PUTNAM COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
2013 – 2014
EVALUATION OF DISTRICT WELLNESS
POLICY AND PROCEDURES
200 SOUTH SEVENTH ST.
PALATKA, FL 32177
Table of Contents
Table of Contents .....................................................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................................................4
NUTRITION AND HEALTH EDUCATION PROCEDURES: ...............................................................................................5
Health and Nutrition Education ..................................................................................................................................... 5
Integrating Nutrition Education into Existing Curricula.............................................................................................. 5
Professional Development for Teachers and Staff.................................................................................................... 5
After School Programs .................................................................................................................................................... 5
Cafeteria Based Nutrition Education ........................................................................................................................... 6
PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: ......................................................................................................6
Sequential Physical Education ....................................................................................................................................... 6
Daily Recess ...................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Physical Activity and Punishment ................................................................................................................................... 7
Incorporating Physical Activity Into The Classroom ................................................................................................... 7
Professional Development for Teachers ...................................................................................................................... 7
Safe Routes to Schools .................................................................................................................................................... 7
Physical Activity and School Events .............................................................................................................................. 8
After School Programs .................................................................................................................................................... 8
SCHOOL MEALS: .....................................................................................................................................................................9
Nutrition Standards.......................................................................................................................................................... 9
Breakfast ........................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Special Dietary Needs.................................................................................................................................................... 9
Scheduling Meal Times .................................................................................................................................................... 9
OTHER FOOD AND BEVERAGES IN SCHOOL: ............................................................................................................. 10
Nutrition Standards....................................................................................................................................................... 10
Food and Beverage Vending ..................................................................................................................................... 10
Incentive, Rewards, and Punishment .......................................................................................................................... 10
Fundraising ..................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Early Childhood Education .......................................................................................................................................... 11
After School Programs ................................................................................................................................................. 11
FOODS BROUGHT TO SCHOOL: ...................................................................................................................................... 11
Food Safety ................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Celebrations ................................................................................................................................................................... 11
STAFF WELLNESS:…………………………………………………………………………………………..12
Establish a District Committee ..................................................................................................................................... 12
Encourage Staff as Role Models ................................................................................................................................ 12
Coordinating Staff Wellness with School Initiatives ............................................................................................... 12
Develop Partnerships with Community ...................................................................................................................... 13
Collaborate with District’s Insurance Provider ......................................................................................................... 13
Community Involvement ................................................................................................................................................ 13
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COMMUNICATION:………………………………………………………………………………………...13
Food Marketing in Schools .......................................................................................................................................... 13
Communication with Parents........................................................................................................................................ 14
Consistent Health Messages ........................................................................................................................................ 14
MONITORING AND POLICY REVIEW:……………………………………………………………………..14
Wellness Coordinator .................................................................................................................................................. 14
Establish a District Wellness Committee ................................................................................................................... 14
Establish School Health Team ..................................................................................................................................... 15
Assessment Tools ............................................................................................................................................................ 15
FARM TO SCHOOL HEALTH FAIR ………………………………………………………………………17
SUMMARY/RECOMMENDATIONS……………………………………………………………………....18
Attachment A Health Fair Summary Results________________________________________Attachement A
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INTRODUCTION
Federal Public Law (PL 108.265 Section 204) states that by the first day of the 2006 school year
beginning after June 30, 2006 all schools must develop a local wellness policy that involves parents,
students, a representative from the School Food Authority, school board, school administrators and the public.
The law further states that The Local Education Authority (LEA) will establish a plan for measuring
implementation of the local wellness policy.
The Putnam County School District Wellness Committee, comprised of key community stakeholders,
developed local wellness policy in 2006. In 2009 stakeholders requested that the policy be revised. A new
policy was drafted and approved by the school board in September 2009. The revised Wellness Policy
encompassed 8 components of Coordinated School Health Program as noted in the following review and
evaluation.
An annual policy review and evaluation is conducted by Nikki Hawthorne and a team of
stakeholders to assess compliance with the policy, measure progress and identify areas in need of
improvement. This document presents the team’s findings.
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NUTRITION AND HEALTH EDUCATION PROCEDURES:
The district will provide nutrition education experiences that will positively influence students’ eating behaviors
and help develop lifelong health habits.
Health and Nutrition Education
Nutrition Education will be offered as part of a planned, systematic, comprehensive school health education
program designed to provide students with knowledge and skills necessary to promote and protect their health.
Findings:

