Annual Report 2016 - 2017

ISD # 200 Smart Choices/Student Wellness Committee

The Hastings School District Student Wellness Policy revised in April 2015 requires that the Smart Choices/Wellness
Committee monitor and measure progress toward meeting District Wellness policy objectives. The Smart Choices
Committee deemed that to measure progress for the 2016-2017 school year, staff would be surveyed to see what
changes they have made to improve the health of the students with whom they work.

The Smart Choices Committee participated in a health equity exercise in April 2017. We discussed factors that can
greatly affect health beyond eating fruits and vegetables, getting exercise and having access to health care.

Highlights from Health Equity exercise:

1. It is important to build a healthy foundation for all students to excel academically.
2. Students with more health assets are more likely to report getting mostly As (Minnesota School health Profiles)
3. TRIPLE AIM of HEALTH EQUITY:
Expand our understanding of what creates health
Implement a health in all polices approach with health equity as the goal (sometimes we dont realize that
ways we do things exclude certain people)
Strengthen the capacity of communities to create their own healthy future

3 minute video about health equity:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPVwgnp3dAc

Because of the health equity exercise, the Smart Choices Committee decided when surveying staff to not only assess
what changes staff have made this school year to improve students health, but also to work to identify barriers to
health that exist for students in our district. Questions were intentionally open ended to learn how staff perceives health
and barriers.

The Smart Choices Committee encourages those who are making decisions concerning students to consider
student health and accessibility to programs as part of the decision making process.

Smart Choices Initiatives 2016-2017 Smart Choices Committee 2016 2017

Active Recess Training and Playground
Assessment
Classroom Energizers Training for staff
Monthly Parent Elementary Newsletter Articles
Smart Choices Quarterly meetings
Staff Survey April 2017
Sue Rogers, Parent
Mona Roach, Parent
Lori Gaertner, Building Representative HHS
Sara Lawrence, Youth Development, Building Representative HMS
Haley McCarthy, Teacher, Kennedy Building Representative
Paula Wenker, Nurse, Building Representative McAuliffe
Sarah Siebenaler, Playground Aide, Building Representative
Pinecrest
Matt Esterby, Principal, McAuliffe Elementary
Kim Harren, Food and Nutrition Services Director
Mary Ellen Fox, Health Services Coordinator, Chair
 ISD # 200 Staff Survey - Smart Choices
April 2017

ISD #200 staff were surveyed in April 2017 to get feedback on changes made within the district to improve student
wellness. Three questions were asked of staff.

1. This year, what changes have you made to promote healthy habits with the students you serve in our district?
2. From your perspective, how are students being left out?
3. What social/economic gaps or disparities do you see that prevent students in our district from being healthy?

Sixty five staff responded to the survey. 92% (60) reported that they have made changes to promote healthy habits for
students. Examples given include being more active in the classroom and having healthy foods offered in the classroom.
Thirty three staff identified ways that students are being left out (inability to access programs due to lack of
transportation, funding, knowledge of programs were listed. There was a wide variety of topics mentioned. See
following pages for specifics). Situations involving economic disparities (working poor/poverty) were the most frequently
identified barrier that keeps students from being healthy.
Question # ONE

This year, what changes have you made to promote healthy habits with the students you
serve in our district?

Physical Activity = 10

Healthier Foods = 24

Physical Activity and

Healthier Foods/water = 17
Hydration with water = 5

Mental Health support = 1

Handwashing/flossing = 2

No changes = 4

Doesn't work directly with

students = 1

We do brain breaks in class (not every day) to promote movement during each hour. I also let them move around
during work time to stand at lab tables if needed.
brain break/physical activity breaks
(2-3) 12 min outside recess breaks in addition to lunch recess 3-4 days a week
More movement breaks during the school day.
Getting outside and playing after school vs. screen time. I also try to take out my class for a 2nd recess whenever
possible.
I have built in active response times to get students moving in order to reset the brain and build meaning and
memory.
focus on "Play 60"
We do a 5 minute work out every morning to wake up our brains!
promoted classroom energizers and active recess initiatives
Getting outside more

