Students at St. Francis of Assisi School in Springfield, PA learned about proper hand washing and the role it plays in the prevention of colds and Flu during National Hand Washing Week. Proper hand washing is an important part of student Wellness.

To find out what schools are doing to create a healthier school environment, check out the latest School Wellness in Action.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia recognizes that student wellness, proper nutrition, and regular physical activity are related to a student's physical well-being, growth, development, and readiness to learn. It also recognizes that schools can provide an environment in which students can learn about and participate in positive dietary and lifestyle practices. The Archdiocese is committed to providing a healthy school environment that promotes these concepts as part of the education of the whole child.

The Archdiocesan School Wellness Policy addresses the nutrient content of food at school, nutrition education, physical activity, and other environmental factors that promote a healthy school environment.

Create "safe and adequate" environments in which the children can eat and do physical activities.

Train staff on the policy, nutrition, and physical activity. (Healthy Faculty Rooms, Healthy Staff Meetings)

Incorporate healthy messages in and out of the classroom. (Constructive Classroom Rewards)

Provide healthy foods at school celebrations and classroom events. (Healthy Celebrations)

Educate parents about the Policy and provide nutrition information for food sold at school.

Encourage school staff to serve as role models for physical activity.

Incorporate physical activity breaks during classroom hours. (Classroom Physical Activity)

Sell only the vended and a la carte foods and beverages that support the Policy goals. (Selling Food at School)

Engage families and the community by providing them with nutrition education and resources. (Encouraging Community Involvement)

Partner with the community to establish programs that support physical activity.

Provide a comprehensive curriculum to promote life-long skills and knowledge about nutrition and physical activity.

Incorporate the goals of the Policy when planning all school-based activities.

Submit all fundraisers to the administration for approval, and ensure all efforts are consistent with the goals of the Policy. (Healthy Fundraising Information, Healthy Fundraising Flyer)

Create a learning laboratory through the cooperation of school food service and nutrition education classes. (Making the Cafeteria Connection, Lunchroom Learning Ideas)

Use the Policy to determine the type of foods students may bring from home. (Healthy Snacks- Flyer, Healthy Snacks- Flyer for Parents, Healthy Lunches)

For more information about the School Wellness Policy, contact Allison Greene at agreene@ndsarch.org.