Los Lunas Schools Wellness Policy

Los Lunas Schools supports promoting good health for all students.  To that end we will support the following nutrition standards in our schools and ask all parents to support these standards as well.

Definition:

Family, school and community involvement means an integrated family, school and community approach for enhancing the health and well-being of students by establishing a district school health advisory council that has the responsibility to make recommendations to the local school in the development or revision, implementation and evaluation of the wellness policy.

The family, school and community involvement component promotes long-term effective partnerships between families, schools, and communities in the planning and implementation of health promotion projects and events both within the school and throughout the community.  The partnership can encourage and sustain environmental changes that support healthy lifestyles for children and their families.

Goal:

The goal of family, school and community involvement within a coordinated school health approach is to create a total school environment that is conducive to student health and academic achievement.  There is a shared responsibility that supports healthy children and families.  Effective partnerships between families, schools and communities support the development and maintenance of this comprehensive learning environment.

Activities:   

1. A School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) will be established and will consist of parent(s), school food authority personnel, school board member(s), school administrator(s), school staff, student(s), and community member(s).

2. The Wellness Director will serve as the School Health Advisory Council Chairperson

3. The council will have the responsibility of making recommendations to the local school board in the development, revision, implementation and evaluation of the school district wellness policy.

4. The school district SHAC will meet twice yearly to review and discuss the wellness policy and its effectiveness.

5. Schools are encouraged to participate in state surveillance projects used to gather information about student/staff wellness (e.g., BMI surveillance, Youth Risk and Resilient Survey)

6. Schools are encouraged to utilize the state wellness surveillance data to identify needs and inform wellness strategies.

7. The Wellness Policy will be available to public.

The health and wellness of our students is strongly linked to their overall academic success. Therefore, Los Lunas Schools has a variety of services available to support our student’s health and wellness. Each school site has at least one Counselor and a School Nurse to assist students with their Social Emotional well-being and wellness. Social Workers and a School Psychologist provide Social Emotional services to students with disabilities who qualify for services. Counselors, Social Workers and our School Psychologist meet on a monthly basis during their Social Emotional Learning Team Collaboration. Our School Health Team is led by our Charge Nurse and meets on a routine basis throughout the year to discuss current practices and health needs in our district.

On the sidebar to the right is a list of Counselors, Nurses, Health Assistants, Social Workers, and School Psychologist and their assigned school sites. The names are active links to the employee's emails.

On this website you will also find resources provided in our community and state regarding wellness and Social Emotional well-being.

Social Emotional Learning Team

School Counselors at the elementary schools provide lessons in the classrooms focusing on Social Emotional well-being as well as support our schools with the coordination of state assessments. School Counselors in the secondary schools support students with class schedules, state assessments, post-secondary planning, college scholarships and applications, and lessons in the classrooms such as Signs of Suicide.  Counselors also support students with their Social Emotional well-being in small group and individual settings. Our Social Workers and School Psychologist provide services to students with disabilities who qualify for their services as determined by the student's Individualized Education Program. Other resources that are provided by our Mental Health Team include but not limited to:

• Functional Behavior Assessments
• Behavior Intervention Plans
• Risk Threat Assessments

Members of our Social Emotional Learning Team can also work with families in crisis and who need assistance with accessing community resources. If you feel your child would benefit from the support of our School Counselors please refer to the sidebar to the right to contact a counselor at your child’s school.

School Nurses

Our School Nurses are available to support our students with their health and wellness. Nurses and Health Assistants can complete Vision and Hearing Screenings if you feel your child demonstrates a need for a screening. Nurses and Health Assistants are required to complete the screenings for students in:

• Pre-Kindergarten
• Kindergarten
• First Grade
• Third Grade
• Transfer students in the above grades without a current school year vision screening

Nurses can administer medications to students as prescribed by their physicians during the school day as well as provide immediate medical attention to students who become sick or are injured while at school. Our School Nurses follow the New Mexico School Health Manual and the guidelines provided by the New Mexico Department of Health.

• Action for Healthy Kids
• Adelante
• American School  Counselor Association
• American Sign Language COVID-19 Video Series
• CASEL
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention-Self Care
• Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades
• Children Youth and Families Department
• Coordinated School Health and Wellness Bureau
• Counseling World
• Crisis Prevention Institute
• Dental Services Form from NM KIDS
• Goodwill Industries of New Mexico
• Immunization Requirements
• Los Lunas Schools Wellness Policy
• Mental Health America
• NM Connect App (Apple iOS)
• NM Connect App (Google Play)
• NM PED Student Nutrition
• New Mexico Crisis and Access Line
• New Mexico Department of Health
• New Mexico Health Connections
• New Mexico Out of School Time Network
• New Mexico Public Education Department COVID-19 Response
• New Mexico School Nurses Association
• Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports
• Roadrunner Food Bank
• State of New Mexico
• The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
• Village of Los Lunas Recreation Divison
• Wide Open Space

The School District strives to make a significant contribution to the general well being, mental and physical capacity and learning ability of each student while affording them the opportunity to fully participate in the educational process. 

The District is committed to providing school environments that promote and protect children's health, safety, well-being, and ability to learn by supporting healthy eating and physical activity in a safe environment.  Healthy eating is demonstrably linked to reduced risk for mortality and development of many chronic diseases as adults.