A survey administered by the district’s Wellness Committee was distributed to all of the district’s
schools. 7.5 of 17 school surveys were returned and 2 out of 2 department surveys were completed.
No response was received from E. H. Miller School, Miller Intermediate, Mellon Elementary, Crescent
City Junior Senior High, Melrose, QI Roberts, Jenkins, Interlachen Elementary, Browning Pearce, and
Ochwilla Elementary. Data collected from the surveys reveals that 7.5 of the 17 schools
respondents surveyed (85%) offer nutrition education to selected grade levels, this is up form (60%)
reported last school year. Of the schools participating in the survey, 2 offer nutrition education at all
grade levels and 3 offer only in specific grades. Interlachen High School, Kelly Smith and Middleton
Burney offers to all grade levels. Palatka High School, Price and Mosley offer Nutrition Education is
to some grade groups. The areas where Nutrition Education was incorporated into Science (7th
grade), Personal Fitness (8th grade), Organ Wise Guys Curriculum, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable
Program, Physical Education Fuel Up to Play 60 and a Variety of Gardening Programs.

From the 2013-2014 school year, survey accessing wellness policy achievement, 7 of 8 schools
responding had a school garden and incorporated them into the classroom through Ag classes, 1st
Grade Plant Life Cycle and 3rd Grade lesson plans
Professional Development for Teachers and Staff
The district will provide appropriate training for teachers and other school staff members in the area of health
and nutrition education. Professional development activities and training will provide basic knowledge of
nutrition, combined with instructional techniques and strategies designed to promote healthy eating behaviors.
Staff providing nutrition education shall not advocate dieting behaviors or any specific eating regimen.
Findings:

The survey indicates only 2 of 8 schools received Professional Development in Nutritional and Health.
The areas of training were through SPARK and Common Core.

Teachers and staff participated in fitness programs such as the “Biggest Loser Contest” and Points
Challenge.

Teachers were also provided with a plethora of easily accessible lessons for classrooms through
website links in the new improved PCSD website.
After School Programs
The district will incorporate health and nutrition concepts into the academic, enrichment and recreational
component of after school programs by providing a wide variety of opportunities for children and young people
to engage in hands on, experimental learning that allows them to internalize and master new concepts about
nutrition.
Findings:
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
The survey indicates 2 of 8 after-school programs provide Health and Nutrition Education through
sports, snacks, boxing, Tai Kwon Do, gardening, cooking, healthy eating classes, fitness and exercise
classes.
Cafeteria Based Nutrition Education
Nutrition education will be coordinated between school food service programs and classroom lessons. The
cafeteria will be used as a learning lab to reinforce nutrition lessons that are taught in the classroom.
Findings:

2 out of 7 respondents felt cafeterias helped reinforce Nutrition/Health lessons taught in class.

Organ Wise Guys Food of the Month was implemented by all elementary schools and some continue
to use these resources. A new food was featured every month in the cafeteria. Posters and flyers
along with the featured food were provided to staff and students.

The three USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable schools provided between meal snacks three times per
week throughout the school year. At these schools, (Middleton-Burney Elementary, Miller
Intermediate, and Moseley Elementary), over 1557 students were provided the fresh fruit or
vegetable snack. Teacher flyers with activities on each of the fruit or vegetable along with parent
flyers on the featured fruit or vegetable of the month were provided.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:
The district will provide a variety of opportunities for all students to develop motivation, knowledge, and
behaviors necessary to promote and maintain a lifetime commitment to wellness, centered on physically active
lifestyles.
Sequential Physical Education
Physical education classes shall be developmentally appropriate and based on standards form the National
association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), and Florida Department of Education’s Sunshine State
Standards. Education shall be sequential, building from year to year. All physical education will be taught by
teachers appropriately certified to teach the physical education courses.
Findings:

All of the district’s schools report that Physical Education continues to be taught by teachers certified
in the field.

