The purpose of the Edina Public Schools Wellness Policy is to assure a school environment that promotes and protects students’ health, well-being, and ability to learn by supporting healthy eating and physical activity. The policy brings together current research to create guidelines that help us with healthy choices for all our students. It outlines things to consider pertaining to nutrition education and promotion, physical activity, and monitoring.

Listed are our school-wide guidelines; understanding there will be some variation to meet the special needs of individuals:

Snacks

Healthy snacks supply an energy boost! A snack break is scheduled for each classroom.
Snacks are limited to fresh or dried fruit, veggies, yogurt, cheese sticks, crackers, or breakfast bars. Students should bring enough for one day only – please do not send big bags of edible items to be stored in student lockers. Students will be asked to save other types of snacks for lunch time. Some classrooms may have a more restricted selection of food due to severe allergies– the teacher will share this additional information as needed.
Water is always a good option throughout the school day (no juice).

Birthday Celebrations

Birthdays are special days! Your child may want to celebrate with their classmates
(this is optional – plan what is best for your family). Students may bring in:

• an item to donate to the classroom, such as board game, book, music;
• a pencil or stickers to give to others;
• a healthy store bought snack to share.

Birthday celebrations will take place during snack time. Students with summer birthdays can
celebrate on their half-birthday. Allergy reactions may restrict selections for some classes, limiting the options to non-edible celebrations. The teacher will share this additional information as needed.

Parties

Class parties are fun for everyone! Our teachers and parents will work together to plan fun activities and simple treats. This is a time that store bought sweet treats may be part of the plan. Again, allergy reactions may restrict selections for some classes.

 

Thank you for planning ahead and following these guidelines when packing a snack, celebrating a birthday, or joining a class party. We hope this helps you and your child learn together to plan for healthy choices.