Henry County Public Schools

Elementary Schools

Secondary Schools

• Axton Elementary School 

• Fieldale-Collinsville Middle School 

• Campbell Court Elementary School 

• Laurel Park Middle School 

• Drewry Mason Elementary School

• Bassett High School 

• G. W. Carver Elementary School

• Magna Vista High School 

• Meadow View Elementary School

• Mt. Olivet Elementary School

• Rich Acres Elementary School

• Sanville Elementary School

• Stanleytown Elementary School 

Description of Public Involvement 

Standard / Guideline

Met

Not Met

HCPS permits participation by the general public and the school community in the Wellness Policy process. This includes parents, students, and representatives of the School Food Authority, teachers of physical education, school health professionals, the School Board, and school administrators. 

✓

-

Description of Public Updates  

Standard / Guideline

Met

Not Met

The Wellness Policy is made available to the public on an annual basis, at minimum. This includes any updates to and about the Wellness Policy. 

✓

-

The Triennial Assessment, including progress toward meeting the goals of the policy, will be made available to the public on or before June 30, 2020. 

(one year waiver granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic) 

✓

-

WELLNESS POLICY LANGUAGE / GOALS

FULLY IN PLACE 

PARTIALLY IN PLACE 

NOT IN PLACE 

I. Nutrition Promotion & Education

Our school meets the specific goals for nutrition promotion and education as outlined in our Wellness Policy:

Students receive nutrition education that teaches the skills they need to adopt and maintain healthy eating behaviors.

✓

-

-

Division health education curriculum standards and guidelines address both nutrition and physical education.

✓

-

-

A qualified nutrition professional participates in the review of nutrition education materials.

✓

-

-

Families receive educational information that encourages healthful eating and physical activity.

-

12/13 schools

-

Progress Statement:  Full compliance has been achieved with regard to nutrition education, division health education curriculum standards, and the review of nutrition education materials by a qualified nutrition professional. Students receive nutrition education through their health classes and also through daily interaction with cafeteria staff who encourage and guide students in selecting well-balanced and eligible meals. These practices reinforce healthy eating behaviors that will have a positive impact on students throughout their lives. In regard to division health education curriculum, HCPS follows the Health and Physical Education standards adopted by the VDOE. Health and Physical Education teachers frequently refer to and incorporate resources provided by the VDOE on the Health Smart Virginia website. 

12/13 schools are currently providing families with educational information that encourages healthful eating and physical activity. The Health and Physical Education Curriculum Coordinator will work with the Wellness Champion at each building to improve communication between schools and families moving forward. 

II. Physical Activity

Our school meets the specific goals for physical activity as outlined in our Wellness Policy:

Students receive regular age-appropriate quality physical education.  

✓

-

-

Students are given opportunities for physical activity during the school day through physical education (PE) classes, daily recess periods for elementary school students and the integration of physical activity into the academic curriculum where appropriate.

✓

-

-

Physical education programs provide age- appropriate skill development for all students, including those with special needs.

✓

-

-

Schools encourage parents and guardians to support their children's participation in physical activity, to be physically active role models and to include physical activity in family events.

-

11/13 schools

-

Students are given opportunities for before and after-school programs including supervised age-appropriate physical activities that appeal to a variety of interests.

-

11/13 schools

-

Progress Statement: Full compliance has been achieved with regard to students receiving regular, age-appropriate, quality physical education, opportunities for physical activity during the school day, and physical education programs providing age-appropriate skill development for all students, including those with special needs. With the exception of time lost due to Covid-19 restrictions, elementary students regularly receive the required 100 minutes of physical activity per week (an average of 20 mins daily). Students in grades 6-12 have opportunities to receive the goal of at least 150 minutes per week on average during the regular school year. Per state guidelines, such programs may include any combination of (i) physical education classes, (ii) extracurricular athletics, (iii) recess, or (iv) other programs and physical activities deemed appropriate by the local school board. 

11/13 schools reported that they are currently providing resources that encourage parents to support their children’s participation in physical activity, to be physically active role models, and to include physical activity in family events. The Health & Physical Education Curriculum Coordinator for HCPS and the Wellness Champion at each building will work collaboratively to improve communication between schools and families moving forward. 

11/13 schools reported that students are given opportunities for before and after-school programs including supervised, age-appropriate physical activities that appeal to a variety of interests. Upon further investigation, it was determined that all schools, under normal operating conditions, provide students with opportunities to participate in a variety of after-school programs including walking/running clubs, programs offered through the YMCA and MHC After 3, school sports, marching band, etc. The two schools that responded “no” to this portion of the physical activity goal did so because the policy wording states “before and after-school programs.” Most schools do not offer programs prior to the start of the school day. Moving forward, the Wellness Committee will recommend a revision to the wording used in this section of the policy.  

III. Other School-Based Wellness Activities

Our school meets specific goals for other school-based activities that promote student wellness as outlined in our Wellness Policy:

An adequate amount of time is allowed for students to eat meals in adequate lunchroom facilities.

✓

-

-

All children who participate in subsidized food programs are able to obtain food in a non- stigmatizing manner.

✓

-

-

The availability of subsidized food programs is adequately publicized in ways designed to reach families eligible to participate in the programs.

✓

-

-

Environmentally- friendly practices such as the use of locally grown and seasonal foods, school gardens and non disposable tableware have been considered and implemented where appropriate. 

✓

-

-

Physical activities and/or nutrition services or programs designed to benefit staff health have been considered and, to the extent practical, implemented.

✓

-

-

Progress Statement: Full compliance has been achieved with regard to all strands of our Other-School Based Wellness Activities goal. With the exception of Covid-19 restrictions, all students are provided with an adequate amount of time to eat meals in the lunchroom. All students receive breakfast and lunch at no charge to the child; therefore, all children receive their meals in a non-stigmatizing manner. Numerous communications are shared with parents to inform them of the free meals provided to their child(ren) during regular school days, during the pandemic, and during the summer months. School gardens are in place at some schools and other environmentally-friendly practices are implemented when/where appropriate. Regarding staff health, HCPS sends out monthly staff newsletters that include healthy recipes, recommendations for increasing physical activity, and tips for managing stress/maintaining overall wellness. HCPS as a whole and some individual schools have participated in initiatives that encourage weight loss/maintaining a healthy weight, increased physical activity, and/or self-care activities. At the school level, examples include Biggest Loser competitions, walking challenges, etc. At the district level, examples include March Madness (recommendations for a variety of wellness activities), Self-Care BINGO, and a two-year partnership with SOVAH Health of Martinsville to encourage achieving/maintaining a healthy weight.  

IV. Standards and Nutrition Guidelines for All Foods and Beverages Sold

Our school meets the standards and nutrition guidelines for all foods and beverages sold to students on the school campus during the school day that are consistent with federal and state regulations:

We follow federal school meal nutrition standards for all foods and beverages available for sale on campus during the school day.

✓

-

-

We have adopted and implemented Smart Snacks nutrition standards for ALL items sold during school hours, including a la carte offerings and food sold in school stores and vending machines.

✓

-

-

We follow Henry County Public School’s policy on exempt fundraisers as outlined in our Division’s Wellness Policy pursuant to current regulations § 22.1-207.4 of the Code of Virginia. 

Foods and beverages that meet or exceed the USDA Smart Snacks in Schools nutrition standards may be sold through fundraisers on the school campus during the school day. The District will make available to parents and teachers a list of healthy fundraising ideas from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and the USDA. School Board Policy JHCH allows two (2) fundraisers per year during which food that does not meet the USDA Smart Snacks in Schools standards may be available for sale to students during the school day.

-Schools will use mainly non-food fundraisers, and encourage those promoting physical activity (such as walk-a-thons, Jump Rope for Heart, fun runs, etc.).

 -Fundraising during school hours will sell mainly non-food items or foods and beverages that meet the Smart Snacks nutrition standards.

✓

-

-

Progress Statement: Full compliance has been achieved with regard to all strands related to the Standards and Nutrition Guidelines for All Foods and Beverages Sold. The Director of School Nutrition works diligently to ensure that all HCPS schools follow federal school meal nutrition standards for all foods and beverages available for sale on campus during the school day. The only food items available for purchase during the school day are sold through the school cafeteria, and all of those items adhere to the Smart Snacks nutrition standards. Vending machines are not operational during the school day. Additionally, school administrators and the Director of Finance are responsible for overseeing all school fundraisers to ensure that they meet or exceed the standards outlined in our policy. 

We follow Henry County Public School’s policy on standards for all foods and beverages provided, but not sold, as outlined in our Division’s Wellness Policy. 

Celebrations and Rewards

The School Board encourages parents, faculty and staff to cultivate lifelong healthy food choices among students by modeling healthy habits. Foods offered on the school campus for celebrations or rewards should meet the following guidelines:

-Classroom snacks brought by parents. If parents bring food for a child’s birthday or other occasion, the District asks that parents limit party items to small cupcakes, cookies or fruit purchased in a store and properly labeled with all ingredients and nutritional information.  Ingredient labels are required, as some students have food allergies.  The only acceptable drink item is water.  Other food and drink items are prohibited.  The District also asks that parents check with their child’s teacher to see when is the best time to bring special treats, as well as to bring enough for the entire class. Birthday parties are not recognized and should not interrupt the instructional program.

-Rewards and incentives. The District will provide teachers and other relevant school staff with a list of recommended ways to reward children. The use of foods and beverages as rewards should be limited, and food should never be withheld as punishment for any reason, such as for performance or behavior.

✓

-

-

Progress Statement: All 13 schools reported compliance with this portion of our policy. 

All food and beverage marketing meets Smart Snacks nutrition standards.

✓

-

-

Progress Statement: All 13 schools reported compliance with this portion of our policy.

VII. Progress

     Other activities that promote wellness 

Wellness activities were integrated across the entire school setting, not just in the cafeteria, other food and beverage venues and physical activity facilities.

✓

-

-

Progress Statement: All 13 schools reported compliance with this portion of our policy. Schools specifically referenced the use of Brain Breaks, Go Noodle, a variety of SEL activities, after-school activities such as running clubs, etc. 

Our school was encouraged to coordinate content across curricular areas that promote student health, such as teaching nutrition concepts in mathematics, with consultation provided by either the school or the District’s curriculum experts.

-

7/13 schools

-

Progress Statement: 7/13 schools reported compliance with this portion of our policy. Those schools specifically cited PBL projects in the New Tech Academies, measurement lessons in math classes, collaborative lessons between Health & Physical Education teachers and Math/Science teachers, lessons presented by 4-H on nutrition, etc. 

Curriculum Coordinators will work with the schools not in compliance to increase cross-curricular lessons that promote health and wellness.  

When feasible, our District/School offered annual professional learning opportunities and resources for staff to increase knowledge and skills about promoting healthy behaviors in the classroom and school (e.g., increasing the use of kinesthetic teaching approaches or incorporating nutrition lessons into math class).

-

9/13 schools 

-

Progress Statement: 9/13 schools reported compliance with this portion of our policy. Curriculum Coordinators and HCPS teachers have provided professional development (PD) related to brain breaks and the importance of incorporating physical activity in regular classrooms through optional sessions at our annual Teaching and Learning Conferences and through materials posted on HCPS’s Instructional Resources Canvas Page. Curriculum Coordinators will revisit this PD and work with school administrators to provide support as needed at each building. 

All school-sponsored events adhered to the wellness policy guidelines. All school-sponsored wellness events included physical activity and healthy eating opportunities when appropriate. 

-

8/13 schools 

-

Progress Statement: 8/13 schools reported compliance with this portion of our policy. These schools reported only serving water and healthy snacks at school-sponsored events such as Family Nights. 

Of the schools that reported noncompliance, most stated they selected “no” because of the wording used in our policy (“all”). These schools stated that most events adhered to the wellness policy guidelines but probably not “all” events (i.e. pizza or cupcakes may be served occasionally). 

District level personnel will review healthier food and activity options that support the guidelines set forth in our wellness policy with all building level administrators. 

    Community Partnerships 

The District will enhance relationships with community partners in support of this wellness policy’s implementation.  Existing and new community partnerships and sponsorships will be evaluated to ensure that they are consistent with the wellness policy and its goals.

✓

-

-

Progress Statement: The District maintains that we are fully compliant with this portion of our policy. Our community partners include 4-H, MHC After 3, the YMCA, Henry County Parks & Recreation, PYSL, Food Lion, SOVAH Health of Martinsville, MHC Coalition for Health & Wellness, and numerous local churches/faith-based organizations. 

    Community Health Promotion and Family Engagement 

Our District/School promoted to parents/caregivers, families, and the general community the benefits of and approaches for healthy eating and physical activity throughout the school year.

-

11/13 schools 

-

Progress Statement: 11/13 schools reported compliance with this portion of our policy. The Health & Physical Education Curriculum Coordinator for HCPS and the Wellness Champion at each building will work collaboratively to improve communication between schools and families moving forward. 

Our District/School used electronic mechanisms (e.g., email or displaying notices on the district’s website), as well as non-electronic mechanisms, (e.g., newsletters, presentations to parents or sending information home to parents), to ensure that all families are notified of opportunities to participate in school-sponsored activities and receive information about health promotion efforts. 

✓

-

-

Progress Statement: All 13 schools reported compliance with this portion of our policy. HCPS regularly shares announcements with families via School Messenger and/or announcements on the district’s webpage. Individual schools send home periodic newsletters and/or announcements to families as well.

Summary of School Wellness Policy Scores

WellSAT 3.0 Item 

Comprehensiveness Score

Strength Score 

Section 1: Nutrition Education

100

25

Section 2: Standards for USDA Child Nutrition Programs and School Meals

100

88

Section 3: Nutrition Standards for Competitive and Other Foods and Beverages 

77

54

Section 4: Physical Education Physical Activity 

81

50

Section 5: Wellness Promotion and Marketing 

75

50

Section 6: Implementation, Evaluation, and Communication 

88

75

OVERALL DISTRICT POLICY SCORE: 

87

57