Elementary Physical Education classes are developmentally appropriate and based on NASPE
standards and Next Generation Sunshine State Standards through the implementation of the SPARK
PE curriculum. The curriculum is sequential, developmentally appropriate, and implemented at all of
the district’s elementary schools. P. E. Teachers received training in February 2011.

Middle and high school students are statutorily required to take physical education in selected
grades. Other Physical Education based classes are available to students as electives.
Daily Recess
All elementary schools will be encouraged to have supervised recess for a minimum of 15 minutes in a space and
environment that is conducive to safe and enjoyable activity. Students will be encouraged to engage in
moderate, unstructured physical activity by practicing or using skills developed in physical education classes.
Findings:
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
All of the district’s elementary schools indicate that students have a daily recess on days that they
are not scheduled for physical education.
Physical Activity and Punishment
It is recommended that teachers and other school personnel not withhold physical activity or physical education
classes from students as a form of punishment or for remedial purposes. NASPE guidelines state that physical
activity shall not be used as a form of punishment for behavioral or academic performance. In addition, all
children should be allowed to participate in physical education classes; therefore, schools are encouraged to find
alternative strategies on offering remedial /intensive instruction that does not conflict with this course.
Findings:

Palatka High School surveyed on the Wellness Procedures for Policy 2.20 Survey, reported that
teachers do withhold physical education as a form of punishment.
Incorporating Physical Activity Into The Classroom
Opportunities for physical activity shall be incorporated into other subject lessons, as part of the learning process
and as an “activity break”. Short physical activity breaks between lessons or classes can also be used as
reinforcement, reward and celebration for achievement, positive behavior, and completion of assignments.
Physical education teachers assigned to each school shall be used as a resource for training other teachers on
appropriate methods for “activity breaks”.
Findings:

From the Wellness Procedures for Policy 2.20 Survey, 2 of 7 schools reported that teachers
incorporate physical activity into lessons and between subjects.
Professional Development for Teachers
The district will provide appropriate training on developmentally appropriate best practices in physical education
instruction for teachers
Findings:

From the Wellness Policy Survey, Middleton-Burney and James A Longs are the schools out of 8
indicated Professional Development was provided through CPR, First Aid, Running Club and Biggest
Loser. Some areas where physical activity is incorporated in the school day was Brain Gym, Fitness
Videos, Adventure to Fitness, ROTC, P. E., Stretching, Movement, Field Day, Project Play, Wii, X-Box,
and Walkathon.
Safe Routes to Schools
When appropriate, the district shall work with local community agencies to make it safer and easier for students
to walk and bike to school.
Findings:

Crossing guards are employed through the Sherriff’s Department to ensure that students walking or
riding to school are safe at major intersections. The crossing guards are assigned to specific
intersections throughout Putnam County.

Regional Coordinator for Communities Putting Prevention to Work shared information on Walking
School Bus/Safe Routes to schools and members of the Wellness Committee.
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Physical Activity and School Events
Schools are encouraged to incorporate school and/or community based activities that support physical education
and active lifestyles. These activities may be coordinated with school fundraisers and/or community agencies.
Findings:

School dances are held periodically at all of the middle and high schools – encouraging movement.

Athletic events – football, basketball, soccer, baseball, tennis, track, are provided as activities at
high schools.

Putnam County Parks and Recreation offered organized participation in soccer, baseball, softball,
flag football and cheerleading. PCSD Student participation during each season varied. There
were 647 elementary students and 118 middle school students participating in activities during
2013-2014.
Soccer
Softball
T-Ball
Baseball
Football
Cheerleading
Volleyball
TOTAL


Elementary
201
67
59
29
142
92
57
647
Middle School
65
20
15
5
13
118
Schools also participate in March of Dimes, American Cancer Society, and American Heart
Association fundraising activities which vary by school and often include dances, sponsored walks,
and jump rope events.
A fun run and 5k race took place May 9th that had over 250 registered for the event and 30+
volunteers.
After School Programs
The district shall incorporate physical activity concepts into the academic, enrichment, and recreational
components of after school programs by offering a variety of physical activities, including team sports and lowimpact exercise that can be done individually or in small groups. Participation in physical activities that support
community initiatives is also encouraged.
Findings

All sites participated in Team Sports.

