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Wellness Policy Rationale F •` + <br /> ➢ Approximately 13% of school-age children are obese, and 15% are overweight. (2001✓ 1 <br /> Surgeon General's Report). <br /> ➢ Between 56-85% of school age children consume soda everyday. (J Am Diet Assoc.2003) <br /> ➢ 51% of school-age children consume less than one serving of fruits and vegetables a day. (J <br /> Am Diet Assoc. 2003) <br /> ➢ 84% of school-age children consume too much fat. (J Am Diet Assoc. 2003) <br /> 1 <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 with <br /> obesity. (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2000) <br /> Most high school students take only one year of physical education between grades 9 and <br /> 12 and less than a third of high school students attend physical education classes daily <br /> (NASPE 2001). One out of four children do not attend any school education classes (CDC <br /> 1999-2000) <br /> The research listed above presents an alarming reality for today's schools, communities, and <br /> families. The Mashpee School district acknowledges the vital need to provide a school <br /> environment that models health promotion and takes action to combat these rising health risks in <br /> children. <br /> Mission Statement <br /> The Mashpee Public School District is committed to providing school environments that promote <br /> and protect children's health, well-being, and ability to learn by supporting healthy eating and <br /> physical activity. Demonstrating commitment to the full development of our students and staff, <br /> the Mashpee School District endorses the following Wellness Policy developed by its Health <br /> Advisory Committee. This policy shall define the goals and means to further our students' <br /> understanding of the important role that good nutritional choices and physical activity will have on <br /> their lives. Central to this policy statement is the belief that success will be achieved from the <br /> combined efforts and encouragement of school staff and parents. We recognize wellness as a <br /> critical component to insure a student's academic performance. <br /> • The school district will engage students, parents, teachers, food service professionals, <br /> health professionals, and other interested community members in developing, <br /> implementing, monitoring and reviewing district-wide nutrition and physical activity <br /> policies. <br /> • All students in grades K-12 will have opportunities, support, and encouragement to be <br /> physically active on a regular basis. <br /> • Schools will provide nutrition education and physical education to foster lifelong habits of <br /> healthy eating and physical activity, and will establish linkages between health education <br /> and school meal programs, and with related community services. <br /> 58 <br />