> health promotion and takes action to combat these rising health risks in children. <br /> Mission Statement <br /> The Mashpee Public School District is committed to providing school environments that promote and <br /> protect children's health, well-being, and ability to learn by supporting healthy eating and physical <br /> activity. Demonstrating commitment to the full development of our students and staff, the Mashpee <br /> School District endorses the following Wellness Policy developed by its Health Advisory Committee. <br /> This policy shall define the goals and means to further our students' understanding of the important <br /> role that good nutritional choices and physical activity will have on their lives. Central to this policy <br /> statement is the belief that success will be achieved from the combined efforts and encouragement of <br /> school staff and parents. We recognize wellness as a critical component to insure a student's academic <br /> performance. <br /> • The school district will engage students, parents, teachers, food service <br /> professionals, health professionals, and other interested community members in <br /> developing, implementing, monitoring and reviewing district-wide nutrition and <br /> physical activity policies. <br /> • All students in grades K-12 will have opportunities, support, and encouragement to <br /> be physically active on a regular basis. <br /> • Schools will provide nutrition education and physical education to foster lifelong <br /> habits of healthy eating and physical activity, and will establish linkages between <br /> health education and school meal programs, and with related community services. <br /> 59 <br />