Register

Food Services

Student Wellness

A new Federal Law was recently passed to address the growing problem of childhood obesity.  The new law requires public schools to help make a difference by developing a local Student Wellness Policy.
 
The need for change is critical when the following statistics are considered:
  • Children who are obese as  6 to 9 year olds have a 55% chance of being obese as adults.
  • Overweight adolescents have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults.
  • One-quarter of children aged 5 to 10 show early warning signs of heart disease.
  • The Centers for Disease Control estimate one in three children born in 2000 will develop diabetes because of eating too much and not exercising enough.
  • In addition to the physical consequences, overweight children may also suffer psychologically and emotionally through discrimination, stigmatization and poor body image.
  • Overweight children are likely to miss four times more school than children who are not overweight.
Donegal's Wellness Committee recommended policy to address the Federal mandate.  It was approved by the School Board in April, 2006.  Some of the changes you'll see:
 
  • Teachers and parents will be encouraged to provide "healthy" snacks and non-food choices in the classroom.
  • All student vending machines will be "timed-out" during the school day.
  • Fund-raising incorporating food or beverages will not be permitted during school day hours.
  • Healthier food and beverage a la carte choices will be available in secondary cafeterias.
Look for more news and information to promote healthier eating and increased physical activity via newsletters, the lunch menu, internet and other resources.
 
 
 
DONEGAL SCHOOL DISTRICT STUDENT WELLNESS COMMITTEE
  Chair, Jeanne Kandra, Food Service Director
Donna Stadel, School Nurse
Debra Sturgis, School Board Member
Andrew Sparmblack, Assistant, Principal
Constantina Daly, Parent
Tammi Alexander, Payroll and Benefits Coordinator
Kelly Suessmuth, Physical Education Teacher
Judy Bowlby, H.S. Teacher
Winnie Younkin, Asst. Director Curriculum & Instruction
Kyra Melleby, Highmark
Sue Lackmann, Lancaster General