To ensure the health and well being of all students, the Board shall promote and monitor student wellness in a manner that the Board determines is appropriate in the following areas:

• Nutrition Guidelines:  All foods available in each school during the day will have as a primary goal the promotion of student health and the reduction of childhood obesity.  All guidelines for reimbursable school meals shall not be less restrictive than regulations and guidance issued by the Secretary of Agriculture, as those regulations and guidance apply to schools.
• Nutrition Education:  The goal is to influence students' eating behaviors by providing nutrition education that is appropriate for students' ages; reflects students' cultures; is integrated into health education or core curricula; and provides opportunities for students to practice skills and have fun.
• Physical Activity:  The goals for physical activity are to provide opportunities for every student to develop the knowledge and skills for specific physical activities, to maintain students' physical fitness, to ensure students' regular participation in physical activity, and to teach students the short- and long-term benefits of a physically active and healthful lifestyle.
• Other School-Based Activities:  The goal is to create a total school environment that is conducive to healthy eating and physical activity
• Evaluation:  A primary goal will be to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of this policy in promoting healthy eating and changing the program as appropriate to increase its effectiveness.
• Parent, Community and Staff Involvement:  A primary goal will be to engage family members, students, and representatives of the school food authority, the Governing Board, school administrators, and the public in development and regular review of this school policy.

A health advisory council consisting of parent(s), school food authority personnel, School Board member(s), school administrator(s), school staff, student(s) and community member(s) shall be established by the Superintendent with the advice and consent of the Board.  This council shall meet a minimum of twice a year for the purpose of making recommendations to the local board on the implementation, revision and evaluation of the wellness program. The Superintendent shall be the presiding officer of the health advisory council and shall provide:

• A written, specific statement of the purpose of the council.
• The dates on which reports of the council are to be rendered.
• Recommendations on replacements required upon a council members unavailability or resignation.
• The extent to which facilities, supplies, equipment, and clerical support will be provided to the council.
• A briefing on the requirements of the New Mexico Open Meeting Law (10-15-1 NMSA 1978) as it applies to committees of the Board.
• Posting of all notices and agendas of meetings of the council.

The Superintendent is directed to seek the input of the council in the development of recommendations and administrative regulations to implement this policy, including such provisions as may be necessary to address all food and beverages sold and/or served to students at school (i.e., competitive foods, snacks and beverages sold from vending machines, school stores, and funding-raising activities and refreshments that are made available at school parties, celebrations and meetings), including provisions for staff development, family and community involvement and program evaluation.  Regulations and exhibits created for the purpose of implementing this policy shall be considered, in effect, to be an extension of this policy.

Adopted: date of manual adoption

LEGAL REF.:      6.12.5.8 NMAC, New Mexico Requirements for Competitive Foods Sold to Students
6.12.6.8 NMAC, Wellness Requirements
6.29.6.8  NMAC, Health Education     
6.29.9.8 NMAC, Physical Education
42 U. S. C. 1751 et seq., The National School Lunch Act
42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq., The Child Nutrition Act as amended.

CROSS REF.:     ABA - Community Involvement in Education
ABAA - Parental Involvement
BBA - Board Powers and Responsibilities
EF - Food Services
EFE - Competitive Food Sales/Vending Machines
IHA - Basic Instructional Programs

Vending  Machines

Vending machines will only dispense foods that meet nutrition standard guidelines as set forth by the U.S. Department of Agriculture requirements for foods and beverages that are sold individually and requirements for competitive foods sold to students.  The requirements for vending machine beverage sales and accompaniments in New Mexico schools are listed by designated school location of the sale.

• Elementary schools.  Allowable beverages for elementary school-aged students are limited to:
  • Plain water or plain carbonated water (no size limit);
  • Non fat milk, flavored or unflavored (no more than eight [8] fluid ounces);
  • Nutritionally equivalent milk alternatives as permitted in § 210.10 and § 220.8 of this chapter (no more than eight [8] fluid ounces); and
  • One hundred percent (100%) fruit/vegetable juice, and one hundred percent (100%) fruit and/or vegetable juice diluted with water (with or without carbonation and with no added sweeteners) (no more than eight [8] fluid ounces).
     
• Middle schools.  Allowable beverages for middle school-aged students are limited to:
  • Plain water or plain carbonated water (no size limit);
  • Low fat milk, unflavored (no more than twelve [12] fluid ounces);
  • Non fat milk, flavored or unflavored (no more than twelve [12] fluid ounces);
  • Nutritionally equivalent milk alternatives as permitted in § 210.10 and § 220.8 of this chapter (no more than twelve [12] fluid ounces); and
  • One hundred percent (100%) fruit/vegetable juice, and one hundred percent (100%) fruit and/or vegetable juice diluted with water (with or without carbonation and with no added sweeteners) (no more than twelve [12] fluid ounces).
     
• High schools.  Allowable beverages for high school-aged students are limited to:
  • Plain water or plain carbonated water (no size limit);
  • Low fat milk, unflavored (no more than twelve [12] fluid ounces);
  • Non fat milk, flavored or unflavored (no more than twelve [12] fluid ounces);
  • Nutritionally equivalent milk alternatives as permitted in § 210.10 and § 220.8 of this chapter (no more than twelve [12] fluid ounces);
  • One hundred percent (100%) fruit/vegetable juice, and one hundred percent (100%) fruit and/or vegetable juice diluted with water (with or without carbonation and with no added sweeteners) (no more than twelve [12] fluid ounces);
  • Calorie-free, flavored water, with or without carbonation (no more than twenty [20] fluid ounces);
  • Other beverages that are labeled to contain less than five (5) calories per eight (8) fluid ounces, or less than or equal to ten (10) calories per twenty (20) fluid ounces (no more than twenty [20] fluid ounces); and
  • Other beverages that are labeled to contain no more than forty (40) calories per eight (8) fluid ounces or sixty (60) calories per twelve (12) fluid ounces (no more than twelve [12] fluid ounces).
     
