Along with nutritional goals, the council also aims to create an environment that fosters safe, enjoyable and developmentally appropriate fitness activities for all students, even those who are not in physical education classes or competitive sports, among other things, according to the district’s wellness plan.
In a nutshell
Assistant Athletic Director Lindsay Ledford, who serves as the SHAC chair, said the goal of the council is to help students improve their learning and their health.
Ledford said the committee looked for ways to adapt to ensure younger students’ health needs were met and to ensure all campuses are utilizing health and wellness programs. One of the ways SHAC members plan to encourage better participation is by instituting awards, Ledford said.
To ensure the district is following best practices, Ledford said SHAC followed models from other districts that had high engagement and utilized staff surveys to find areas for growth.
What else?
Each school district must have a wellness policy, according to the Texas Association of School Boards. The policy requires each district to have nutrition guidelines and standards, physical activity goals that promote wellness and standards for all food and beverages provided by the district.
State law requires every district to have a SHAC. The council consists of representatives from the community that live within the district. A majority of the members must be parents of students enrolled in the district that are not employed by the district. Additionally, the group must meet at least four times a year and report directly to the school board at least once a year.
Also on the agenda
Staff updated the board on the district’s intruder audit findings. Out of 43 audits, there was one finding at Thurgood Marshal Student Success Academy in which a door was not properly secured.
