West Allegheny School District
600 DONALDSON ROAD • OAKDALE, PA 15071

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West Allegheny School District Wellness Page

Introduction

West Allegheny School District has traditionally valued the heath and well-being of students and staff.  Our Board of School Directors and Administration respect the importance of good health, proper nutrition and exercise, and the need for balance between the school and personal life.  To promote a healthy school / work environment, the District established a Wellness Committee, which meets periodically to consider health related issues.  Students, parents, community members, a school board representative and District personnel currently serve on the Wellness Committee.  While the committee is advisory by nature, it has been instrumental in recommending a Student Wellness Policy and promoting wellness opportunities throughout the District.      

 Wellness Vision Statement

The West Allegheny School District recognizes that wellness and proper nutrition relate to student and employee physical well-being, growth, development, and productivity.  The Wellness Committee is committed to promoting a school / work environment that encourages wellness, proper nutrition, nutrition education, and regular physical activity as important components of daily life.  The wellness initiative strives to maintain a healthy school / work environment that supports positive dietary and lifestyle practices to improve student achievement and employee productivity.

Wellness Goals for the 2009-2010

• Continue to provide a school environment that promotes student wellness, proper nutrition, and regular physical activity as part of a pleasant, positive learning experience  
• Enhance awareness of and support for the Student Wellness Policy  
• Provide training and materials to teachers who do not traditionally present nutrition, health, or physical education instruction
• Arrange opportunities for staff to complete the Lifestyle Returns activity in conjunction with the wellness profile 

 Wellness Goals Achieved during the 2008-2009 School Year

• Promote student wellness related activities at each level (elementary, MS, HS)  
• Continue to expand the number of healthy food selections for students
• Increase awareness of the employee assistance program (Life Solutions)
• Improve the Annual Student Wellness Survey
• Improve the cleanliness of the cafeterias
• Review the current Student Wellness Policy

 Wellness Goals Achieved during the 2007-2008 School Year

• Promote breakfast and lunch selections that include healthy choices
• Encourage the reduction of sweets in the elementary classrooms
• Promote alternatives to using food as a reward for students 
• Promote physical activity among students and staff
• Improve cleanliness of the middle school and high school cafeterias
• Arrange opportunities for staff to complete the Health Risk Assessment

Wellness Goals Achieved during the 2006-2007 School Year    

• Establish a district-wide Wellness Committee in accordance with Board policy
• Establish building-level Wellness Committees
• Review data from the employee Heath Risk Assessment
• Recommend offering at least one program to address needs identified in the Health Risk Assessment
• Increase awareness of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offered through Highmark
• Support the removal soft drinks from District vending machines
• Update the District crisis plan and distribute a reference guide to all employees

 Wellness Accomplishments 

General Accomplishments

• Middle school Physical Education Department organized a “Turkey Trot” on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving
• Established a District-wide Wellness Committee
• Established building-level Wellness Committees
• Revised the health and physical education curriculum at the middle school and high school levels
• Established intramural program at the elementary level
• Recommended a Student Wellness Policy to the Board of School Directors
• Organizes an annual Health Risk Assessment for all District employees
• Worked collaboratively with the Act 48 Committee to organize a Health Fair in-service training day for teachers in January 2007
• Recommended replacing soft drinks available in District vending machines with healthy alternatives
• Offers an evening family swim program for residents at the elementary pools 

 Food Service Department Accomplishments

• Conforms to all nutritional guidelines
• Implemented new software designed to analyze nutritional offerings
• Purchased software to allow parents to monitor their child’s food purchases   
• Opened new food court at the high school with a greater variety of healthy choices for students
• Focused attention on healthy choices for breakfast selections

Information Update on Swine Influenza for School Settings
From: PA Department of Health & PA Department of Education

MRSA (Methicilin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus)
Information Sheet

Alternatives to Using Food as a Reward

Information for Parents/Guardians Regarding Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
From:  U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services