The Institute for Family Health



5478780125730020000-12827073660020000Healthy School Celebrations ToolkitSample “Healthy Snacks” PolicyHealthy Classroom Celebration GuidelinesLetter to Parents regarding Healthy CelebrationsRecommended Healthy Food List & Celebration Guidelines for ParentsSpecial thanks to PS/MS 218 in the Bronx and the USDA for sharing their policy and resources in the creation of this toolkit.SAMPLE{Insert School letterhead & logo}Snack PolicyPS ## is committed to improve the health of students, parents/guardians and its employees and provide an environment that is supportive of overall health and well-being.Policy StatementIt is the policy of PS ## that all snack foods brought into the school (by students or staff) shall be healthy (see attached “Recommended Snack List”) and that 50% of food for all events sponsored or supported by this school (birthday parties, meetings, potluck, catered events, community sponsored events, i.e., health fairs) will be from the attached list.If a child brings in a snack that is not included on the list then the snack will be confiscated for the day and a standardized letter (given out to all teachers and staff) will be sent home to the parent.Policy JustificationPoor health and eating habits can negatively affect children’s health and their ability to learn. Parents may not intend to give their children unhealthy snacks so setting a healthy snack policy can assist parents in ensuring that snacks are healthy. This policy will also help children gain a better understanding of healthful eating and improve their overall health.Research shows that teachers and school staff can positively shape students’ food preferences and eating habits by supporting healthy food policies and role modeling healthy habits. (Baxter, 1998; Birch, 1999; Kubik, 2002; Meyer, et al, 2004).{Insert School Letterhead & Logo}Healthy Classroom Celebrations GuidelinesChildren can feel special and fun in so many ways without having the traditional sweets. Rewarding children with foods high in sugar, fat and calories can undermine a child’s health and wellness. It also sends an inconsistent message with what children are taught about nutrition in school and what is provided. Below are some ideas but free feel to come up with your own non-food celebration ideas.No Cost Ideas to Recognize a ChildIs special helper for the day and wears a special hat or crownReads morning announcement or has name announcedHas special personal show and tell. Shares his/her favorite things or photosHas lunch with teacher or parentPicks out book for teacher to read aloud to classHas a special seat that is decorated by teacher or classHas parent or grandparent visit school to read a book or play games with childrenParty Ideas for Entire ClassStudents decorate their chair or classroomClassroom treasure huntPi?ata filled with trinkets, stickers etc rather than candyDancing (learn different types of dancing; hula, line, African, etc)One large puzzle or class gameGift SuggestionsPhoto of the child with classmates and teacherAutograph book where students and teacher write something nice for the childPencils, stickers, erasers, crayons, coloring books, stencils, stamps, bookmarks, or other low-cost party favors Healthier Food & Beverage Options Healthier Food OptionsHealthy BeveragesFresh fruitLow-fat or skim (fat free) milkRaw vegetablesTap water (add fruit slices for added flavor and fun)Yogurt dipping sauce for fruit and vegetablesSeltzer water with a little 100% fruit juiceLow fat cheese100% fruit juice (6oz recommended limit)Dried fruit or nutsPlain yogurt (provide fresh fruit topping)Air popped popcornPretzelsHummusExplore healthy snacks from around the world{Insert School letterhead & logo}Dear Parents/Guardians,Did you know that good nutrition is vital to academic success at school? Research studies show that kids who eat foods low in fat and sugar perform better in school. P.S. #_____ has been working hard to strengthen the minds and bodies of our students by offering healthy school meals and now we are starting a HEATHY SNACK and CELEBRATION POLICY. Please DO NOT send your child to school with snacks that have a lot of sugar, fat such as fried chips, soda, colored/artificial drinks, packaged snack cakes, chocolate bars, gummies or candy. If your child comes to school with an unhealthy snack, it will be taken away and returned at the end of the day. Only foods in the enclosed “Recommended Snack List” will be allowed, but should not replace the healthy breakfast or lunch provided at school. Remember – healthy bodies and healthy minds go hand in hand!.Please also note the new guidelines for celebrations in the classrooms (i.e., birthdays). If you wish to celebrate your child’s birthday in the classroom, please speak with your child’s teacher in advance to plan any activities.Thank you and here’s to a healthy and successful school year!PrincipalParent Coordinator\s ................
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