Attendance

School attendance is the responsibility of the parents. Parents failing to send children to

school are in violation of the law. Regular attendance is an important school habit. Students

should attend school unless forced to be absent due to illness or in case of extreme

emergency. Absences present a hardship both to the student and to the teacher. As a result,

we ask for the fullest cooperation from parents in seeing that their children attend school

each day unless the child is ill.

1. If you know your child will have to miss school for any reason, please contact the

office.

2. If a child is absent three or more days in one quarter, the principal will contact the

parents to find what the problem is and how it might be improved.

3. Perfect attendance shall be awarded to those students missing no more than four total

hours of school for the entire year.

Absences, general – All absences, including those approved in advance by parents or

school officials, except those for school-sponsored activities, will count against a student’s

days absent. The student should be careful in the use of absences because excessive absences

may affect a student’s class participation grade.

Absence due to leaving the school grounds – Students are not permitted to leave the

school grounds during the school day except with the approval of parents and school officials

and then only within policies approved by the administration and Board of Education.

Absence due to school activities – When a student serves as an authorized representative

of his/her school, the student is not considered absent. Students who choose to participate in

extracurricular activities resulting in classes missed are expected to make up all assignments.

Absence due to out of school suspension – Students absent from school due to suspension

are expected to make up all assignments. Work done during suspension will be given zeros.

Absences, make-up work - Make-up work is permitted and is graded for full credit for all

absences with the exception of out of school suspension. Students are responsible to find out

what assignments or homework assignments they missed and then complete the work. When

absences are anticipated, the student is to contact his/her teacher(s) to determine what

assignments are to be completed during the absence. It is the student’s responsibility to

check with the teacher regarding work missed during the absence and the procedure to

follow.

Attendance, how counted – The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary

Education requires that student attendance in school be kept on an hourly basis. In

accordance with state guidelines, hourly absences are determined as follows:

0 to 15 minutes of time missed is considered tardy, not absent

16 to 30 minutes of time missed is considered one-half hour of absence

31 to 60 minutes of time missed is considered one hour of absence

61 minutes and over of time missed is rounded to the nearest half hour or hour.

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Tardiness

Children are also expected to be on time for school! Students arriving late should be

brought to the office by the person bringing them to school, and they should sign the attendance

sheet as to time of arrival, date, etc. An exception to this policy is granted when a bus is late due

to poor weather conditions or mechanical problems.

Arrival and Departure

Breakfast is provided at 7:15 and there will be all school announcements at 7:50 daily.

The school session begins promptly at 7:50 a.m. Students should plan to arrive at school no

earlier than 7:15 a.m. and no later than 7:50 a.m. School dismisses at 3:50 p.m. Students being

picked up will be dismissed through the front doors of the building.

Students will be dismissed from the school to the custody of their parents, guardian, and other

persons specifically listed on the information/emergency sheet. It will be necessary for the

individual picking up the child to personally sign the student out through the office. Picking up

students during bus loading and departure will not be permitted. THERE SHOULD BE NO

ONE WALKING BETWEEN BUSES THAT ARE LOADING OR UNLOADING. This added

inconvenience is necessary to ensure the safety of all students. If a parent plans on picking up

his/her child after school, a note must be sent to the teacher. If the child will be picked up from

school every day, one note at the beginning of the year will suffice

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is unwanted and unwelcomed behavior from students or staff members that is sexual and causes problems for you at school. The unwelcomed behavior may be verbal, visual, or physical. Sexual harassment is against the law and should not be ignored. Some examples are:

• Comments, notes or invitations of a sexual nature

• Derogatory comments or jokes that are sexual

• Touching or gestures that are sexual

• Blocking or cornering in a sexual way

• Pulling clothing or grabbing that is sexual

Other behaviors include:

• Showing sexual interest in someone when the interest is not wanted

• Any expression of sexual interest between adults and students

What should you do if you think you have been sexually harassed?