Sports varied by site but included basketball, soccer, football, and track and field. Each student
went through twice a week for an hour.

A pre, mid and post test were conducted for tracking results.

The reading and math curriculum in after school – Learning Through Sports- utilizes a sports theme in
lesson delivery and reinforcement.
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SCHOOL MEALS:
The district will provide students with convenient access to a variety of affordable, nutritious, and appealing,
high quality foods that meet students’ health and nutrition needs, while accommodating ethnic, cultural, and
dietary preferences.
Nutrition Standards
Meals served under the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs shall offer varied and nutritious food
choices that are consistent with United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrition standards, as specified
by federal regulations. Menus will support and reinforce the Dietary Guidelines for Americans by offering
nutrient-dense foods and beverages, such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and low-fat dairy products while
limiting levels of cholesterol, fat, saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, and added sugars. Foods should be served in
reasonable portion sizes and appropriate for the age group. Nutrient standards are evaluated based on
nutrients provided by foods served on weekly menus.
Findings:

Monthly menus were analyzed based on quantities planned for students and compared to USDA
Nutrition Standards using USDA approved software (NutriKids). More whole grain bread products
were incorporated into menus at breakfast and lunch meals.
Breakfast
The district will continue to provide a breakfast at no charge to all students, regardless of their economic
eligibility through the USDA Provision 2 Program. School principals and staff will encourage breakfast
consumption to students and families and communicate its benefits. Children who eat breakfast have higher test
scores, behave better in school, are more cooperative, healthier, and have improved attendance.
Findings:

Breakfast participation continued to increase through the USDA Provision 2 Program. There is no
charge for student breakfast. The district food service program started a breakfast in the classroom
program at Jenkins Middle School and Mellon Elementary. As a result of this program participation
has increased ~40%. We are planning to implement this program for SY14-15 at CL Overturf, QI
Roberts, and James A Long.
Special Dietary Needs
The district will provide meal substitutions or modifications for children who are considered disabled under
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) when the need is
certified by a licensed physician. The school nurse, food service personnel, and parent should communicate
closely to implement meal plans.
Findings:

Meal substitutes were made on a case by case basis following USDA requirements.
Scheduling Meal Times
Schools will schedule meal times that allow students adequate time to eat their breakfast and lunch. The National
Association of State Boards of Education recommends that students should be provided at least 10 minutes for
breakfast and 20 minutes for lunch, from the time the student is seated. Schools are encouraged to not schedule
club or organized activities during mealtimes, unless students are allowed time to receive a meal from the school
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cafeteria and eat during such activities. Students will also have access to hand washing facilities before they eat
meals.
Findings:

Schools provided at least 25 minutes to receive and consume meals. At breakfast, occasional late
bus or parent drop-off pushed the 10 minute time line.
OTHER FOOD AND BEVERAGES IN SCHOOL:
Nutrition Standards
Food and beverages offered should support and reinforce the Dietary Guidelines for Americas by offering
nutrient-dense foods and beverages, such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and low-fat dairy products while
limiting levels of cholesterol, fat, saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, and added sugars. Foods should be offered in
reasonable portion sizes and appropriate for the age group
Findings:

Other food and beverages were provided through Food Service Program which follows USDA
guidelines and Alliance for Healthier Generation Guidelines. There was limited vending in high
schools and some food provided by Culinary Arts Programs at Interlachen High and Palatka High.
Food and Beverage Vending
Food and beverages sold or served at school will not contradict healthy school messages, and will meet nutrient
standards and reinforce nutrition lessons taught in the classroom and cafeteria. Items available for student
purchase will contribute valuable nutrients to diets without excessive amounts of sugar, fat or sodium.
Findings:

