The physical education staff will provide a sequential, developmentally appropriate program designed, implemented and evaluated to help students develop the knowledge, motor skills, self-management skills, attitudes, and confidence needed to adopt and maintain physical activity throughout their lives.
- All students in grades K – 8 will be offered physical education.
- All students in grades 9 – 12 will be offered Wellness.
- All physical education will be taught by a certified physical education teacher.
- In grades K – 9, physical education should be taught to students throughout the school year to provide the maximum activity exposure and instructional continuity.
- In grades 10 – 12, a variety of opportunities for students to participate in physical activities, both during and after school, are available.
Schools will not use physical activity (e.g. running laps, pushups) or withhold opportunities for physical activity (e.g. recess, physical education) as punishment.
For students to fully embrace regular physical activity as a personal behavior, students need opportunities for physical activity beyond physical education class.
Opportunities for physical activity are provided through such programs as intramurals, extended day programs, extra curricular activities and interscholastic sports after school.
Belmont is committed to providing daily recess for students in grades K-5, recognizing the importance of recess to this age group.
Health Services
The school nurses will promote healthy eating for students and staff with individual and classroom education.
The school nurses shall be prepared to recognize disordered eating conditions and other nutrition related health problems in students and staff, and refer them to appropriate services.
The school nurses will screen students for height, weight and Body Mass Index as directed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. The data will be compiled and reported with other relevant data to evaluate school wellness guidelines.
Health and Wellness Programs
- Health Curriculum
The health education curriculum will include nutritional education following the Massachusetts Department of Education (DOE) Curriculum Frameworks at all levels consistent with our system’s goals of offering elementary, middle and high school health education.
- Communication with Parents
- The district will support parents’ efforts to provide a healthy diet and daily physical activity for their children.
- Monthly food service menus will be distributed and sent home with students in the elementary schools. Menus will be posted on the Belmont Public Schools web site and published weekly in the local newspaper.
- Schools will share information with parents and students about the nutritional value of foods upon request.
- The school Health Department web site will post events for parents and children with opportunities to be physically active outside of school.
- Staff Wellness
Belmont Public Schools will encourage activities that support efforts by staff to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Occasional staff wellness programs will be offered based on interest and resources available for implementation.
- Monitoring and Review
Ongoing assessment and evaluation of the implementation of the wellness policy is necessary in order to meet stated guidelines.
The principal will ensure compliance with these guidelines in his/her school and will report on the school’s compliance to the school superintendent or designee. The superintendent or designee will ensure compliance with established district-wide nutrition and physical activity wellness guidelines.
Evaluation of these guidelines will be directed by the District’s Health Advisory Council, which is comprised of many members: Superintendent; Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction; Director of Athletics, Physical Education, and Student Activities; Director of Science and Health Education; Director of Nursing Services; Principals of Chenery Middle and Belmont High School; teachers, guidance counselors, school physician, school committee member, parents, and students. This group, which represents a diverse cross-section of the school community, will meet quarterly.
The district will, as necessary, amend the guidelines in order to continue to meet the intentions of the Wellness Policy for the Belmont Public Schools.