• High schools selling food products by vending machine:  Food products shall conform to 7 CFR 210.11 as to nutritional value if sold from vending machines to students and may be sold at any time.

Competitive  Food  Sales

Competitive food sales and marketing will be consistent with nutrition education and health promotion.  Competitive food and beverage items sold during the school day must meet the nutrition standards for competitive food as required in 7 CFR 210.11 and 210.11a.

The á la carte offerings in school meal programs shall follow the nutritional minimum requirements for reimbursable school meals as issued by the Secretary of Agriculture in The National School Lunch Act and The Child Nutrition Act (see references below).

Fund-Raiser  Restrictions

A special exemption is allowed for the sale of food and/or beverages that do not meet the competitive food standards as required in this section for the purpose of conducting an infrequent school-sponsored fund-raiser.  A fund-raiser is a sale on a school campus to benefit a school or school organization of beverage or food products limited by a United States department of agriculture school meal program for use, consumption or sale during the school day.  No fund-raiser may be conducted in competition with school meals in the food service area during meal service.  A fund-raiser may be conducted only for up to one (1) school day on two (2) occasions per semester or trimester term in a school that participates in United States department of agriculture school meal programs.

*All foods must be smart snack compliant with the exception of the two exemptions for the fund raisers per school.

Adopted: date of manual adoption

LEGAL REF.:     6.12.5.8 NMAC, New Mexico Requirements for Competitive
Foods Sold to Students
6.12.6.8 NMAC, Wellness Requirements
42 U. S. C. 1751 et seq., The National School Lunch Act
42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq., The Child Nutrition Act as amended.
7 CFR 210.11 Competitive food service and standards
7 CFR 210.11a Competitive food services

CROSS REF.:     JL - Student Wellness

All School District personnel, school employees, school volunteers, contractors and contractors' employees shall be required to complete training in the detection and reporting of child abuse and neglect, ethical misconduct, professional responsibilities, sexual abuse and assault, and substance abuse.  This requirement shall be completed within the School District employee's, school employee's, school volunteer's, contractors and contractors' employees first year of employment.  The training information shall be available through the department of education.

Every person, including any school employee licensed or unlicensed, who has information that is not privileged as a matter of law, who knows or has a reasonable suspicion that a child is an abused or a neglected child shall report the matter immediately to:

• New Mexico Child Abuse Hotline (1-855-333-SAFE or #SAFE from a cell phone [#SAFE = #7233]);
• a local law enforcement agency; 
• the department office in the county where the child resides; or 
• a tribal law enforcement or social services agency for any Indian child residing in Indian country. 

The report shall contain the following information:

• The names and addresses of the minor, the parents, or the person or persons having custody of such minor, if known.
• The minor's age and the nature and extent of any injuries or physical neglect, including any evidence of previous injuries or physical neglect.
• Any other information that such person believes might be helpful in establishing the cause of the injury or physical neglect.

The school administrator should be informed following the immediate report abuse, and the "Agency Referral Form and Procedure" should be used in order to have documentation and follow up (see the following exhibit).

A school administrator and/or their designee may permit a member of a law enforcement agency or an employee of the Human Services Department to interview the child with respect to a report without the permission of the child's parent, guardian or custodian.

A person who fails to report abuse as provided in 30-6-4 NMSA 1978 is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Adopted:     date of manual adoption

LEGAL REF.:     22-10A-32 NMSA (1978)
22-5-4.2 NMSA (1978)
30-6-4 NMSA (1978)
32A-4-2 NMSA (1978)
32A-4-3 NMSA (1978)

CROSS REF.:     GBEB - Staff Conduct
GBEBB - Staff Conduct With Students
JKA - Corporal Punishment

 

The nonmedical use, possession, distribution, delivery or sale of drugs or counterfeit substances on school property or at school events is prohibited.  Nonmedical is defined as "a purpose other than the prevention, treatment, or cure of an illness or disabling condition" consistent with accepted practices of the medical profession.

Students in violation of the provisions of the above paragraph shall be subject to removal from school property and shall be subject to prosecution in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Students attending school in the District who are in violation of the provisions of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary actions in accordance with the provisions of school rules and/or regulations.

For purposes of this policy, "drugs" shall include, but not be limited to:

• All dangerous controlled substances prohibited by law.
• All alcoholic beverages.
• Any prescription or over-the-counter drug, except those for which permission to use in school has been granted pursuant to Board policy.
• Hallucinogenic substances.
• Inhalants.

Any student who violates the above may be subject to warning, reprimand, probation, suspension, or expulsion, in addition to other civil and criminal prosecution.

Adopted:     date of manual adoption

LEGAL REF.:     30-31-22 NMAC (1978)

CROSS REF.:     JLC - Student Health Services and Requirements
JLCD - Administering Medicines to Students

Definition:

Health Education means the instructional program that provides the opportunity to motivate and assist all students to maintain and improve their health, prevent disease and reduce health-related risk behaviors.  It allows students to develop and demonstrate increasingly sophisticated health related knowledge, attitudes, skills and practices.  It meets the content standards with benchmark and performance standards as set forth in 6.12.5.8 NMAC-N, 02-28-06. (6.29.1 NMAC  standards for Excellence)

Goal:

The Goal of a comprehensive health education curriculum within a coordinated school health approach is to acquire life skills in order to attain personal, family, community, consumer and environmental health.

Activities:

1. Implement the Los Lunas Schools standards-based health curriculum

2. Integrate wellness into other subject areas using health and physical education standards as a guideline.

3. Counselors, Social Workers and Psychologists of Los Lunas Schools will develop and implement a behavior health manual (model).  The manual will be reviewed yearly.

4. Each school site will have a safety plan in effect by the beginning of each year.

5. The health advisory committee will plan to address wellness needs of district staff and will ensure an equitable work environment that meets the American with Disabilities Act Part III.

6. Healthy eating and physical activity will be actively promoted to students, parents, teachers, administrators, and the community at PTO meetings, Open Houses, Health Fairs, teacher in-service days, etc.

7.  .5 credit of Health Education is offered in Highschool and Middle School a Graduation Requirement .

8. PED’s “opt out “ policy regarding sexuality of health education curriculum.

9. HIV Instruction provided (6.12.2.10 NMAC)

Physical Activity

Definition:

Physical Activity means body movement of any type which includes recreational, fitness and sport activities

Goal:

The goal of physical activity within the coordinated school health approach provides students with increased opportunities to engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity before, during and/ or after school.

1.  Schools are encouraged to incorporate physical activity into class time (i.e. Minute, Take 10, etc.).

 Schools, including staff, students, and community, are encouraged to participate in other healthy activities such as:

a. Walking Clubs

b. Jump Rope for Heart

c. St. Jude’s Bike-a-thon

d. Walk and Roll to School Day

e. Zoo Runs

f. Walking school buses

g. Safe routes to school

2. Teachers and other school and community personnel shall not withhold physical activity (e.g. recess) or physical education class as punishment.

All parts of the curriculum are interrelated and important to the development of the student.  The physical, emotional, social, aesthetic, and cognitive development of the student are all elements of importance within the school program.

The District will provide basic communication and computational skills, an experience-based curriculum, and exploration of different disciplines and decision-making techniques to enable the student to choose between alternatives.

Specifically, the District instructional program will be designed and implemented to provide for at least the minimum instructional areas required by statute and shall include:

• Skills in communication - to include reading and language arts skills, including phonemic awareness, phonics, comprehension, grammar and writing.
• Skills in computation - mathematics.
• Appreciation of the world of work.
• Pride of workmanship and skills for economic survival.
• Appreciation of the importance of physical fitness.
• Research and problem-solving skills in science and mathematics.
• Ability to think analytically, critically, and independently.
• Skills in foreign or Native American language.
• Ability leading to citizen responsibility.
• Understanding and respect for our cultural heritage and history.
• Appreciation for the intrinsic value of education.
• Appreciation of the fine arts.
• Skills in the use of topographical and standard maps.
• Skills in technology.

All parts of the curriculum are interrelated and important to the development of the student.  The physical, emotional, social, aesthetic, and cognitive development of the student are all elements of importance within the school program.

In kindergarten, first, second, and third grades, classes shall provide instruction in:

• reading and language arts skills, including phonemic awareness, phonics and comprehension, and mathematics daily; and grades first through third shall include:
• art;
• music;
• a language other than English; and
• instruction that meets content and performance standards in science, social studies, physical education and health education.

In fourth (4th) through eighth (8th) grades, instruction that meets academic content and performance standards shall be provided in the following subject areas:

• reading and language arts skills, with an emphasis on writing and editing for at least one (1) year and an emphasis on grammar and writing for at least one (1) year;
• mathematics; 
• language other than English; 
• communication skills; 
• science; 
• art; 
• music; 
• social studies;
• New Mexico history; 
• United States history; 
• geography;
• physical education; and
• health education.

LEGAL REF.:     21-1-1.2 NMSA
22-2-8.11 NMSA (1978)
22-2C-3 NMSA (1978)
22-13-1 NMSA (1978)
22-13-1.1 NMSA (1978)
6.27.30.7 NMAC

Graduation requirements are:

For students entering as ninth (9th) graders in 2009-2010 at least one (1) unit of the following twenty-four (24) units must be earned in an advanced placement or honors program, a dual-credit course or distance learning course.

English (grammar, nonfiction writing and literature emphasis)  4.0 units***

Math (one [1] unit equal to or greater than Algebra II)  4.0 units*  ***

Science (must include two [2] lab sciences)  3.0 units*  ***

Social Studies (one-half [0.5] unit Economics and one-half [0.5] unit Government, one [1] unit U. S. History, one [1] unit World History, one-half [0.5] unit of New Mexico History)  3.5 units

Health               0.5 unit

Physical Education - Substitution of P.E. requirement
     for Marching Band & JROTC:               1.0 unit
     Marching Band, Jrotc, And NMAAa - Sanctioned
     Interscholastic Sports (Substitute Credit)

LEGAL REF.:     22-13-1.1 NMSA (1978)
22-13-1.4 NMSA (1978)
6.19.7 NMAC
6.29.1.9 NMAC

The District shall implement the State mandated health education performance standards including age-appropriate sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention training in all health education classes.  Parents may request that their child not participate in the parts of the curriculum that address the sexuality performance standards by completing a request for exemption on the forms provided by the school.  Alternative lessons to the sexuality performance part of the health education curriculum shall be extensions of the health education curriculum at the grade level of the student whose parents request the exemption.

The Superintendent shall develop and implement regulations as needed that conform to New Mexico law.