Students’ access to beverage vending machines is available only at the high schools. Beverages
comply with the American Beverage Guidelines section of Alliance for Healthier Generation.
Incentive, Rewards, and Punishment
Schools will find appropriate means, other than offering food and beverage items, to reward students for
academic performance or good behavior. If foods are offered on special occasions it is recommended that they
be commercially prepared, prepackaged, and unopened when possible, to ensure food safety. This also helps
students with special diets to recognize familiar foods that they can or cannot eat. In addition, food and
beverages will not be withheld from students as a punishment for bad behavior or poor academic performance.
Findings:

School survey results indicate that schools (5 of 8) vary between occasional to frequent use of food
and beverage as rewards.
Fundraising
Schools commonly use food and beverage sales in fundraising activities. To support children’s health and
reinforce nutrition lessons, fundraising activities should include healthy foods and/or physical activity and/or
non-food items. School fundraising activities that includes the sale of healthy foods and non-food is a public
~ 10 ~
demonstration of the school’s commitment to promoting healthy behaviors among students, families and the
communities at large, while helping schools meet their financial needs.
Findings:

School surveys (8 of 8) indicate that food and beverage fundraisers were rarely to frequently held
as part of their program. New fundraising flyers offering healthier fundraising alternatives were
developed and distributed to schools. This information is given out at our Wellness Team meetings
along with other resources.
Early Childhood Education
Teachers will provide opportunities for children to learn to like a variety of nutritious foods by regularly
exposing them to these foods. Positive food socialization practices will be used to create a social environment
that is critical to establishing lifelong healthy eating habits.
Findings:

Students participate in USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. Farm unit talks about foods and
the students participate in AG as part of the classroom curriculum.
After School Programs
Managers of after school programs will ensure that healthy snacks are provided for students, such as USDA
after school snacks.
Findings:

Students participating in after school programs are provided with a daily snack which meets USDA
guidelines.
FOODS BROUGHT TO SCHOOL:
Food Safety
To ensure food safety and the children we are serving, it is recommended that food shared with other students be
commercially prepared, pre-packaged, and/or unopened, when possible. Food must be safe from bacterial
contamination and its ingredients easily recognized by those children with food allergies and special diets.
Findings:

Flyer provided to schools on Healthy Snack suggestions is given out.
Celebrations
Schools are encouraged to promote a positive learning environment by providing healthy celebrations that shift
the focus from food to the child. Providing nutritious food options demonstrate a school commitment to
promoting healthy behavior and supports classroom lessons.
Findings:

Flyers with recommendations for healthier alternatives are given to the schools.
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STAFF WELLNESS:
The district will establish an environment that increases health awareness, promotes positive lifestyles, decreases
the risk of disease and enhances the quality of life for district personnel, and in turn reduces health insurance
costs.
Establish a District Committee
The district will establish and maintain a staff wellness committee comprised of appropriate employees,
community partners, and insurance representatives to promote and encourage healthy eating, physical activity,
and other elements of a healthy lifestyle for school staff.
Findings:

The Putnam County School District established a Wellness Committee in 2006. The committee is
comprised of highly diversified stakeholders who include community non-profit organizations,
representatives from the schools, The Putnam County Health Department, Cooperative Extension,
Parks & Recreation and representatives from Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Encourage Staff as Role Models
By adopting personal healthy habits, school personnel will model healthy eating and physical activity behaviors
to students and reinforce positive health messages in the school environment.
Findings:

The Staff Wellness Program was initiated during the 2010-2011 school year. Each school had a
designated Wellness Coordinator responsible for the program. The programs included Zumba,
Biggest Loser Contests, Points Competition, a Health Fair, Exercise Classes and Walking/Running
Clubs.

Yoga classes were provided at 1 school.

6 of 17 schools completed both challenges for fall and spring semester. This included biggest loser
and point challenge competition

7 of 17 schools completed at least one challenge either fall or spring semester.

