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Wellness

Coordinated School Health & Wellness Policy 

The State College Area School District is committed to preparing students to make healthy nutritional and physical activity choices every day – in their communities, homes and schools.  Therefore, it is the policy of the State College Area School District that:
 
  • Students, parents, teachers, food service professionals, health professionals, and community members will jointly implement, monitor, and review the District’s nutrition and physical activity policies.
  • All students will receive opportunities and encouragement to stay physically active on a regular basis.
  • The District’s schools will provide K-12 physical education curricula and nutrition education opportunities during the school day, as well as other opportunities for developmentally appropriate activities aimed at fostering lifelong habits for health.
  • Food and beverages sold or served at school will contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
  • The goals of the student wellness policy shall be considered in planning all school-based activities

Policy Assessment 2025

The district's wellness policy provides that a school health council will be established and will meet for the purpose of implementing, monitoring and, as necessary, revising school wellness policies.  The council will consist of at least one (1) of each of the following:
  • Parents
  • Students
  • Administrators
  • Teachers
  • Physical Educator/Health Educator
  • Health professionals
  • School food service staff

Classroom Celebrations and Rewards

SCASD elementary schools will meet the following standards:

  • Classroom parties will offer minimal amount of foods (maximum 2-3 items) that contain added sugar as the first ingredient and will provide the following:

    • Fresh fruits and vegetables.

    • Water, 100% fruit juice or milk.

  • Food will not be used as a reward for classroom or school activities unless the reward is an activity that promotes a positive nutrition message (ie., guest chef, field trip to a farm or farmers market, etc.)

Parents and teachers at all grade levels will be made aware of the district's commitment to wellness and will be encouraged to provide healthy snacks.  Healthy-food or non-food rewards and celebrations will be encouraged.

This does not mean that we can never have cupcakes in our classrooms.  But, please consider incorporating healthy foods into celebrations and eliminating the use of candy to reward children.

Visit these links for healthful celebration and reward ideas:

Fundraising

Policy Guidelines for Fundraising

Our district is fortunate to have many clubs and organizations that support our students and the district's mission.  Efforts to support a positive nutrition environment for students may present challenges to these groups' fundraising efforts.  Some of the past fundraising options are no longer available under the wellness policy and USDA Smart Snack standards.  The School Health Council is here to support clubs and organizations with resources and fundraising ideas.

All foods sold during the school day as fundraisers will follow the standards listed below:

Food fundraisers may not take place during the first ½ hour of the school day or during the time that lunch is being served in the school building.

All foods sold as fundraisers during the school day must meet Smart Snack rules.

The school day is defined as midnight before through 30 minutes after the end of the official school day.

Even though out-of-school fundraising is not regulated by this policy, we hope that organizations will choose fundraising strategies that reflect the ideals of the district's wellness policy and support healthy lifestyles for our children.

This policy should not present an insurmountable obstacle, as there are numerous fundraising opportunities that have been successful around the country that also support healthful nutrition.  Please consider some of the ideas that are included on these web pages: