Nutrition

• The Department of Food and Nutrition will serve the following: food high in fiber, free of added trans fat, low in added fats, sugar, and sodium, respectful of cultural diversity and served in appropriate portion sizes consistent with United States Department of Agriculture standards

• All food sold on campus beginning one hour before the start of the school day and up until one hour after dismissal of the final class of the day must meet the Rule on Food and Beverages Sold on Campus and in Vending Machines District-Wide

• The Department of Food and Nutrition will pursue partnerships with local/regional farms to facilitate a Farm-to-School program

• Meals served within the Federally reimbursable meal program will be designed to feature fresh fruits and vegetables from local sources to the greatest extent possible

• The District will encourage parents and teachers to have healthy celebrations at school

• Fundraisers that occur on campus, beginning one hour before the start of the school day and up until one hour after dismissal must comply with the Rule on Food and Beverages Sold on Campus and in Vending Machines District-Wide

Physical Education

• Elementary Physical Education, grades K-1: 150 minutes of weekly instruction in physical education taught by homeroom teacher is required

• Elementary Physical Education, grades 2-5: 150 minutes of weekly instruction in physical education by a physical education teacher is required

• Physical education will be taught by a certified physical education specialist and will be an essential part of every school's instructional program. The program will stress the importance of physical fitness, healthy life-styles, and fairness and respect for all students

• Nutrition education is required to be taught through physical education in grades K-12

Physical Activity

• Recess for students in grades PK-5 is required to take place either three times a week for fifteen minutes each time or two times a week for twenty minutes each time

• Students will be informed of the opportunity to participate in physical activity in after-school programs and school intramural programs

• Staff will be encouraged to participate in at least thirty minutes of physical activity daily

• Staff will be informed of the opportunity to participate in physical activity in after-school programs and community events

Health and Nutrition 

• Health literacy education will be incorporated into classroom instructions when applicable to include the following: comprehensive concepts on health-enhancing behaviors, risk factor reduction for life-style disease prevention, bullying and violence prevention, personal safety, identifying and managing stress, and sexual health and body image

• Nutrition education will include lessons and experiential learning opportunities, such as edible gardens, that enhance health and take into account:

  • Emphasizing the importance of goal-setting and positive decision-making strategies that enhance health including those related to food intake and energy expenditure

  • Analyzing the influence of culture, media and other factors on food choices and preferences in personal health practices including food preparation methods that enrich and challenge healthy living

  • The development and care of edible gardens

• Students will be taught to differentiate between marketing messages and substantive health information

• Health literacy resources will be available to staff focusing on concepts of health enhancing behaviors, risk factor reduction for disease prevention, personal safety, and managing stress

• Nutrition resources that include learning opportunities which enhance health will be made available for staff

• Healthy food choices and fresh food on school premises will be promoted by making relevant nutrition information available as close as possible to the point of choice

Preventive Healthcare

• Thorough HealthConnect in our schools, a school-based health team will be provided to offer a coordinated spectrum of healthcare to students that is consistently available at select District schools

• The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County School Health Program will provide health services to students in accordance with Florida statutes, rules, regulation and the local School Health Services Plan

• Healthcare provider will offer wellness resources that address physical, mental, social, and emotional wellness to support staff healthy habits