$25, $50, and $75 gift cards were available for the winners for each semester challenge

The Health Fair is provided annually to all Putnam County School employees. The 2014 school year
marked the 5th year of the fair where approximately 277/1570 (17%) of the school employees
participated this is down from the previous school year possibly due to the weather. Employee risk
factors continue to be Nutrition, Weight, Exercise and Stress.
Coordinating Staff Wellness with School Initiatives
Staff wellness goals will be included when schools develop their school improvement plans and coordinated
school health programs.
Findings:

The school wellness coordinators in the past assist with incorporating school wellness plans and
coordinating the administration of School Health Index assessment. For a second year in a row SY
2013-2014 the SHI assessment was not conducted. The Wellness team will discuss changing the
policy to reflect not using the SHI to evaluate due to the time commitment to conduct and collect this
data.
~ 12 ~
Develop Partnerships with Community
The district will seek partnerships with health and exercise facilities that can be used at a reduced cost to school
board employees.
Findings:

A district partnership with USA Fitness resulted in the availability of a payroll deduction for
employees who desire to utilize the facility.
Collaborate with District’s Insurance Provider
The district’s health insurance provider will support the district’s wellness measures recommended in this policy.
Findings:

The district’s insurer plays an active role in the Wellness Program and provides incentive funds
resulting in the implementation of the Staff Wellness Program. This year they were the title sponsor
for the 5K and fun run.

Arrangements were made with CVS to provide flu shots at each school and department.
Community Involvement
The district will develop partnerships with local organizations as well as state and national groups such as,
Florida Alliance for Healthy Kids, NEFEC, the Dairy Council and the Cooperative Extension that can be used to
provide resources and training.
Findings:

The Putnam County School District has become a smoke-free district. In an effort to assist employees
who are smokers to lead a healthier lifestyle, the district provides information on smoking cessation
classes at no cost through a partnership with the Putnam County Health Department.
COMMUNICATION:
The District wishes to promote clear and consistent messages that reinforce healthy eating and physical activity
habits.
Food Marketing in Schools
Promotions are powerful marketing tools that have a direct, meaningful impact on customers and their
purchasing decisions. When marketing is used in school signage or instructional materials, it should promote
good nutrition, healthy foods and physical activity and not contradict healthy messages.
Findings:

The Putnam County School District marketed the summer lunch program with banners and car
magnets to help advertise informing the public of the availability of free, healthy and nutritious
lunches available daily to children under the age of 18 throughout the summer months.
~ 13 ~
Communication with Parents
The district will provide information to families, through a variety of appropriate methods such as websites,
newsletters, seminars, and menus that encourages them to help their children develop healthy eating and physical
activity habits.
Findings:

The district has a link on its website that provides a plethora of information for parents on nutrition
and physical activity.

School lunch menus are provided to all elementary students and secondary classrooms. Menu
publications include nutrition tips and healthy recipes.

The USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program sent home monthly flyers on featured fruit or
vegetable of the month.
Consistent Health Messages
Food and beverages sold at school will not contradict nutrition messages in the classroom and school
environment. Schools are encouraged to actively promote healthy eating and physical activity to students,
families, school staff members and the community. Positive health messages can be promoted through a variety
of appropriate methods, including school media, working with school and student organizations, conducting
nutrition and physical activity promotions and events, providing information for food and beverage options in
the cafeteria and vending.
Findings:

USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program promoted Florida featured fresh fruits and vegetables on
a monthly basis. Nutrition information is posted on the website as well as in each cafeteria.
MONITORING AND POLICY REVIEW:
The district will ensure compliance with accepted district-wide goals for nutrition, physical activity, and foods
provided on school campuses through monitoring and policy review.
Wellness Coordinator
Assign monitoring responsibility to appropriate existing staff for curriculum, staff and Food Service area.
Findings:


The Director of Food Service has been assigned the responsibility to monitor all aspects of the
district’s wellness policy.
The Staff Wellness Coordinators helped to compile survey data from the schools.
Establish a District Wellness Committee
The district will establish a school wellness committee that will meet at a minimum, once a year to discuss progress
on meeting district goals. The committee will address proposed changes to the existing policy and make
recommendations to the school board as needed.
Findings:
~ 14 ~

