Lawrence County Independent Schools (LCIS) supports student health and wellness by promoting good nutrition, daily physical activity, and healthy habits in a safe, supportive school environment. This policy applies to the K–8 school and its federally reimbursable school meal programs.

1. Nutrition Education and Promotion

  • Incorporate age-appropriate nutrition learning into instruction, school communications, and hands-on programs, including the Phoenix Farm Garden Club.
  • Promote balanced meals, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and water using evidence-informed nutrition resources, including USDA MyPlate.
  • Use school newsletters and community partners, including Purdue Extension and other local partners when available, to promote healthy choices.

2. School Meals and Foods Sold

  • Breakfast and lunch served under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program shall meet current USDA meal-pattern and nutrition requirements.
  • LCIS participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for 2026–2027; eligible enrolled students receive reimbursable breakfast and lunch at no charge.
  • Food and beverages sold to students on campus during the school day outside reimbursable meals shall meet applicable Smart Snacks in School standards, including any permitted exemptions.
  • Food and beverage marketing on campus during the school day shall be limited to products meeting applicable Smart Snacks requirements.

3. Foods Provided but Not Sold

  • Families are encouraged to provide balanced packed lunches and snacks. Under LCIS school rules, parents may not bring fast food for students’ lunch or snacks, and sugary or carbonated beverages are not permitted.
  • LCIS permits up to three school-day celebrations involving food during the school year; healthy options are encouraged. Foods brought to share must be store-bought and have nutrition labels.
  • School personnel will communicate classroom food-allergy and other accommodation needs without disclosing confidential student information.

4. Physical Activity and Education

  • Provide daily opportunities for physical activity in grades K–6 and physical education in all K–8 grades.
  • Support moderate-to-vigorous activity during physical education classes and encourage lifelong physical activity.
  • Encourage family involvement in walking, bicycling, active play, sports, and outdoor recreation.

5. Other Wellness Activities

  • Maintain access to free drinking water, including filtered water fountains and bottle-refilling stations.
  • Promote healthy sleep habits: children ages 6–12 generally need 9–12 hours and teens ages 13–18 generally need 8–10 hours per 24 hours.
  • Make school facilities available for approved community use when feasible, subject to safety, supervision, scheduling, and school rules.

6. Wellness Committee and Public Participation

LCIS will invite parents, students, food service representatives, physical education teachers, health professionals, administrators, board members, and members of the public to participate in policy development, implementation, and review. The Wellness Committee met Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 3:15 p.m. to review the school wellness policy, as reported by school administration. Committee recommendations and attendance should be documented in the final meeting record.

7. Implementation, Review, and Public Notice

  • The Director of Schools, in coordination with the Food Service Manager and Wellness Committee, is responsible for overseeing implementation.
  • LCIS will make the policy and updates publicly available and inform families about the policy annually.
  • At least once every three years, LCIS will assess policy compliance, compare the policy with a model wellness policy, summarize progress toward wellness goals, and make results publicly available.
  • LCIS will retain the policy, public-notification records, committee participation evidence, and triennial assessment documentation. The committee will recommend revisions as needed.