trying to convince them to eat less candy

No snacks in class like cookies, chips, etc. Try to promote more semi-healthy snacks.
Allowed students opportunity to eat a mid-day snack if they choose
promote healthy snacks for students who don't eat breakfast-apples, bananas, halos, and granola bars
I have tried to write a proposal about bringing a cooking class to the high school, one that would include nutritional
facts, using herbs instead of salt, reading labels, and look at what makes a food/cooking healthy.
Encouraged them not to eat the candy in candy bowls in our office
I don't make a big deal about allowing students to finish a snack prior to my class.
I am glad to see that students can eat in schools this year as many students come to school without breakfast and
should not be penalized for that. I've started having some granola bars in class for kids that did not eat breakfast
(not every day because that would break the bank but 1-3 times per week)
No candy
I do not give any treats out in my classroom at all.
not giving candy out for special efforts, but something a little more healthy
Do not eat or promote candy use or eating in front of students
teaching about nutrition in our 7 and 8 grade FACS classes
No candy- Talking more about Nutrition.
healthy snack program
talking about healthy things I do with my family (role model) - reading, eating as a family, playing together, getting
outside
Fewer food items
More treasure chest items and free homework passes vs. Pizza Hit book-it certificates. Also encouraging our
healthy snack program for students
Many of my students are enrolled in how snack program, the snacks that are offered are healthy options. I only
allow healthy snacks in the classroom.

Enforcing the no birthday treat policy. ??? But honestly, I question why we allow Halloween and Valentine treats if
we are teaching moderation. An occasional birthday treat is less damaging, and more applicable to real life.
There are no food rewards in my classroom.
Making a conscious effort to not give candy as incentives, although I never really did before anyway.
encouraging families to send healthy snack options
I've tried more non-food reinforcers (stickers, cheers, etc.).
I always talk about healthy eating habits
Encouraging water breaks and track walking breaks.
Encouraged students to get more sleep, made on-line assignments due no later than 10:30 pm (default is
midnight), encouraged water
Allowing students to eat in my morning classes.
more recess; encouraging water bottles since we now have filtered water stations
talking about healthy choices as things come up
using examples from the news, my life, etc., of healthy choices
talking about decisions they have control over
Less sugary snacks and more active recess time.
Having discussions during morning meeting with students about the PBIS Raider Nation Character Traits and
Wellness Topics (Sleep, Exercise, Etc.)
Getting students moving, no treats during parties
Enjoying a healthy snack with the kids, incorporating more purposeful movement, talking about food choices at
lunch.
Bigger emphasize on healthy habits; modeling/sharing what I do personally to be healthy; bringing my own healthy
snacks so the kids see me making healthy choices; increased the number of brain breaks during the day
Trying to promote our Wellness Policy more via communications with parents and students.
Be an example of healthy choices, talk about my healthy choices and healthy choices they can take, incorporate
more movement into the classroom.
movement in the classroom, no birthday treats, follow wellness policy for other food items in the classroom
related to learning
Drink more water during the day; lost weight personally to demonstrate better life choices;
No birthday treats. Getting more and more active within lessons and for brain breaks
No birthday food items, increased brain break variety
I have included more brain breaks (go noodle, just dance, simon says, movement) during the day. I have told
parents no treats for birthday instead they may hand out pencils, bubbles, ect. We haven't had many treats as a
class reward instead extra playground time, game day, or dress-up days.
water bottles available from health office
Encouraging water and brain breaks. Conversations about brain breaks and sleep impacts.
Encourage recycling and sustainability through bringing their own water bottles to class...not purchasing a different
one every time it is needed...but still getting the water that they need...
eating breakfast; drinking more water
Staying hydrated and promoting drinking water.
Allowing students to talk about the political events that are frightening for them. Giving students a safe space to
be different and OK. Also, giving students a safe space to work and engage in studies which are meaningful to
them.
saying that they need to floss more often.
continued hand washing practices
no changes
none
No changes.
none
I don't work directly with students
Question # TWO

From your perspective, how are students being left out?