A district level committee comprised of community members, physical education teachers, school food
service personnel, and insurance representatives was established in 2006. The committee meets
quarterly to review and adjust the wellness plan and be updated on wellness initiatives occurring
throughout the school district.
Establish School Health Team
Each school will establish a School Health Team. The team shall include a representative from the school
administration, Food Service, Physical Education, Guidance, the school nurse, a school improvement plan
member, a teacher, and a member of the PTO. The team will encourage the healthy behaviors of the students
and staff. The team will share the best practices and information disseminated through the district wellness
committee.
Assessment Tools
Develop, utilize, and implement assessment tools at school and district level, including SHI (School Health Index)
and Florida Healthy School Self Assessment.
Findings:

The Wellness Committee developed a survey and distributed to all of the schools to complete on
assessing how well schools were adhering to the Wellness Policy and Procedures.

The Putnam County School District has utilized the School Health Index over the last three years since
it was a requirement of the Carol M. White Grant. The School Health Index (SHI) is a health
assessment and planning tool which assists schools in improving health and safety policies and
programs. The SHI consists of eight modules which are structured around CDC's eight-component
model of a Coordinated School Health Program (CSHP). The modules consist of
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
School Health and Safety Policies and Environment
Health Education
Physical Education and Other Physical Activity Programs
Nutrition Services
Health Services
Counseling, Psychological, and Social Services
Health Promotion for Staff
Family and Community Involvement
Elementary schools and Middle and High schools are given differing assessments. Aggregated
school data provides a fairly accurate picture of where the Putnam County School District ranks itself
in terms of the Health Index. This tool was not used in SY 2012-2013 since the grants funds for the
assistant that facilitated this is no longer working for the district. Due the complexities and time
required with this assessment tool we will no longer be using this tool.
~ 15 ~
M
M
Fto School Activities
F County
Summary
of Farm09-10
in Putnam
09-10
09-10
09-10
Healthier US Schools Challenge
Healthier US Schools Challenge (HUSSC) is a voluntary program which recognizes excellence in nutrition and
physical activity. In February and March of 2014, FDACS/UF IFAS Extension Farm to School Partnership
assisted the Putnam County Food Service Department in gathering nutrition education, physical education, and
physical activity information needed to assess the level of achievement that Putnam County Schools could
apply. Three schools have been submitted during 13-14 school year. Ochwilla Gold of Distinction, Interlachen
Elementary and Melrose applied for silver level still pending results.
Farm to School Coordinator also attended and spoke at Putnam County Wellness Committee Meeting in
September 2013 to update on Farm to School Program and HUSSC certification in Putnam County. In June
2014 a new Central District Coordinator with UF-IFAS Mr. Dan Stromberg will continue to help our Farm to
School efforts. We are looking forward to collaborating with him on our Farm to School program.
School Gardens
School gardens are a great resource that can be utilized to reach Core Standards, STEM, connect students with
the source of their food, and educate on nutrition and wellness. The FDACS/UF IFAS Extension Farm to School
Partnership worked with Putnam County Extension Staff.
~ 16 ~
Summary/Recommendations
Summary:
Overall, Putnam County Schools continues to make progress with our Wellness Programs. Having Staff
Wellness Coordinators in each of the schools has been an excellent asset to keep the program moving
forward and share information with staff.
Recommendations:
1. From the assessment tools and survey, there is a need for more staff professional development in both
nutrition and physical education.
2. In the areas of fundraising and rewards, the flyers which include many alternatives, should be
distributed every year to schools for encouragement of other options. Enforced by Smart Snacks for
SY14-15
3. The Staff Wellness Coordinators and District Wellness Committee began meeting together to improve
communication.
4. It is recommended to continue and evaluate the possibility of a community-wide event for wellness.
5. It is recommended to pay all wellness coordinators once job responsibilities have been fulfilled.
6. The Staff Health Fair should be continued.
7. The Annual 5K race and Fun Run should be continued.
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