LEGAL REF.:     6.29.6.8 NMAC
6.29.6.11 NMAC

A long-range plan will be the basis for providing special education services for students with exceptional needs and education requirements.  These services may include specialized programs, personnel, facilities, materials, and equipment needed to promote the individual physical, social, intellectual, and emotional growth of exceptional students. 

The Superintendent shall develop procedures that provide educational opportunities for individuals with disabilities and that accomplish District compliance with federal laws including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the New Mexico revised statutes, and the lawful regulations of the Secretary of Public Education.  Such procedures shall include, but not be limited to, the following provisions:

• All children with disabilities aged birth (0) through twenty-one (21) years within the District's jurisdiction are to be identified, located, and evaluated including children attending religious or private schools who are in need of special education and related services.
• A free appropriate public education (FAPE) shall be available to all children with disabilities aged three (3) through twenty-one (21) years within the District's jurisdiction, including children advancing from grade to grade, those who have been suspended or expelled from school in accordance with the applicable IDEA rules and regulations, and any child with a disability the District has placed in or referred to a private school or facility. The District may refer to and contract with approved public or private agencies as necessary to ensure the provision of FAPE for children with disabilities.
• A full individual evaluation encompassing existing and additional data shall be conducted for each child to determine if the child is a child with a disability and the educational needs of the child before the initial provision of special education and related services.  A reevaluation of each child shall be conducted at least every third year.
• An individualized education program (IEP) shall be developed and implemented for each eligible child served by the District and for each eligible child the District places in or refers to a private school or facility.  An IEP or an individualized family service plan (IFSP) will be in place for each child with a disability prior to the provision of FAPE.

LEGAL REF.:     22-13-6 NMSA (1978)

Special Education Ombud Act
20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq., Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
29 U.S.C. 794, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504

 

The District shall provide instruction in kindergarten (K) through grade twelve (12) on acquired immune deficiency syndrome and the human immunodeficiency virus as authorized by New Mexico Administrative Code.

The Superintendent shall develop and implement regulations on such instruction that conform to New Mexico law as needed.

LEGAL REF.:  6.12.2.10 NMAC

Definitions:

Nutrition means programs that provide access to a variety of nutritious and appealing meals that accommodate the health and nutrition needs of all students.

Nutrition Education aims to teach, encourage and support healthy eating by students. Nutrition Education and healthy eating will allow for proper physical growth, physical activity, brain development, ability to learn, emotional balance, a sense of well-being, obesity prevention and the ability to resist disease.

Goal:

The goal of nutrition is to promote the role of nutrition in academic performance and quality of life and to ensure the adoption of school policies which provide adequate nutrition opportunities.

 Activities: 

1. Implement the Los Lunas Schools standards-based health curriculum which is aligned with the New Mexico health education content standards with benchmarks and performance standards as set forth in 6.30.2.19 NMAC.
2. Los Lunas Schools fully supports locally grown foods for school meals through Farm to School Programs, or programs as such.
3. All schools will ensure water is readily available to students during the school day and support allowing students to have water bottles in class.
4. The school district supports and encourages the use of school property to promote nutrition, physical activity, and curricular and co-curricular activities through school gardens.
5. Schools will not use foods or beverages, especially those that do not meet the nutrition standards for foods and beverages sold individually, as rewards for academic performance or good behavior.
6. Schools will promote healthy food choices and will not permit advertising that promotes less nutritious food and beverage choices.

All schools will offer reimbursable school breakfast and lunch that reflect the Dietary Guidelines and meet the most current USDA nutrition standards. Schools will plan meals that emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products, lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts.

A. Elementary Schools 

1. Beverages for students will be sold only after the last lunch period is completed and shall only include soy milk, milk with 2% fat or less and water. Milk and 100% fruit juice is available during breakfast and milk is available during lunch for purchase from the student nutrition program for students who bring their own lunch or would like an extra juice or milk.
2. Foods - No other foods will be sold to students during the school day outside the school breakfast and lunch program.
3. Classroom Snacks and Parties

Foods that are encouraged for snacks and parties are:

Fresh Fruit
Low Fat Yogurt
Fresh Vegetables (i.e. baby carrots)
Low Fat Cottage Cheese
Low fat dips
Low Fat Pudding
Whole grain muffins
Low Fat Frozen Fruit Bars Multigrain Bagel
Almonds, Sunflower seeds etc.
Rice Cakes
Bean Dip
Pretzels
Nut Butters (check for allergies)
Low fat crackers, granola bars, cereal bars
Animal Crackers
100 % fruit or vegetable juice
String Cheese
Dried fruits with no added sugar
Angel Food cake with fresh fruit  Salsa

Have all students who are celebrating birthdays in the month celebrate together. Limit parties with cake and other sugary or high fat foods to less than once per month. Parents are encouraged to follow these guidelines when sending food to school for their students.