Don't ignore the behavior. You don't have to put up with it. Even though it is hard to do, you should tell your harasser to stop. And you should report what's going on to any adult staff member with whom you feel comfortable talking. If you wish, you can bring someone to help you make your report. You have the right to speak to someone of your same sex.

When you tell the adult staff member what's going on, they will report it to the person at school who investigates these kinds of problems, usually the principal and the school guidance counselor. There will be an investigation and a decision will be made based upon the facts of the case. The investigation is confidential, and you will not be asked during the investigation to face the person who you believe is harassing you. You don't have to worry about that person or someone else "getting even" with you for telling; the school staff will do their best to protect you.

What will happen to a person who is guilty of sexual harassment?

Students or staff who have been found guilty of sexual harassment will be told that the behavior must stop and will have appropriate disciplinary and corrective action taken.

Students who have been found guilty of sexual harassment will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.

Staff members who have been found guilty of sexual harassment will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

Corrective action for students and staff may include oral and written apologies, training, and counseling.

Parents are welcome to visit their child's classroom anytime. To ensure visitations are productive for both school and visitor, please follow these guidelines:

1. All visitors must register in the school office (Ed. Code Section 32211) prior to visiting the classroom or playground.

2. Wear a visitor identification sticker in a visible place.

3. Provide prior notice to teachers and staff to arrange appropriate times and days.

4. Set up a time before or after school to discuss your observation with the teacher, not during class time.

School policy does not permit children (students from other schools, friends, relatives) to visit the classroom for the day.

We ask that you do not interrupt the classroom schedule by going directly to the classroom. All contacts with students should be made through the school office.

State law requires that all people having close contact with students in schools must have verification of having passed a TB test. Please register the results of your TB test in the school office. Without this, you will not be allowed to provide parent volunteer service in the classroom.

Field trips are planned by teachers and designed to enrich the curriculum. A note and permission slip will be sent to you in advance of any fieldtrip and will include cost, place, departure time and dress. The permission slip must be signed and returned to your child's teacher in order for the student to participate in the fieldtrip.

Parents are frequently asked to chaperone fieldtrips, and teachers rely on these parents to provide supervision for a group of students. While fieldtrips are always fun for the students, they are intended to be extensions of the classroom curriculum and are learning activities. This is the parents' opportunity to participate with his/her child in an educational activity and to assist the classroom teacher. Unless it is specifically a family activity, we request that parents not bring other siblings along on fieldtrips. Take this opportunity to give special attention to your child and play a crucial role in making this an important learning activity for the children in the class. The teacher is depending upon your undivided attention.

We are grateful to the Mark Twain Elementary School PTA for providing all grade levels with a generous fieldtrip fund to help pay for the cost of these activities. In addition the PTA has a scholarship fund so that no one will be excluded from a fieldtrip due to cost.

INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES Policy 6320  (Regulation 6320) 

Libraries, Media and Technology Services 

Internet Safety Policy 

A. Introduction  

It is the policy of the District to: (a) prevent user access over its computer network to, or  transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct  electronic communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity;  (c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification  information of minors; and (d) comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No.  106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)].  

B. Access to Inappropriate Material  

To the extent practical, technology protection measures shall be used to block or filter Internet,  or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information. Specifically,  as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual  depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful  to minors. Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled or, in  the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.  

C. Internet Safety Training 

In compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, each year, all District students will  receive internet safety training which will educate students about appropriate online behavior,  including interacting with other individuals on social networking sites and in chat rooms, and  cyberbullying awareness and response. Such training will include Internet, cell phones, text  messages, chat rooms, email and instant messaging programs. (See also Policy 6116 – State  Mandated Curriculum – Human Sexuality). 

D. Inappropriate Network Usage  

To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the  District’s online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging,  and other forms of direct electronic communications. Specifically, as required by the Children’s  Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized  access, including so-called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful activities; and (b) unauthorized  disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors. 