School Centric Sources =

15

External Sources = 18

Didn't understand or
responded w/other
comment = 18
Didn't answer or doesn't
work directly with
students = 14

events that occur before/after school that eliminates students who can't get a ride to participate
Student choices around cafeteria food are very limited if they have special diets.
Usable drinking fountains at Tilden, so students can drink more water throughout the school day.
Is there a way for the backpack/weekend food to be available to early childhood families?
I wish that the HS offered cooking classes through FACS. Students need to learn how to choose and
prepare healthy foods for themselves. What an important life skill!
mental health issues are not being met/ counseling issues for kids that have family issues lead to mental
health -

My 1st grader still complains about not having enough time to eat. If her class is last into the lunch
room from outside they have only 8-10 min to eat once they have gone through the hot lunch line. She
asks to take her own lunch so that she has more time to eat. I hear the same complaints from my
students or see them stuffing food in as they are trying to finish up. This problem has not changed in
years. Grandparents/parents even mention the lack of time to eat when they visit for lunch.
Education?
We need to keep teaching. sometimes the school makes decisions and doesn't infor students why
certain things are being done or changing.
Some students probably need a mentor/ or someone to encourage them to get involved in school
activities
I still think school lunch menus are a little upside down - way too many carbs and not enough healthy fat
that they need for brain development, and salt is not all bad either when it comes to athletes in
particular.
more healthy lunch choices could be offered?
Not sure that all students get the messages shared.
food in the cafeteria isn't the best. The only really healthy option is a salad. That's only one choice. There
should be multiple.
Some students feel they look goofy when participating.
They are not being taught moderation or balance. Instead we are teaching them quite the opposite. To
gorge for 1 or 2 holidays and then not allow any treats any other day of the year. Instead of completely
eliminating birthday treats, students should be taught how to realize when it's a special treat or to say
no if their body doesn't want/need it.
poor quality lunches
some can't afford it,
I think some choose to be left out
Some students do not have homes that value healthy living and naturally do not embrace or actively try
to take part in healthy activities.
Those who bring nothing
If individual families don't promote healthy eating and fitness, those students aren't getting enough
exercise (PE, recess, sports) at school per week.
Some especially high achieving students are under enormous pressure to perform. Other students who
have responsibilities at home are similarly under pressure with jobs and time available for schoolwork.
When their families choose not to sign them up for the healthy snack option and send unhealthy food.
Also, what they bring for lunch is sometimes not the healthiest.
students with little support at home don't have the help or financial means to participate on teams, get
to practices or the y, or help making healthy decisions
Our political climate is one in which public speech has been given the freedom to say whatever comes to
mind, no filters, disrespect is rule. Students who are in the minority, in any category, are thus maligned
and misunderstood.
Students that can't afford the healthy snack program are left out.
Oftentimes family income

Unsure...less time at HMS for students to have breaks..they are on a tread mill of school, sports and
activity with very little think, reflect and do own time.
Inconsistent support from caregivers to make healthy choices.
if they don't have support from family
Difficult for some families to take part in extracurricular activities due to family issues, money problems,
etc.
We try very hard to make sure no child is left out. However sometimes when we have a larger amount
of difficult children (kids who need more one on one care) , the easier children get less attention
If they do not pay for the snack program and forget a healthy snack from home then they don't get a
snack at snack time.
Not sure I understand this question fully or the context of it: access to nutritious food and enough of it
would be one health choice. Students are also often the "powerless pawns" (excuse my language) in
marital/family disputes and end up being stressed and treated for depression or anxiety.
not sure, what does this mean?
I Don't know
Do not understand the question
not sure
N/A
Unsure
n/a
??
I don't feel like they are being left out.
I am not sure....
I don't think they are being left out
Unknown
They don't give input

I involve students in most of the health initiatives that I participate in. We are good models for students.
no birthday treats for elementary kids allowed...why?
NA
?
~
I don't work directly with students
Question # THREE

What social/economic gaps or disparities do you see that prevent students in our district
from being healthy?

poverty/money = 32
mental health = 3
education/choices = 7
money and education = 3
No response = 9
None or N/A = 11