To ensure that only foods that have been prepared and held under safe food handling procedures “home cooked” potentially hazardous foods will NOT be allowed to be served to students during school hours.  This does not apply to foods that a student brings from home for his or her own consumption (lunches, snacks)

B. Middle Schools 

1. Beverages sold to students shall only include milk with no more than 2% fat, soy milk, water and 100% fruit juice with no added sweeteners and no more than 125 calories per container and a serving size not to exceed 20 oz.  These beverages are allowed any time.  Carbonated beverages are not to be sold or served to middle school students.
2. Foods sold to students may be sold after the last lunch period is over and must meet the following guidelines.  No more than 200 calories or less per package or amount served with no more than 8 grams of fat per serving and 2 grams from saturated or trans fats and no more than 15 grams of sugar per package. Exceptions are nuts, seeds, cheese, yogurt products, and fruit. 
3. Classroom Snacks and Parties 

Foods that are encouraged for snacks and parties are:

Fresh Fruit
Low Fat Yogurt
Fresh Vegetables (i.e. baby carrots)
Low Fat Cottage Cheese
Low fat dips
Low Fat Pudding
Whole grain muffins
Low Fat Frozen Fruit Bars Multigrain Bagel
Almonds, Sunflower seeds etc.
Rice Cakes
Bean Dip
Pretzels
Nut Butters (check for allergies)
Low fat crackers, granola bars, cereal bars
Animal Crackers
100 % fruit or vegetable juice
String Cheese
Dried fruits with no added sugar
Angel Food cake with fresh fruit Salsa

Have all students who are celebrating birthdays in the month celebrate together. Limit parties with cake and other sugary or high fat foods to less than once per month.  Parents are encouraged to follow these guidelines when sending food to school for their students.

To ensure that only foods that have been prepared and held under safe food handling procedures “home cooked” potentially hazardous foods will NOT be allowed to be served to students during school hours. This does not apply to foods that a student brings from home for his or her own consumption (lunches, snacks).

C. High Schools

• Beverages:  The following may be sold or served throughout the day:
• Water; Milk with 2% fat or less, soy milk; 50% - 100% Fruit juice with no added sweeteners
• The following may be sold only after the last lunch period:
  Sugar Free/ Caffeine Free soft drinks (must be both)
  Non-Carbonated flavored water with no added sweeteners
  Sports drinks
• Food products sold to students any time during the day must meet the following guidelines. No more than 200 calories or less per package or amount served and no more than 8 grams of fat per serving and 2 grams of saturated or trans fats and no more than 15 grams of sugar per package. Exceptions are nuts, seeds, cheese, yogurt products, and fruit. 
• A la carte offerings (a beverage or food sold in schools to students during the lunch period that is not part of the USDA school meal program).   § Beverages  must meet requirements per grade level above.
• Entrees no more than 400 calories; and no more than 16 grams of fat (no  more than 2 grams from saturated and Trans fats combined) and no more than 30 grams of total sugar.  Exceptions are nuts, seeds, cheese, yogurt products and fruit.
• Classroom Snacks and Parties – 

Foods that are encouraged for snacks and parties are:
Fresh Fruit
Low Fat Yogurt
Fresh Vegetables (i.e. baby carrots)
Low Fat Cottage Cheese
Low fat dips
Low Fat Pudding
Whole grain muffins
Low Fat Frozen Fruit Bars
Multigrain Bagel
Almonds, Sunflower seeds etc.
Rice Cakes
Bean Dip
Pretzels
Nut Butters (check for allergies)
Low fat crackers, granola bars, cereal bars
Animal Crackers
100 % fruit or vegetable juice
String Cheese
Dried fruits with no added sugar
Angel Food cake with fresh fruit Salsa

Have all students who are celebrating Birthdays in the month celebrate together. Limit parties with cake and other sugary or high fat foods to less than once per month. Parents are encouraged to follow these guidelines when sending food to school for their students.

To ensure that only foods that have been prepared and held under safe food handling procedures “home cooked” potentially hazardous foods will NOT be allowed to be served to students during school hours. This does not apply to foods that a student brings from home for his or her own consumption (lunches, snacks).

D. School Sponsored Fund Raisers  

1.  During School - must meet requirements as per grade level above.

a. In order to support children’s health and school nutrition education efforts, school fundraising activities should use only foods that meet nutrition and portion size standards for foods and beverages sold individually.

b. Schools will encourage fundraising activities that promote physical activity.

2. Before, and after school hours - shall offer at least 50 % of the total offerings from healthy choices as per the beverage and food paragraphs under the High School Section above. A comprehensive list can be obtained from http://www.ped.state.nm.us/div/sipds/health/wellness_TA.html  

The regular school attendance of a child of school age is required by state law.  Regular school attendance is essential for success in school; therefore, absences shall be excused only for necessary and important reasons.  Such reasons include, but are not limited to illness, injury, bereavement of a family member, other family emergencies, and observance of major religious holidays of the family's faith or religious instruction and tribal obligations.  For religious instruction and tribal obligations written consent of a parent and approval of the principal are required.  A student may be excused for authorized reasons and time shall be provided for the student to make up the work.

Intervention is called for if a student misses five percent (5%) or more of classes or days of school.

A public school shall provide interventions to students who are absent or chronically absent, which may include:

• assessing student and family needs and matching those needs with appropriate public or private providers, including civic and corporate sponsors;
• making referrals to health care and social service providers;
• collaborating and coordinating with health and social service agencies and organizations through school-based and off-site delivery systems;
• recruiting service providers and business, community and civic organizations to provide needed services and goods that are not otherwise available to a student or the student's family;
• establishing partnerships between the public school and community organizations, such as civic, business and professional groups and organizations and recreational, social and out-of-school programs;
• identifying and coordinating age-appropriate resources for students in need of:
  counseling, training and placement for employment;
  drug and alcohol abuse counseling;
  family crisis counseling; and mental health counseling;
• promoting family support and parent education programs; and
• seeking out other services or goods that a student or the student's family needs to assist the student to stay in school and succeed.

The attendance team may be convened to establish;

• a specific intervention plan for the student,
• weekly progress monitoring, and
• a contract for attendance.