Policy 6320 

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E. Supervision and Monitoring  

It shall be the responsibility of all District employees to supervise and monitor usage of the  online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy and the  Children’s Internet protection Act. Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any  technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of ________________ or designated  representatives.  

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September 2015, Copyright © 2015 Missouri Consultants for Education, Inc.

INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES Regulation 6320 Library, Media, and Technology Services 

Internet Usage 

Personal Responsibility 

Access to electronic research requires students and employees to maintain consistently high  levels of personal responsibility. The existing rules found in the District's Behavioral  Expectations policy (Board Policy/Regulation 2610) as well as employee handbooks clearly  apply to students and employees conducting electronic research or communication. 

One fundamental need for acceptable student and employee use of District electronic resources is  respect for, and protection of, password/account code security, as well as restricted databases  files, and information banks. Personal passwords/account codes may be created to protect  students and employees utilizing electronic resources to conduct research or complete work. 

These passwords/account codes shall not be shared with others; nor shall students or employees  use another party's password except in the authorized maintenance and monitoring of the  network. The maintenance of strict control of passwords/account codes protects employees and  students from wrongful accusation of misuse of electronic resources or violation of District  policy, state or federal law. Students or employees who misuse electronic resources or who  violate laws will be disciplined at a level appropriate to the seriousness of the misuse. 

Acceptable Use 

The use of the District technology and electronic resources is a privilege, which may be revoked  at any time. Staff and students are only allowed to conduct electronic network-based activities  which are classroom or workplace related. Behaviors which shall result in revocation of access  shall include, but will not be limited to: damage to or theft of system hardware or software;  alteration of system hardware or software; placement of unlawful information, computer viruses  or harmful programs on, or through the computer system; entry into restricted information on  systems or network files in violation of password/account code restrictions; violation of other  users' rights to privacy; unauthorized disclosure, use or dissemination of personal information  regarding minors; using another person's name/password/account to send or receive messages on  the network; sending or receiving personal messages on the network; and use of the network for  personal gain, commercial purposes, or to engage in political activity. 

Students and employees may not claim personal copyright privileges over files, data or materials  developed in the scope of their employment, nor may students or employees use copyrighted  materials without the permission of the copyright holder. The Internet allows access to a wide  variety of media. Even though it is possible to download most of these materials, students and 

staff shall not create or maintain archival copies of these materials unless the source indicates  that the materials are in the public domain.

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Regulation 6320 Page 2 

Access to electronic mail (E-mail) is a privilege and designed to assist students and employees in the acquisition of knowledge and in efficiently communicating with others. The District E-mail  system is designed solely for educational and work related purposes. E-mail files are subject to  review by District and school personnel. Chain letters, "chat rooms" or Multiple User  Dimensions (MUDs) are not allowed, with the exception of those bulletin boards or "chat"  groups that are created by teachers for specific instructional purposes or employees for specific  work related communication. 

Students or employees who engage in "hacking" are subject to loss of privileges and District  discipline, as well as the enforcement of any District policy, state and/or federal laws that may  have been violated. Hacking may be described as the unauthorized review, duplication,  dissemination, removal, damage, or alteration of files, passwords, computer systems, or  programs, or other property of the District, a business, or any other governmental agency  obtained through unauthorized means. 

To the maximum extent permitted by law, students and employees are not permitted to obtain,  download, view or otherwise gain access to "inappropriate matter" which includes materials that  may be deemed inappropriate to minors, unlawful, abusive, obscene, pornographic, descriptive  of destructive devices, or otherwise objectionable under current District policy or legal  definitions. Similarly, the use of any District computer to access sites which allow the user to  conceal their objective of accessing inappropriate material is not permitted. 

The District and school administration reserve the right to remove files, limit or deny access, and  refer staff or students violating the Board policy to appropriate authorities or for other  disciplinary action. 

Internet Access 

In compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (“CIPA”), 47 U.S.C. § 254, the  District uses technological devices designed to filter and block the use of any District computer  with Internet access to retrieve or transmit any visual depictions that are obscene, child  pornography, or “harmful to minors” as defined by CIPA and material which is otherwise  inappropriate for District students.  

Due to the dynamic nature of the Internet, sometimes Internet websites and web material that do  not fall into these categories are blocked by the filter. In the event that a District student or  employee feels that a website or web content has been improperly blocked by the District’s filter  and this website or web content is appropriate for access by District students, the process  described below should be followed:

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Regulation 6320 Page 3 

1. Follow the process prompted by the District’s filtering software (or to remain  anonymous, log in under log in name: 123anonymous) and submit an electronic request  for access to a website, or: 

2. Submit a request, whether anonymous or otherwise, to the District’s Superintendent/the  Superintendent’s designee. 

3. Requests for access shall be granted or denied within three days. If a request was  submitted anonymously, persons should either attempt to access the website requested  after three days or log back in at 123anonymous to see the status of the request.  

4. Appeal of the decision to grant or deny access to a website may be made in writing to the  Board of Education. Persons who wish to remain anonymous may mail an anonymous  request for review to the Board of Education at the School District’s Central Office,  stating the website that they would like to access and providing any additional detail the  person wishes to disclose.  

5. In case of an appeal, the Board of Education will review the contested material and make  a determination.  

6. Material subject to the complaint will not be unblocked pending this review process. 

In the event that a District student or employee feels that a website or web content that is  available to District students through District Internet access is obscene, child pornography, or  “harmful to minors” as defined by CIPA or material which is otherwise inappropriate for District  students, the process described set forth in Regulation 6241 should be followed.  

Adult users of a District computer with Internet access may request that the “technology  protection measures” be temporarily disabled by the chief building administrator of the building  in which the computer is located for lawful purposes not otherwise inconsistent with this Policy. 

Privileges 

The use of District technology and electronic resources is a privilege, not a right, and  inappropriate use will result in the cancellation of those privileges. All staff members and  students who receive a password/account code will participate in an orientation or training  course regarding proper behavior and use of the network. The password/account code may be  suspended or closed upon the finding of user misuse of the technology system or its resources.

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Regulation 6320 Page 4 

Network Etiquette and Privacy 

Students and employees are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of electronic  network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to, the following: 

1. System users are expected to be polite. They may not send abusive, insulting, harassing,  or threatening messages to others. 

2. System users are expected to use appropriate language; language that uses vulgarities or  obscenities, libels others, or uses other inappropriate references is prohibited. 

3. System users may not reveal their personal addresses, their telephone numbers or the  addresses or telephone numbers of students, employees, or other individuals during E mail transmissions. 

4. System users may not use the District's electronic network in such a manner that would  damage, disrupt, or prohibit the use of the network by other users. 

5. System users should assume that all communications and information is public when  transmitted via the network and may be viewed by other users. The system  administrators may access and read E-mail on a random basis. 

6. Use of the District's electronic network for unlawful purposes will not be tolerated and is  prohibited. 

Services 

While the District is providing access to electronic resources, it makes no warranties, whether  expressed or implied, for these services. The District may not be held responsible for any  damages including loss of data as a result of delays, non-delivery or service interruptions caused  by the information system or the user's errors or omissions. The use or distribution of any  information that is obtained through the information system is at the user's own risk. The  District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy of information obtained through  Internet services.

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Security 

The Board recognizes that security on the District's electronic network is an extremely high  priority. Security poses challenges for collective and individual users. Any intrusion into secure  areas by those not permitted such privileges creates a risk for all users of the information system. 

The account codes/passwords provided to each user are intended for the exclusive use of that  person. Any problems, which arise from the user sharing his/her account code/password, are the  responsibility of the account holder. Any misuse may result in the suspension or revocation of  account privileges. The use of an account by someone other than the registered holder will be  grounds for loss of access privileges to the information system. 

Users are required to report immediately any abnormality in the system as soon as they observe  it. Abnormalities should be reported to the classroom teacher or system administrator. 

The District shall use filtering, blocking or other technology to protect students and staff from  accessing internet sites that contain visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography or  harmful to minors. The District shall comply with the applicable provisions of the Children's  Internet Protection Act (CIPA), and the Neighborhood Internet Protection Act (NCIPA). 

Vandalism of the Electronic Network or Technology System 

Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to alter, harm, or destroy equipment or data of  another user, the District information service, or the other networks that are connected to the  Internet. This includes, but is not limited to the uploading or the creation of computer viruses,  the alteration of data, or the theft of restricted information. Any vandalism of the District  electronic network or technology system will result in the immediate loss of computer service,  disciplinary action and, if appropriate, referral to law enforcement officials.

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Consequences 

The consequences for violating the District's Acceptable Use Policy include, but are not limited  to, one or more of the following: 

1. Suspension of District Network privileges; 

2. Revocation of Network privileges; 

3. Suspension of Internet access; 

4. Revocation of Internet access; 

5. Suspension of computer access; 

6. Revocation of computer access; 

7. School suspension; 

8. Expulsion; or 

9. Employee disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

May, 2013 Copyright © 2013 Missouri Consultants for Education 

DISTRICT WELLNESS PROGRAM 

The primary goals of the Mark Twain School District’s wellness program are to promote student health, reduce  student overweight/obesity, facilitate student learning of lifelong healthy habits and increase student  achievement. The following procedures will guide the implementation of the district wellness program.  

Wellness Committee 

The district will establish a wellness committee that consists of at least one (1): parent, student, nurse, school  food service representative, physical education teacher, board member, school administrator, member of the  public, and other community members as appropriate. The Board designates the following individual as wellness program coordinator: Joe Donley

Nutrition Guidelines  

The district designated the following nutrition guidelines, based on the Missouri Eat  Smart Nutrition Guidelines, for foods and beverages served in schools during the school day:  

School Meals – All school meals will comply with USDA regulations and state policies and strive to meet the  advanced, more healthful regulations of the Missouri Eat Smart Guidelines.  

A La Carte Food Items – If A la carte items are served they will comply with USDA regulations prohibiting the  sale of “foods of minimal nutritional value” where school meals are served or eaten during the meal period.  

Food Items Sold in Vending Machines – There will not be food vending machines available to students at the  Mark Twain School District. Soda vending machines with bottled water, Gatorade, Soda and diet soda will  remain accessible to the students, in compliance with USDA regulations prohibiting the sale of “foods of  minimal nutritional value” where school meals are served or eaten during the meal period.  

Snack Programs, Rewards, Celebrations and Parties – All foods and beverages are offered in compliance with  USDA regulations prohibiting the sale of “foods of minimal nutritional value” where school meals are served  or eaten during the meal period.  

Nutrition Education  

The district’s nutrition education goal is to integrate sequential nutrition education with the comprehensive  health education program and, to the extent possible, the core curriculum taught at every grade level in order  to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to make healthy nutrition decisions. In order to  achieve the nutrition education goal, the district will:  

             1. Provide students at all grade levels with adequate nutritional knowledge including, but not limited to:                                          • The benefits of healthy eating.  

• Essential nutrients.  

• Nutritional deficiencies. 

• Principles of healthy weight management.  

• The use and misuse of dietary supplements in grades 6-8 only.  

2. Provide students with nutrition-related skills that minimally include the ability to:

            • Understand and use food labels  

• Apply the principles of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPyramid.gov.  

            3. Integrate the Team Nutrition curriculum into the schools nutrition education in appropriate grades  

4. Ensure that school counselors and school health services staff consistently promote healthy eating to  students and other staff and that these professionals are prepared to recognize conditions such as  unhealthy weight, eating disorders and other nutrition-related health problems among students and staff as well as assure access to healthcare.  

5. Coordinate the food service program with nutrition instruction. Food Service director should also work  closely with those responsible for other components of the school health program to achieve common  goals.  

Physical Activity  

The district’s physical activity goal is to assist students in learning to value and enjoy physical activity as an  ongoing part of a healthy lifestyle by ensuring that every student has the opportunity to develop the knowledge  and skills necessary to perform a variety of physical activities, maintain physical fitness and regularly  participate in physical activity.  In order to achieve the physical activity goal, the district will:  

1. Develop a sequential program of appropriate physical education for every student. The program will: 

          • Provide for at least 150 minutes of physical education for students in the elementary grades (grades K 5) during the school week; at least 150 minutes during each school week for students in middle school  (grades 6-8).  

• Emphasize knowledge and skills for a lifetime of regular physical activity.  

• Devote at least 50 percent of physical education class time to actual physical activity in each week,  with as much time as possible spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity.  

• Meet the needs of all students, especially those who are not athletically gifted or who have special  needs.  

• Provide a variety of activity choices, feature cooperative as well as competitive activities, and account  for gender and cultural differences in students’ interests.  

• Prohibit exemptions from physical education courses based on participation in an athletic team,  community recreation program, or other school or community activity.  

• Be closely coordinated with the other components of the overall school health program.  2. Provide time in              elementary schools for supervised recess. All students will have at least 20 minutes per  day of supervised                  recess. Recess will be held outdoors when possible.  

3. Discourage periods of inactivity that exceed two or more hours. When activities such as mandatory  school wide testing make it necessary for students to remain indoors for long periods of time, staff  should give students periodic breaks during which they are encouraged to stand and be moderately  active.  

4. Provide opportunities and encouragement for staff to be physically active by: 

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• Planning, establishing and implementing activities to promote physical activity among staff and  providing opportunities for staff to conveniently engage in regular physical activity.  

• Working with recreation agencies and other community organizations to coordinate and enhance  opportunities available to staff for physical activity during their out-of-school time. 

Other School-Based Activities  

The district’s goal for other school-based activities is to ensure integrated whole-school approach to the  district’s wellness program. The district will achieve this goal by addressing the areas itemized below. 

Community Involvement  

School instructional staff will collaborate with agencies and groups conducting nutrition education in the  community to send consistent messages to students and their families.  Guest speakers invited to address students will receive appropriate orientation to the relevant policies of the  district.  The wellness program shall make effective use of district and community resources and equitably serve the  needs and interests of all students and staff, taking into consideration differences of gender, cultural norms,  physical and cognitive abilities and fitness level.  

Family Involvement  

The district will strive to engage families as partners in their children’s education by supporting parental  efforts to motivate and help their children’s education with maintaining and improving their health, preventing  disease and avoiding health-related risk behaviors. Strategies the district may implement to achieve family  involvement may include, but are not limited to:  

1. Providing nutrition information to parents/guardians in the forms of newsletters, handouts,  presentations or other appropriate means.  

2. Posting nutrition tips on district websites.  

3. Providing nutrient analyses of district menus, upon request.  

4. Providing parents/guardians a list of appropriate foods that meet the district’s nutrition standards for  snacks.  

5. Providing parents/guardians with ideas for healthy celebrations, parties, rewards, and fundraising  activities.  

6. Encouraging parents/guardians to pack healthy lunches and snacks and to refrain from including  beverages and foods that do not meet the district’s nutrition standards for individual foods and  beverages.  

7. Providing information about physical education and other school-based physical activity opportunities  available to students before, during and after the school day.  

8. Sharing information about physical activity and physical education via the district’s website, newsletter,  other take-home materials, special events or physical education homework.  

9. Encouraging parents/guardians to volunteer time in the classroom, cafeteria or at special events that  promote student health. 

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Marketing and Advertising  

Marketing in district facilities will be consistent with the goals of the district’s wellness program and comply  with Board policy. The district will strive to promote the wellness program and educate parents regarding the  quality of district foods.  Tobacco advertising is not permitted on district property, at district-sponsored events or in district-sponsored  publications. 

Meal Times  

Students are not permitted to leave school campus during the school day to purchase food or beverages. Meal  times will comply with the following guidelines:  

1. Meal times will provide students with at least 10 minutes to eat after sitting down for breakfast, and 20 minutes for elementary and 15 minutes for middle school after sitting down for lunch.  

2. Activities such as tutoring or meetings will not be held during mealtimes unless students may eat during such activities.  

3. If possible, lunch periods will follow recess periods at the middle school level. 

4. Drinking water will be available to students during meals.  

5. Students will have access to hand-washing facilities before they eat meals or snacks. 

6. Students will be allowed to converse during meals.  

7. The cafeteria will be clean, orderly and inviting.  

8. Adequate seating and supervision will be provided during meal times. 

Staff Development and Training  

All staff will be provided with ongoing training and professional development related to all areas of student  wellness. The pre-service and ongoing in-service training will include teaching strategies for behavior change  and will focus on giving teachers the skills they need to use non-lecture, active learning methods. Staff  responsible for nutrition education will be adequately prepared and regularly participate in professional  development activities to effectively deliver the nutrition education program as planned.  Staff responsible for implementing the physical education program will be properly certified and regularly  participate in area-specific professional development activities.  

Qualified nutrition professionals will administer the district meal programs and will receive ongoing, area specific professional development.  

Staff Wellness  

The Mark Twain School District highly values the health and well-being of every staff member and will plan  and implement activities and policies that support personal efforts by staff to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  

Sun Safety  

“Sun safety” describes a range of behaviors that include wearing appropriate clothing, applying sunscreen and  limiting sun exposure. The sun safety program will focus on outdoor behavior and will be developmentally  appropriate, active, engaging and taught in lessons that emphasize the positive benefits of sun safety. Sun safety  education will be designed to assist students with:  

1. Knowledge about the harmful effects of the sun and ways to protect skin.  

2. Sun-safe skills, including the correct use of protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip  balm as well as seeking shade and limiting sun exposure when possible and practical during the hours  of peak sun intensity.  

Tobacco  

Tobacco use prevention education will focus on all grades with particular emphasis on middle school and  reinforcement in all later grades. Instructional activities will be participatory and developmentally appropriate.  Tobacco use prevention education programs will be implemented in accordance with Board policy, relevant  administrative procedures and law. 

Oversight and Evaluation  

The wellness program coordinator, Joe Donley, is responsible for monitoring implementation of the district  wellness program by:  

• 1. Assuming responsibility for the assessment of existing policies and procedures.

• 2. Prioritizing wellness goals and writing work plans for each goal.  

• 3. Measuring implementation of the district wellness policy and procedures.  

• 4. Ensuring that the district meets the goals of the wellness policy and procedure.  

• 5. Reporting to the Board on compliance and progress annually.  

Monitoring  

The food service director will monitor food service areas for compliance with the district’s nutrition guidelines  and will report on this matter to the wellness program coordinator.  

The program coordinator will develop an annual summary report based on input from schools within the  district regarding district wide compliance with the district’s wellness policies. The report will include a  baseline of assessed indicators, impact of the policy change on those indicators, a report of progress, steps for  moving to the next priority, work plans for the next year, and recommended policy revisions. The report will be  provided to the Board of Education and made available on the district’s website or by other appropriate means.  

Compliance Indicators  

The wellness committee will compile the results of the school’s baseline assessment of the existing nutrition and  physical activity programs and practices. In addition, the committee will use the following indicators to  measure the impact of the district wellness program:  

1. School Health Index.  

2. Physical fitness reports. 

3. Weight status or body mass index (BMI) of students.  

4. Number of staff who participated in training and development related to student wellness.  

5. Student absenteeism.  

Policy Review  

Joe Donley will provide policy revision recommendations to the Board of Education based on the analysis of  the compliance indicators as part of the annual report.  The Board will revise the wellness policy, as it deems necessary. Administrative procedures will be revised  accordingly.  If you would like to be a part of the Wellness Committee contact Joe Donley at the school.