not sure - probably poverty - access to transportation

students without money don't seem to eat as healthy
students don't get enough rest
students do too many activities
divorce or single families have trouble coming to school on time and spending time with each other
Lower income students bring chips & other unhealthy snacks while other bring in fresh fruit or veggies
Access to sports/YMCA programs is limited due to fees and transportation
Having such strict guidelines on the reduced/free lunch program. They get tired of the same things
Students who are in poverty or whose families are part of the working poor do not have the opportunity to afford
fresh foods, extracurricular activities, and often do not get outside enough because their caregivers are working.
These families need the most support and opportunity to make smart choices.
Economic - it is less expensive to buy junk food. Social as well - some families do not have the experience or
knowledge to access healthy food / exercise.
not able to bring a snack for snack time
Snacks are different across the various economic groups. It's hard to bring fresh fruit if money is tight. Lots of carbs.
Some can't afford healthy food.
fees for athletic participation; students need more recess, PE
High calorie, low nutritional value food is affordable.
Summer food availability.
Possibly limiting them for signing up for extra curricular activities.
People with less money eat cheap food
It costs way more to eat healthy.
Oftentimes processed, cheap calories are not the most healthful calories. But if students learned how to cook for
themselves that could help a lot.
Over consumption of quick, easy processed foods.
They don't eat meals with their family. I hear that often with kids and they come hungry to school (no breakfast).
healthy food access, proper healthcare, basic hygeine
money
Family income and busy-ness of families affecting healthy choices in many ways
More students responsible for family support and responsibility, less support for them as teenagers.
Many of the families I work with are on WIC which has limited food choices.
If they cannot afford good food, their diet will suffer...
Not all students eat breakfast.
Money to purchase healthier foods and education to teach young families the importance of healthy lifestyles.
At grocery stores many of the healthy items are more expensive, a low income family is often not as healthy
because of the money.
not enough money to participate in athletic activities or anything that promotes movement
Free and reduced lunches - fruits and veggies are getting better, but "where's the beef?" Low income families are
not able to buy good proteins and they're not getting a lot here either, oh, except chicken everything. Sorry for the
sarcasm. I think we need to make sure that a little cheese or cheese sauce isn't the only protein kids are getting. I
think we can do better there. We need to.
Eating healthier is more expensive. It takes planning and options to preserve foods to eat fresh fruits and vegetables
without them going to waste.
Money- bad food is cheaper than healthy food.
Parents allowing terrible choices as far as candy and energy drinks.
what some of them bring/eat for lunch
being home alone for hours in the evening and sitting around playing video games
I see many students coming to school and needing a healthy breakfast. It's great that it is free for kindergarteners
but I fear for what they will start their days with in first grade and beyond. Some don't quite make the free lunch
cut, but really need it because they aren't getting nutritious food at home.
lack of knowledge
Making choices needs to be taught, I needs to start at home and continue at school. How do you inform family's?
Parents --poor role models regarding eating, exercise, extracurricular activities.
Families don't always know what's healthy. They sometimes don't seem to care about providing healthy options
versus easy options.
Though not always the case, often it seems that lower income families are not as aware of how to incorporate
healthy food choices into their daily lives. Hygiene is also an issue with some of my students who come from lower-
income families. It would be great to promote good hygiene, too. (Specifically, the importance of
showering/bathing regularly, washing your face, brushing your teeth, etc.) I can do this as a classroom teacher, but
it could also be a focus for the building or district if others felt it would be beneficial.
$ and whether or not their parents/guardians practice good habits or help remind the student of their
responsibilities.
those in poverty or those who are not educated about being healthy
mental health issues for students who have family problems
Families with irregular schedules at home (due to work, relationships, etc.) seem to have more difficulty with sleep
and meal schedules for their children, which can prevent their maximum health.
I think many kids are fragile because they are dealing with difficult situations at home, either economically or often
due to families in distress or transition. It manifests itself in attendance issues, anxiety or frequent health complaints
such as headaches.
I don't work directly with students
I think our school does a good job of educating kids about healthy choices
none
 ?????????????????????
not sure
n/a
Nothing.
It doesn't cost much to get some exercise.
I don't have much contact with lots of students and don't know their social/economic status
I don't really see any
N.A.

Additional Comments (5 responses)

Comments?
I LOVE the change to not having birthday treats for so many reasons. However, it's hard when some teachers follow it and
some don't.
I wish we offered more options as a main dish at lunch. We seem to offer a lot of chicken type things. Maybe things like
roll ups, homemade soups, or different meat options would be nice.
Thanks for all your work, it makes a difference for students and staff.
How do we get a cooking class? If families go out to eat all the time, no one is teaching them to cook and eat healthy.
What we are doing here at school is not enough. Teach them something/skills they can bring with them.
Loved all the information and challenges! Helped me a lot! Motivating!