 

Students ill with HIV virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) have a right to receive a public education.  The Board has a responsibility to assure that the school provides a safe environment for all of its students and employees.

The Board directs that:

• infected students receive a public education.
• information be provided for parents, faculty and staff members, and other concerned persons concerning the actual and potential dangers of transmission of the disease.
• decisions concerning the educational placement of infected students be determined upon the best medical knowledge available and on a case-by-case basis.
• restrictions be placed upon a student as required by state laws and regulations, and advice of a physician selected by the District.
• protection for the rights of privacy of each infected student be a primary consideration.

Decision(s) regarding the type of educational setting for the student who is infected with HIV virus shall be based upon the behavior, neurologic development, and physical and mental condition of the student.  Recommendations will be made upon consultation with public health personnel, school officials, the student's physician and parents, and, at the discretion of the District, a physician selected by the District.

Subject to the exemptions as provided by law, no student shall be enrolled unless the student can present satisfactory evidence of commencement and completion of immunization in accordance with the immunization schedule and rules and regulations of the Public Health Division, except that a homeless student shall not be prevented from attendance until the fifth (5th) calendar day after enrollment.

“Satisfactory evidence of commencement and completion of immunization” means satisfactory evidence of a person having begun the process of immunizations in a statement, certificate or record signed by a duly licensed physician, certified nurse practitioner, or other recognized public or private health facility stating that the person has received at least the first in the series of required immunizations and is proceeding with the immunizations according to the prescribed schedule. Persons enrolling in schools who have begun the process of immunization shall have one month following the date of enrollment to complete the required immunizations and submit satisfactory evidence of completing the required immunizations or having continued the process of the required series.

Any minor child, through his parent or guardian, may file a request for exemption from required immunization with the director of the public health division.  The original request for approval of any exemptions from immunization must be mailed to the Department of Health, Public Health Division, immunization program.  The address is P.O. Box 26110, Suite S-1250, Santa Fe, NM, 87502.  Request forms can be found at the immunization program offices 1190 St. Francis Drive, Suite South 1250 or on the program's website.

Exemption from obtaining the required immunizations, when approved, is valid for a period not to exceed nine (9) months and will not extend beyond the end of the school year in which the student is currently enrolled.

Any student with serologic confirmation of the presence of specific antibodies against a vaccine-preventable disease shall not be subject to immunization against that disease as a condition for attending school.

The District will cooperate with Public Health Division in programs of immunization.  Parents' permission must be secured before a student may participate in such immunization projects.

LEGAL REF.:     6.12.2.8 NMAC
6.12.2.9 NMAC
6.12.2.10 NMAC
7.4.3.8 NMAC
7.4.3.13 NMAC

Under certain circumstances, when it is necessary for a student to take medicine during school hours, the District will cooperate with the health care professional and the parents if the following requirements are met:

• For prescription medication and medical cannabis there must be a written order from the authorized health care professional stating the name of the medicine, the dosage, and the time it is to be given.
• Any order or plan for administering medications shall only be valid during the school year provided and while the student is enrolled.
• There must be written permission from the parent to allow the school or the student to administer the prescription medication, cannabis or over-the-counter medicine.  Appropriate forms are available from the school office.
• The medicine must come to the school office in the prescription container or, if it is over-the-counter medication or cannabis, in the original container with all warnings and directions intact.
• A student should not carry medication to and from school unless authorized by the District to self-administer.

A responsible adult should bring medications to the school office if necessary.  If medications are necessary for emergency use during transportation a written health management plan shall be prepared in consultation with the parents and school authorities indicating where the medication will be located during transportation and who will administer the medication.

The District reserves the right, in accordance with procedures established by the Superintendent, to circumscribe or disallow the use or administration of any medication on school premises if the threat of abuse or misuse of the medicine may pose a risk of harm to a member or members of the student population.

This policy and any related policies or amendments to such policies shall be forwarded to the District liability insurance carrier for review.

LEGAL REF.:     22-1-2 NMSA
22-5-4.3 NMSA
22-10A-3 NMSA
26-2B-1 NMSA et seq.
6.12.2.9 NMAC
6.12.10.1 NMAC et seq.
6.41.4.9 NMAC

The parent or guardian of each student with diabetes, who seeks diabetes care for that student while at school, shall submit a diabetes medical management plan approved by their personal health care provider to the school.  Each school that receives a diabetes medical management plan shall review and implement the diabetes medical management plan.  Parents shall also complete forms as required by the school for administering medications.

Diabetes  Self-Management

Upon the written request of a parent or guardian of a student with diabetes and authorization by the student's diabetes medical management plan, a student with diabetes shall be permitted to:

• perform self-management blood glucose monitoring to check blood glucose and ketones;
• administer prescribed medication for the treatment of diabetes including the self-administration of insulin through the insulin delivery system that the student uses as determined in the student's diabetes medical management plan;
• treat hyperglycemia as determined in the student's medical management plan;
• treat hypoglycemia as determined in the student's diabetes medical management plan;
• self-manage in any area of the school or school grounds so long as it does not disrupt the education environment of other students; and
• possess on the student's person at all times all necessary supplies and equipment to perform these monitoring and treatment functions.

If a student's parent or guardian or the student requests, the student shall have access to a private area for performing diabetes care tasks.

