Hancock Schools adopts amended wellness policy
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NEW CUMBERLAND -- The Hancock County Board of Education amended the district's wellness policy, Monday, as well as approving a cement contractor for the plaza portion of the Weir High baseball complex project.
The changes to the wellness policy, which sets goals and standards for nutrition and physical education, as well as establishes a wellness committee, were proposed during the board's Oct. 24 meeting.
"It's gone through its 30-day comment period," Superintendent Dan Enich said. "I got no comments. I got no emails."
The main aspect of the amendments, which were approved 5-0 by the board, was the establishment of a section governing school celebrations.
Under the new guidance, "celebrations involving serving food during the school day are limited to no more than six parties per class per year," with classrooms electing two treats and beverages limited to water, 100 percent juice, and low-fat or fat-free milk. Parties should be more about activities and traditions than the food. School principals are to monitor and assume responsibility for all food offered to children. Purchased foods brought in from home must meet all nutritional guidelines, be Smart Snack compliant and be packaged and labeled. No homemade items are allowed. All food contributed to the celebrations must be commercially prepared and in the original packaging, with a nutrition and ingredient label. Celebrations are permitted 30 minutes after the last student has received lunch and are to last no more than one hour. Schools may use environmentally friendly practices, including the use of locally grown foods and non-disposable tableware and dishes. Food items containing the nine most common food allergens - peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, dairy, fish, shellfish, eggs and sesame - must be considered, with precautions used. Foods with peanuts and tree nuts, or those processed in a facility with the possibility of cross-contact, may not be served. Any student with special dietary needs shall be accommodated. Birthday celebrations will be allowed at the elementary schools with non-edible treats.
"Student projects related to food may be permitted when nutrition and food safety guidelines are followed and approved by the Principal," the policy states. "Activities must be related to education and/or health, nutrition and wellness. Supervised culinary arts class projects are an exception to this requirement."
The policy also includes a list of ideas for parents in lieu of food items for celebrations, and a suggested food list, such as yogurt and fruit, yogurt covered pretzels, fruit smoothies, hummus or bean dip, animal, graham and Teddy crackers, low-fat popcorn, baked tortilla chips, canned fruits, fresh fruits, fresh veggies, low-fat string cheese, rice cakes and whole grain crackers.
The amendment also made a structural change to the Hancock County Wellness Committee, by adding two student representatives to the committee's membership.
In other business, Monday, the board unanimously approved the hiring of Vince Zastudil Concrete and Construction, at a cost of $235,000, for the cement project included in the plaza portion of the Weir High baseball field.
Enich explained the plaza has been a part of the complex designs since 2020.
"It's nothing new," he said, noting, with the contract approved, it can move forward in the coming weeks. "It's ready to roll."
Board member Gerard Spencer asked if there could have been some consideration made for Lombardi Development Co., the other company to bid on the project, as they already are on campus working on other aspects of the complex. Enich, though, explained they were going with the lowest bidder.