The Iowa Department of Education invites schools from across the state to attend the School Wellness Conference on Thursday, March 28th in West Des Moines. Sessions will highlight successful school wellness initiatives in Iowa schools, the impact of wellness on academic success, strategies to engage key stakeholders, and resources to support school wellness implementation.

There is no cost to attend. Mileage and sub-pay reimbursement will be made available. Conference Information and Registration

Questions? Contact Carrie Scheidel at carrie.scheidel@iowa.gov

The school environment plays a fundamental role in shaping lifelong healthy behaviors. An integrated school, parent, and community approach can enhance the health and well-being of Iowa students. This can be found at Northstar Elementary, part of the Knoxville Community School District, where they have established practices and procedures that make the healthy choice, the easy choice for students, staff, and families.

Iowa Dept of Education Headline Article Highlighting a Recent Visit
Northstar Elementary PBIS Dude Perfect Videos

Last fall the 5th grade teachers at New London Community School District were really struggling with behaviors in the classroom and were looking for a solution. They came across The Daily Mile, a global community that incorporates running or walking a mile each day at school.

The Daily Mile takes place after morning announcements and the teachers have reported great success!

- It does not take as much time as they originally thought;

- Noticed an improvement in how students were able to stay engaged and on task in the classroom;

- Students have developed strategies to complete the mile and are so proud of their progress;

- Travel to destinations, like Tampa, Fl, and track their progress on a map; and 

- Teachers participate with the students - great opportunity to role model healthy habits!

For more information contact Sara Miller (Sara.Miller@nlcsd.org)

Lisa Hildebrand, Physical Education teacher at Van Allen Elementary incorporates student created fitness videos in her 5th and 6th grade dance units. Students work in small groups to create their routine utilizing the following guidelines:

• The video needs to keep the entire class active;
• Dance/exercises need to be inclusive;
• Be creative and original; and
• Needs to be safe, fun, and get your heart rate up!

The videos will be debuted in February during #WorkoutWednesday! All of the Van Allen students, teachers, and families are invited to the gym to participate 30 minutes before school starts. The videos will then be shared with the grade level teachers as a resource for classroom physical activity breaks. Sample video: Basket Ballers

For more information contact Lisa Hildebrand (hildebrand.lisa@iowacityschools.org).

Child Nutrition Flexibilities

The final rule increases menu planning flexibility in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program effective School Year 2019-20.

- The option to offer flavored, low-fat milk (previously only fat-free flavored milk was allowed);

- Half of the weekly grains in school meals must be whole grain-rich (previously all grains had to be whole grain-rich); and

- More time for gradual sodium reduction by retaining Sodium Target 1 through the end of SY 2023-24.  Federal Register: Child Nutrition Programs

National School Breakfast Week

March 4-8,  2019

An annual national campaign designed to raise awareness of the National School Breakfast Program in schools across the country. The theme this year is "Start Your Engines with School Breakfast" which is designed to show parents, students, and school officials the benefits of fueling up the day with a healthy school breakfast.

The School Nutrition Association has a collection of resources to plan your week including infographics, social media tools, graphics, and more!

Iowa Healthiest State Awards

The Healthiest State Initiative has announced the school finalists for the award that have advanced efforts to improve the physical, social and emotional well-being of Iowans. The winner will be announced at the Healthiest State Annual Awards ceremony on February 7th.

• Ankeny Community School District
• Irving Elementary (Waterloo)
• Pierce Elementary (Cedar Rapids)