LEGAL REF.:     22-10A-3 NMSA
22-34-1 NMSA et seq.
6.12.11.1 NMAC et seq.
6.41.4.9 NMAC

A person trained to administer vision screening in accordance with the standards of the department of health shall administer a vision screening test to students in pre-kindergarten (Pre-K), kindergarten (K), first (1st) grade, third (3rd) grade and all new or transfer students in those grades unless a parent affirmatively prohibits the screening.  Such affirmation shall be accepted in writing and kept as a part of the student's health record.  If the parent affirmatively prohibits the vision screen verbally, the action shall be put in writing, witnessed and placed in the student's health record.

Should the vision screening of a student indicate the need for further evaluation, the parent of the student shall be notified of that need and be provided with information on the availability of funds from the Save Our Children's Sight Fund.

LEGAL REF.:     22-13-30 NMSA
24-1-31 NMSA

School site principals or their designee would be responsible for overseeing the implementation of this policy at their school site.  Evidence of compliance would include:

1. Form to be filled out yearly by the principal or designee reflecting current school conditions/practices as it relates to the above mentioned requirements.
2. Evidence of suggested activities occurring at the school site.

Forms will be turned into the Wellness Coordinator’s Office by the end of March each year for compliance review. 

Staff Wellness

A school staff wellness initiative requires an environment that values, supports, and protects the well-being of teachers, staff and students; an organizational structure that incorporates policies, goals and objectives addressing school staff wellness and safety into the school and district culture.

1. Health promoting actions. The district shall disseminate information, build awareness, provide health education, and support health-promoting activities that focus on skill development and lifestyle behavior change for staff members.
2. Access to facilities. Staff is encouraged to utilize available facilities that meet employee wellness needs and interests.
3. Application of nutrition standards. The district shall encourage nutrition standards that apply to food and beverages, including those in vending machines available to staff members.
4. Tobacco /electronic cigarette use policies. All use of tobacco and/or electronic cigarettes referred to as e-cigarettes and all e-cigarette  products are prohibited, including all buildings, facilities, school busses, indoor and outdoor spaces surrounding grounds, as well as parking lots by students, staff members and visitors shall be prohibited.
5. Safe social and physical environments. Social and physical environments shall be safe and supportive, supported by district expectations of health behaviors and implementation of policies that promote health and safety and reduce the risk of disease.
6. Integration of the staff wellness initiative.  The staff wellness initiative shall be integrated into district and school culture and structure
7. Linkage with other programs. Staff wellness initiatives shall be linked to related programs such as employee assistance programs, emergency care, and programs that help employees balance work and family life.
8. Worksite screening programs. The district shall offer worksite screenings linked to medical care to ensure follow up and appropriate treatment, as necessary.
9. Evaluation and improvement. The district shall conduct ongoing evaluations to inform the improvement of the staff wellness initiative’s effectiveness and efficiency.

 

The Board believes that the health and safety of the students and employees of the District are primary concerns, and that it is necessary, therefore, to adopt a policy governing the manner in which the Board and the administration address such concern when a current or potential employee is infected with a communicable disease.  While designed to protect students and employees, this policy also protects the legitimate interests and rights of employees or potential employees having a communicable disease or are carriers of a communicable disease.  Employees with a communicable disease or being a carrier of a communicable disease will be permitted to retain their positions, whenever, after reasonable accommodations and without undue hardship, there is no risk of transmission of the disease to others, provided an employee is able to continue to perform the essential functions of the position.

The District may conduct voluntary medical examinations as part of an employee health or wellness program.  All information obtained through medical inquiries or examinations must be treated as confidential.  Thus, medical information must be kept in a confidential file, separate from other personnel information about the employee.  The Superintendent shall develop and implement administrative procedures necessary to administer this policy.

LEGAL REF.:     22-10A-34 NMSA
29 U.S.C. 794 et seq. (Sec. 504 of the Rehabilitation Act)
42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq. (Americans with Disabilities Act)
29 C.F.R. 1630 (ADA guidelines)
29 C.F.R. 1910.10 (OSHA Universal Precautions Standard)

The Board is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity in relation to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, and disability.  This policy will prevail in all matters concerning staff members, students, the public, educational programs and services, and individuals with whom the Board does business.  The Superintendent will appoint the compliance officers and/or Title IX Coordinators.

All reports or grievances regarding discrimination in employment other than those regarding discrimination on the basis of sex should be directed to the Superintendent's office of compliance.  All complaints or reports of discrimination on the basis of sex shall be directed to the Title IX Coordinator per Policy ACA.

LEGAL REF.:     22-5-4.3 NMSA
22-31-1 NMSA et seq., School Athletic Equity Act
28-1-2 NMSA et seq.
20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)(v), Sexual Assault
20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq., Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
20 U.S.C. 1681, Education Amendments of 1972, Title IX
20 U.S.C. 1703, Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972
29 U.S.C. 794, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, (Section 504)
34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(8), (10), (30) Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Stalking
42 U.S.C. 2000, Civil Rights Act of 1964, Titles VI and VII
42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq., Americans with Disabilities Act
34 CFR Part 106, Nondiscrimination on the basis of Sex in Education

Additional Information

Additional information concerning Public Education Department Policy, State Regulations and lists of recommended foods and beverages may be found at the Public Education Department’s website: www.ped.nm.us/div.sipds/health/wellness_TA.html  

ADOPTED: 7/25/06

REVISED: 1/31/24

LEGAL REFERENCES: 42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq; 6.30.2.19 NMAC; 42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq;

6.12.5.8 NMAC-N, 02-28-06; 6.12.5.8 NMAC-N, 02-28-06; 

LOS LUNAS BOARD OF EDUCATION: