August Healthy Schools - Healthy Students Newsletter

Team Nutrition Iowa, Action for Healthy Kids Iowa, and Iowa Department of Education logos

August

2018

Healthy Schools
back to school

 This monthly newsletter provides information on nutrition and physical activity programs, trainings and funding opportunities, and success stories from Iowa schools working to support healthy habits.

Stay Connected! Iowa Department of Education - Bureau of Nutrition and Health Services

Facebook: @healthyschoolsIA  Twitter: @IAhealthyschool Email: schoolmeals@iowa.gov

Easy to Use School Nutrition Staff Trainings

Nutrition Staff

Looking for ideas for training for school nutrition staff? Iowa Team Nutrition has developed a series of short webcasts that are 10-15 minutes in length that include hands-on activities and quizzes to assess knowledge gained. Topics include: Civil Rights, Build a Healthy Breakfast and Lunch (offer vs. serve), Food Production Records, School Wellness & Smart Snacks, etc.
School Nutrition Staff Trainings

Classroom Wellness BINGO Cards

BINGO Cards

 A healthy classroom makes nutrition and physical activity a seamless part of the learning experience. This set of BINGO cards includes ways to incorporate nutrition and physical activity into the classroom on a monthly basis. As a class, review the BINGO card at the beginning of each month as a way to set goals related to wellness in the classroom. Brainstorm additional ideas to fill in the free choice box each month or make edits to the card ideas. Identify a class reward (PJ Day, Teacher eats lunch with class, etc.) if a BINGO is achieved by the end of the month!  BINGO Cards

Classroom Rewards and School Wellness

PBIS

school wellness policy guides efforts to establish an environment that promotes students’ health, well-being, and ability to learn. Policies are to include standards for foods and beverages provided to students during the school day, including rewards. 

Effective student rewards fit naturally into the context of the school community and can support a healthy environment. How can you get started?

- Find a teacher to be a healthy rewards champion.
- Provide small prizes with donations or PTA funds.
- Generate a list of rewards involving recognition, privileges, and opportunities.
- Seek input from students.

For ideas and resources, visit the School Wellness Policy webpage.

Example of PBIS Rewards from Van Allen Elementary (Chariton Community School Distrist).

Is Your School Signed Up for Local Food Day?

Local Food Day

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is sponsoring an annual Iowa Local Food day on October 11th.

What does the day include? Schools serve at least two food items in school meals that feature local ingredients from Iowa farms.

How do I sign up? Visit the Iowa Local Food Day webpage. Schools can sign up per building. The webpage also includes menu ideas.

Questions? Contact Tammy Stotts tammy.stotts@iowaagriculture.gov

MyPlate School Menu Templates

Iowa Team Nutrition has developed a collection of school menu templates that include MyPlate, jokes, and nutrition tips. They are easy to download and edit in word and then save as a pdf for sharing. Customize with school name, month, and additional information. They are an excellent way to promote your school meal program! Menu Templates

MyPLate Menu Template
Healthy Choices Count Conference