Wellness Policy for Crossroads Academy 2025- 2026 School Year

 

Table of Contents:

  1. Preamble
  2. School Wellness Committee
  3. Wellness Policy Implementation, Monitoring, Accountability, and Community Engagement
  4. Nutrition
  5. Physical Activity
  6. Additional ideas which Promote Student High Level Wellness

 

Wellness Policy

(Note: This “Basic” level wellness policy meets the minimum Federal standards for local school wellness policy implementation under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation Healthy Schools Program “Bronze”-level recognition criteria, and minimum best practice standards accepted in the education and public health fields. When possible, our school is able to establish a stronger policy that meets the Healthy Schools Program “Silver” or “Gold” levels. Our school uses language that meets and supports growth over time.)

 

Preamble Academy is committed to the optimal development of every student. We believe that all students have the opportunity to achieve personal, academic, developmental, and social success. Therefore, we create a positive and safe environment which promotes high level wellness at every level throughout the school year.

Research demonstrates that good nutrition and physical activity before, during, and after school are strongly associated with being advantageous to the students. For example, eating a well-balanced breakfast is correlated with higher grades, and test scores, and better performance on cognitive tasks. Less than adequate consumption of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products is associated with lower grades among these students. (1,2,3,4,5,6,7) In addition, students who are physically active throughout the day (recess, physical activity breaks, high-quality physical education and extracurricular activities), perform better academically. (11,12, 13, 14) Furthermore, current research indicates that there is an association between higher cognitive function and adequate hydration. (15,16,17)

Our Schools outline the environment and opportunities for all students to participate in healthy eating and physical activity throughout the school day. Our current school policy goals will enable the following:

    1. Students in the school have access to healthy foods throughout the school day—both through reimbursable school meals and other foods available throughout the school in compliance with Federal and State nutrition standards.
    2. Students receive proper nutrition education that enables them to develop lifelong healthy eating habits.
    3. Students have the opportunity to be physically active prior to, during school, and after

school.

    1. Our school staff promote good nutrition and physical activity in order for the students to achieve high level wellness.
    2. Education material is provided to parents about adequate nutrition and exercise.
    3. Our schools establish and maintain quality record-keeping for implementation and monitoring its current goals and objectives for all of the students.

 

School Wellness Committee:

Our school wellness committee will meet four times a year to establish goals for overseeing school health and safety policy and programs, including development, implementation and periodic review and update of the school wellness policy. Our membership will represent all school levels, elementary and secondary schools, as well as our special needs program. Membership will include: School director, physical education teacher, health educators, school nurse, and other allied health professionals working in the school, including psychologists, social workers, school counselors, and parents.

 

Leadership

The Director will facilitate development and updates to the wellness policy, and will help to ensure compliance of the policy. All staff members listed below assist in the implementation and evaluation of the Wellness Policy:

Name Title e-mail address

 

Jessica Lederman Food Service Coordinator jlederman@learningcenternj.org

Tara McAlister Director of Crossroads Academy tmcalister@learningcenternj.org

Stephanie Samman Physical Education Instructor ssammon@learningcenternj.org

Linda Buonauro Executive Director of Crossroads Academy lbuonauro@learningcenternj.org

Mario Santos Principal of Crossroads Academy msantos@learningcenternj.org

Sally Brahmbhatt School Nurse of Crossroads Academy sbrahmbhatt@learningcenternj.org

 

II. Wellness Policy Implementation, Monitoring, Accountability, and Community Engagement

Implementation Plan:

The school plan delineates roles, responsibilities, actions and deadlines specific to each school, and includes information about who will be responsible to make changes, by what degree, when and where;

as well as specific goals and objectives for nutrition standards for all foods and beverages available at the school, food and beverage marketing, nutrition promotion and education, physical activity, physical education and other school-based activities that promote student wellness. It is recommended that the school use the “Healthy Schools Program online tools” to complete a school-level assessment based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s School Health Index, and create an action plan that generates implementation and creates an annual progress report.

Recordkeeping:

Our schools will retain records to document compliance with the requirements of the wellness policy at 199 Scoles Ave, Clifton, New Jersey, 07012. Documentation maintained in this location will include but will not be limited to:

    1. The written wellness policy including updated Covid-19 Protocols (see attached NJ respiratory guidelines)
    2. Documentation demonstrating that the policy is available to the public.
    3. Documentation of efforts to review and update the wellness policy.
    4. Documentation to demonstrate compliance with the annual public notification requirements.
    5. The most recent assessment on the implementation of the school wellness policy.
    6. Documentation demonstrating the most recent assessment of the implementation of school wellness policy.

 

Annual Notification of Policy:

The school will inform families and the public each year of basic information about this policy, including content, and updates to the policy and implementation status. The school will make this information available via the school website and via e-mails. This will include a summary of the school’s events and activities related to the wellness policy. Annually, the school will also publicize the name and contact information of the school officials leading and coordinating the committee, as well as information on how parents can become involved in the school wellness committee.

 

Triennial Progress Assessments:

At least once every three years, the School will evaluate compliance with the wellness policy to assess the implementation of the policy and include:

  1. The extent to which the school is in compliance with the wellness policy
  2. The extent to which the school’s wellness policy compares to the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s model wellness policy.
  3. A description of the progress made in attaining the goals of the School’s wellness policy.

The position/persons responsible for managing the triennial assessment and contact information is: Linda Buonauro, Executive Director of Crossroads School. Modification of the wellness policy will occur based on the results of the annual School Health Index and triennial assessments and/or as School priorities change; community needs change; wellness goals are met; new health science information, and technology emerges; and new Federal or State guidance or standards are issued. The wellness policy will be assessed and updated as indicated at least every three years, following the Triennial assessment.

The parents of these schools will be updated to the wellness policy annually, as well as the triennial report results.

 

School meals:

Our schools are committed to serving healthy meals to children, with a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free and low-fat milk; that are moderate in sodium, low in saturated fat, and have zero grams of trans fat per serving (nutrition label or manufacturer’s specification); meeting the nutritional needs of school children within their calorie requirements. The school meal programs aim to improve the diet and health of school children, help prevent childhood obesity, promote strong bone development of children, model healthy eating to support the development of lifelong healthy eating habits, and support healthy choices while accommodating cultural food preferences, religious requirements, and specific dietary needs. All food comes to school already prepared and individually wrapped for each student, allowing for the strictest sanitary precautions. No food is prepared at school.

Our school participates in the USDA child nutrition program, which includes the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). This program is accessible to all students, meals are appealing and attractive to children, and are served in a clean and pleasant setting. Our school lunch program currently meets or exceeds the current nutritional requirements established by local, state, and Federal statutes and regulations. (The District offers reimbursable school meals that meet USDA nutrition standards.)

 

Staff Qualifications and Professional Development:

All school nutrition program directors, managers and staff will meet or exceed hiring and annual continuing education/training requirements in the USDA professional standards for child nutrition professionals. These school nutrition personnel will refer to USDA’s Professional Standards for School Nutrition Standards website to search for training that meet their learning needs.

Water: To promote hydration, free, safe, unflavored drinking water will be available to all students throughout the school day. The school will make drinking water available where school meals are served.

Competitive Foods and Beverages:

The schools are committed to ensuring that all foods and beverages available to students during the day support healthy eating. A summary of the standards and information, as well as a Guide to Smart Snacks in Schools are available at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/healthierschoolday/tools-schools-smart-snacks.

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation provides a set of tools to assist with implementation of Smart Snacks available at www.foodplanner.healthiergeneration.org. Our schools do not have vending machines.

Celebrations and Rewards:

All foods offered at the schools will meet or exceed the USDA Smart Snack in School nutrition standards including:

  1. Celebrations and parties. The school will provide a list of healthy party ideas to parents and teachers, including non-food celebration ideas. Healthy party ideas are available from the Alliance for a Healthier generation and the USDA.
  2. Classroom snacks brought by parents. The school will provide parents a list of foods and beverages that meet Smart Snacks nutrition standards.
  3. Rewards and incentives: The school will provide teachers and other relevant school staff a list of alternative ways to reward children. Foods and beverages will not be used as a reward, or withheld as punishment for any reason, such as for performance or behavior. (Food is only offered if part of their BIP)

 

Fundraising:

The school will make available to parents and teachers a list of healthy fundraising ideas (examples from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and the USDA).

 

Nutritional Education:

The school will teach, model, encourage and support healthy eating by all students. Schools will provide nutrition education and engage in nutrition promotion that:

    1. It is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote and protect their health.
    2. It is part of not only health education classes, but also integrated into other classroom instruction through subjects such as math, science, language arts, social sciences, and elective subjects.
    3. Includes enjoyable, developmentally-appropriate, culturally-relevant and participatory activities, such as cooking demonstrations or lessons, promotions, taste-testing, farm visits and school gardens.
    4. Promotes fruits, vegetables, whole-grain products, low-fat and fat-free dairy products and healthy food preparation methods.
    5. Emphasizes caloric balance between food intake and energy expenditure (Promotes physical activity/exercise).
    6. Links with school meal programs, other school foods and nutrition-related community services.
    7. Teaches media literacy with an emphasis on food and beverage marketing.
    8. Includes nutrition education training for teachers and other staff

Essential Healthy Eating Topics in Health Education:

The school will include in the health education curriculum a minimum of 12 of the following essential topics on healthy eating:

  1. Relationship between healthy eating and personal health and disease prevention.
  2. Food guidance from “My Plate”.
  3. Reading and using FDA’s nutrition fact labels
  4. Eating a variety of foods every day
  5. Balancing food intake and physical activity
  6. Eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grain products.
  7. Choosing foods that are low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol and do not contain trans- fat.
  8. Choosing foods and beverages with little added sugars.
  9. Eating more calcium-rich foods
  10. Preparing healthy meals and snacks.
  11. Risks of unhealthy weight control practices.
  12. Food safety
  13. Importance of water consumption.
  14. The Importance of Eating Breakfast.
  15. Making healthy choices when eating at restaurants.
  16. Eating disorders
  17. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans
  18. Reducing sodium intake
  19. Social influences on healthy eating, including media, family, peers and culture. 20. How to find valid information or services related to nutrition and dietary behavior. 21. How to develop a plan and track progress toward achieving a personal goal to eat healthfully.
  1. Resisting peer pressure related to unhealthy dietary behavior.
  2. Influencing, supporting, or advocating for others’ healthy dietary behavior.

 

Food and Beverage Marketing in Schools:

The school will only permit advertising and marketing for those foods and beverages that are permitted to be sold at school, consistent with the school’s wellness policy. Any foods and beverages marketed or promoted to students at school during the school day will meet or exceed the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards. We don’t currently market or advertise food.

 

Physical Activity:

Children and adolescents should participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Physical activity can be provided through a comprehensive school physical activity program (CSPAP). A CSPAP reflects strong coordination and synergy across all the components: quality physical education as the

foundation; physical activity before, during and after school; staff involvement and family and community engagement; and the school is committed to providing these opportunities. Schools will ensure that these varied physical activity opportunities are in addition to, and not as a substitute for, physical education (addressed in “Physical Education” subsection). Our schools will be encouraged to participate in Let’s Move! Active Schools (www.letsmoveschools.org) in order to successfully address all CSPAP areas.

Physical activity during the school day (including but not limited to recess, classroom physical activity breaks or physical education) will not be withheld as a punishment for any reason. The school will provide teachers and other school staff with a list of ideas for alternative ways to discipline students.

The school will ensure that its grounds and facilities are safe and that equipment is available to students to be active. It will also conduct necessary inspections and repairs.

 

Physical Education:

The school will provide students with physical education, using an age-appropriate, sequential physical education curriculum consistent with national and state standards for physical education. The physical education curriculum will promote the benefits of a physically active lifestyle and will help students develop skills to engage in lifelong healthy habits, as well as incorporate essential health education concepts (discussed in the “Essential Physical Activity Topics in Health Education” subsection). The curriculum will support the essential components of physical education.

All students will be provided equal opportunity to participate in physical education classes. The school will make appropriate accommodations to allow for equitable participation for all students and will adapt physical education classes and equipment as necessary.

All school elementary students in each grade will receive physical education for at least 69-89 minutes per week throughout the school year.

The school physical education program will promote student physical fitness through individualized fitness and activity assessments (via the Presidential Youth Fitness Program or other appropriate assessment tool) and will use criterion-based reporting for each student.

 

Essential Physical Activity Topics in Health Education:

Health education will be required in all grades (elementary). The school will include in the health education curriculum a minimum of 12 of the following essential topics on physical activity:

  1. The physical, psychological, or social benefits of physical activity.
  2. How physical activity can contribute to a healthy weight.
  3. How physical activity can contribute to the academic learning process.
  4. How an inactive lifestyle contributes to chronic disease.
  5. Health-related fitness, that is, cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and body composition.
  6. Differences between physical activity, exercise and fitness.
  7. Phases of an exercise session, that is, warm up, workout and cool-down.
  8. Overcoming barriers to physical activity.
  9. Decreasing sedentary activities, such as TV watching.
  10. Opportunities for physical activity in the community.
  11. Preventing injury during physical activity.
  12. Weather-related safety, for example, avoiding heat stroke, hypothermia and sunburn while being physically active.
  13. How much physical activity is enough, that is, determining frequency, intensity, time and type of physical activity.
  14. Developing an individualized physical activity and fitness plan.
  15. Monitoring progress toward reaching goals in an individualized physical activity plan.
  16. Dangers of using performance-enhancing drugs, such as steroids.
  17. Social influences on physical activity, including media, family, peers, and culture.
  18. How to find valid information or services related to physical activity and fitness.
  19. How to influence, support, or advocate for others in physical activity.
  20. How to resist peer pressure that discourages physical activity.

 

Classroom Physical Activity Breaks (Elementary and Secondary):

Students will be offered periodic opportunities to be active or to stretch throughout the day on all or most days during a typical school week. The school recommends that teachers provide short (3-5 minutes) physical activity breaks to students during and between classroom time at least three days per week. These physical activity breaks will complement, not substitute for physical education class, recess, and class transition periods. The school will provide resources and links to resources, tools, and technology with ideas for classroom physical activity breaks. See USDA and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation

Active Academics:

Teachers will incorporate movement and kinesthetic learning approaches into “core” subject instruction when possible (example: science, math, language arts, social studies, and others) and do their part to limit sedentary behavior during the school day.

The school will support classroom teachers incorporating physical activity and employing kinesthetic learning approaches into core subjects by providing annual professional development opportunities and resources, including information on leading activities, activity options, as well as making available background material on the connections between learning and movement. Teachers will serve as role models by being physically active alongside the students whenever possible

Other Activities that promote Student Wellness:

The school will integrate wellness activities across the entire school setting, not just in the cafeteria, other food and beverage venues and physical activity facilities. The school will coordinate and integrate other initiatives related to physical activity, physical education, nutrition and other wellness components so all efforts are complementary, not duplicative, and work towards the same set of goals and objectives, promoting student well-being, optimal development, ad strong educational outcomes.

Schools are encouraged to coordinate content across curricular areas that promote student health, such as teaching nutrition concepts in mathematics, with consultation provided by school professionals.

Community Partnerships:

The school will develop relationships with community partners (example: hospitals, universities/colleges, and local businesses). Existing and new community partnerships and sponsorships will be evaluated to ensure that they are consistent with the wellness policy and its goals.

 

Community Health Promotion and Family Engagement:

The school will promote to parents/caregivers, families, and the general community the benefits of and approaches for healthy eating and physical activity throughout the school year. Families will be informed and invited to participate in school-sponsored activities and will receive information about health promotion efforts.

 

Professional Learning:

The school will offer annual professional learning opportunities and resources for staff to increase knowledge and skills about promoting healthy behaviors in the classroom (example: increasing the use of kinesthetic teaching approaches, or incorporating nutrition lessons into math class). Professional learning will help staff understand the connections between academics and health, and the ways in which health and wellness are integrated into ongoing district reform or academic improvement plans/efforts.

In September 2025 all staff members attended CPR & AED & First Aid training and are currently certified in all these areas. In addition, many of our staff members were trained and certified in Narcan administration. Furthermore, two days of Crisis Intervention Training is given to all staff members at the beginning of each academic school year.

 

Separate Document: Respiratory Illness Guidance for K-12 Schools

 

Respiratory Illness Guidance for K-12 Schools, Youth Camps, and Early Care and Education Programs

August 28, 2025

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Respiratory Illness Guidance offers a unified approach to preventing the spread of common respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, influenza, RSV and bacterial infections, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae. These illnesses share transmission methods, symptoms, and prevention strategies and the guidance provides clear steps to limit spread when individuals are ill, regardless of the specific virus or bacteria.

CDC and the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) recommend that schools, early care and education (ECE) programs, and youth camps implement the core set of infectious disease prevention strategies outlined in CDC’s guidance. While these strategies are effective, depending on specific circumstances, NJDOH and local health departments (LHDs) may recommend additional measures to control a respiratory outbreak.

The prevention strategies described in this guidance can help reduce the risk of getting or transmitting respiratory illnesses. They are especially helpful when:

  • Respiratory illnesses are causing an increase of illness in the community.
  • Individuals or the people around them were recently exposed to a respiratory illness, are sick, or are recovering.
  • Individuals or the people around them have risk factors for severe illness.

CDC recommends that all people use core prevention strategies. These are important steps individuals can take to protect themselves and others:

  • Stay up to date with immunizations.
  • Practice good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
  • Take steps for cleaner air such as bringing in more fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors.

When individuals may have a respiratory illness, they should:

  • Use precautions to prevent spread.
  • Seek health care promptly for testing and/or treatment if they have risk factors for severe illness; treatment may help lower the risk of severe illness.

 

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Public Health Information: Understanding that respiratory illnesses may impact certain areas of the state differently, NJDOH shares a Respiratory Illness Activity dashboard. Weekly reports created from the dashboard are posted online and sent out via the New Jersey Local Information Network and Communications System (NJLINCS) to schools and other public health partners.

Schools/ECE programs should consult with their LHD as to whether additional local factors (e.g., absenteeism, presence of students/staff who are at risk of getting severely ill from respiratory illnesses) warrant the implementation of additional prevention strategies.

Vaccination: Schools/ECE programs and LHDs should promote equitable access to vaccinations. Strategies from the CDC include providing information about flu, COVID-19, and other recommended vaccines, including in accessible formats for individuals with disabilities and for individuals with limited English proficiency; encouraging trust and confidence in vaccines; making receiving vaccines easy and convenient; and making vaccinations available by hosting school-located vaccination clinics or directing to off-site vaccination locations.

Staying up to date on routine vaccinations is essential to prevent illness from many different infections.. Flu vaccines are offered in many doctor’s offices, clinics, health departments, pharmacies, and college health centers, as well as by many employers, and even in some schools.

Cleaning and Disinfection: Schools/ECE programs should clean surfaces at least once a day to reduce the risk of germs spreading by touching surfaces. For more information, see Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility.

ECE Programs: For recommended procedures for cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfection in their setting such as after diapering, feeding, and exposure to bodily fluids, see How To Clean and Disinfect  Early Care and Education Settings.

Hand Hygiene/Respiratory Etiquette: Schools/ECE programs should teach and reinforce

proper handwashing to lower the risk of spreading viruses and other infections. Schools/ECE programs should monitor and reinforce these behaviors, especially during key times in the day (for example, before and after eating, after using the restroom, and after recess) and should also provide adequate handwashing supplies, including soap and water.

Schools/ECE programs should teach and reinforce covering coughs and sneezes to help keep individuals from getting and spreading infectious diseases, including respiratory viruses and bacteria.

Ventilation: Optimizing ventilation and improving airflow can reduce the risk of germs and contaminants. When respiratory viruses or bacteria are causing a lot of illness in the community or in response to an outbreak, schools/ECE can take additional steps to increase outdoor air intake and improve indoor air filtration.

 

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Schools/districts are encouraged to review NJDOH Guidance on Air Cleaning Devices for New Jersey Schools. See the NJDOH Environmental Health webpage for Tips to Improve Indoor Ventilation and Maintaining Healthy Indoor Air Quality in Public School Buildings.

Exclusion and Preventing Transmission: Students and staff with symptoms* of a respiratory illness should stay home and away from others until:

  • The individual is fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication AND
  • Symptoms are improving, which means the individual is no longer feeling ill and able to participate comfortably in educational and other activities as they did before they were ill. Any remaining symptoms, such as cough or runny nose are mild or infrequent.

Individuals can then return to normal activities, but they should take additional precautions for the next five days when they are around other people indoors. These precautions include:

  • Wearing a well-fitting mask
  • Taking steps for cleaner air
  • Practicing good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
  • Physical distancing when around others
  • Testing for respiratory illnesses to determine next steps such as treatment.
    • Using at-home COVID-19 tests for screening before being around persons at risk for severe disease.

*Symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, chest discomfort, chills, cough, decrease in appetite, diarrhea, fatigue (tiredness), fever or feeling feverish, headache, muscle or body aches, new loss of taste or smell, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, vomiting, weakness, wheezing. The following illustrations1 are examples of scenarios that may occur.

 

Example 1: Person with fever and symptoms.

 

1  https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html

 

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Example 2: Person with fever but no other symptoms.

 

Example 3: Person with fever and other symptoms, fever ends but other symptoms take longer to improve.

 

Example 4: Person gets better and then gets a fever.

 

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If symptoms are improving but fever returns, individuals should stay home until fever free for 24 hours, taking additional precautions for the next 5 days.

If testing positive and no symptoms develop, individuals should take added precautions as described above, for five days when they are around other people indoors.

CDC has additional information on preventing the spread of respiratory illnesses when you are sick.

Individuals who are at increased risk for severe illness from respiratory infections should contact their healthcare provider about additional precautions that may be necessary. Generally, people at higher risk of severe illness from respiratory illnesses are older adults, young children, people with compromised immune systems, people with disabilities, and pregnant people.

 

Schools with students at risk for severe illness from respiratory infections should make reasonable modifications, when necessary, to ensure that all students, including those with disabilities, are able to access in- person learning. Modifications may include implementing additional layers of prevention strategies, such as enforcing mask use for individuals two years of age or older (staff and students) who care for or come in contact with the child/student, improving airflow, testing, and symptom monitoring.

 

Masking: Wearing a mask can help lower the risk of respiratory illness transmission. When worn by a person with an infection, masks reduce the spread of the virus or bacteria to others. Masks can also protect wearers from breathing in infectious particles from people around them. In general, masking may be appropriate when:

  • Respiratory pathogens are causing an increase of illness in the community.
  • Individuals or the people around them were recently exposed to someone with a respiratory illness, are sick, or are recovering.
  • Individuals or the people around them have risk factors for severe illness.

Schools might need to implement masking in settings such as classrooms or during activities to protect students with immunocompromising conditions or other conditions that increase their risk of getting very sick with respiratory illness.

 

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For more information and support, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s Disability Rights webpage. Students with immunocompromising conditions or other conditions or disabilities that increase risk of getting very sick with respiratory illness should not be placed into separate classrooms or otherwise segregated from other students.

Nurse’s offices are healthcare settings, and policies for use of masks in school nurse offices should follow recommendations outlined in the Infection Control: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Recommendations for masking in nurses’ offices may depend on factors such as circulating respiratory illnesses in your community, outbreak status, and patient access.

Testing: Tests can help individuals find out if they are currently infected with a certain respiratory virus or bacteria. While testing does not change how likely someone is to catch or spread respiratory illnesses, or how severe the illness might be, it can provide useful information to help individuals make prevention or treatment choices.

As with other prevention strategies, testing can be helpful when:

  • Respiratory illnesses are causing an increase of illness in the community.
  • Individuals or the people around them were recently exposed to a respiratory illness, are sick, or are recovering.
  • Individuals or the people around them have risk factors for severe illness.

In response to an outbreak, testing may be considered for ill persons, impacted cohorts/groups, higher risk activities, or students at risk for severe illness.

Reporting/Surveillance: In accordance with Executive Order No. 302 and Executive Directive No. 21-011, K-12 schools must report weekly data to NJDOH through the Surveillance for Infectious Conditions (SIC) Module in New Jersey’s Communicable Disease Reporting and Surveillance System (CDRSS) as outlined in the K-12 SIC Module User Guide for Schools, under the Training Tab.

Weekly aggregate reporting into the SIC module does NOT replace the need for schools to notify their local health department when they become aware of illness clusters or possible outbreaks.

Outbreaks: In the school setting, determining if an outbreak is occurring can be challenging. An outbreak is defined as an occurrence of disease greater than expected at a specific time and place. For example:

  • Several children who exhibit similar symptoms are in the same classroom, the same wing of a facility, or they attended a common event.
  • There is an increase in school absences with many parents reporting similar symptoms as the reason why their child is not attending school.

During times of seasonal illnesses, such as influenza, schools should expect to see sporadic cases. NJDOH recommends that schools monitor students and staff and notify their LHD if the school is experiencing an increase in cases that could signify an outbreak as mentioned above.

With widespread respiratory illness activity, schools should typically expect to experience increased absenteeism among students and staff with respiratory symptoms. NJDOH recommends that schools continue to monitor students and staff for sudden fever and respiratory illness symptoms.

 

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Schools may need to consider other prevention strategies, such as improving ventilation and avoiding crowding when experiencing an increase in respiratory illness or in response to an outbreak. K-12 schools/ECE programs may choose to implement universal indoor mask use to meet the needs of the families they serve, which could include people at risk for getting very sick from respiratory pathogens.

Detailed information about reporting, prevention and control of outbreaks in the school/ECE setting can be found on the School Health page.

Notifications: Schools should have a policy regarding notification of increases in illnesses or outbreaks of disease to parents/guardians and to staff. Notifications allow individuals and families to take additional precautions according to their individual needs. Prompt notification to students and families regarding exposure to infectious diseases, including common respiratory illnesses, can allow for rapid testing, early treatment, and prevention of further spread.

Schools should consult their LHD for recommendations regarding notification when a communicable disease of public health importance or an outbreak of illness is reported in their school.

Schools may also consider providing a general notification to the entire school community when experiencing an increase in respiratory illnesses.

 

NJDOH School Health Local Public Health Directory

 

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Name Title E-mail Role on Committee
Stephanie Samman PE Instructor  ssammon@learningcenternj.org Assist in implementation and eval. of wellness policy
Tara Mcalister Director tmcalister@learncenternj.org  Assists in implementation and evaluation of wellness policy
Judy Garelick, RN Nurse               jgarelick@learningcenternj.org Assists in implementation and evaluation of wellness policy.

II. Wellness Policy Implementation, Monitoring, Accountability, and Community Engagement

Implementation Plan:

The school plan delineates roles, responsibilities, actions and deadlines specific to each school, and includes information about who will be responsible to make changes, by what degree, when and where; as well as specific goals and objectives for nutrition standards for all foods and beverages available at the school, food and beverage marketing, nutrition promotion and education, physical activity, physical education and other school-based activities that promote student wellness. It is recommended that the school use the “Healthy Schools Program online tools” to complete a school-level assessment based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s School Health Index, and create an action plan that generates implementation and create an annual progress report.

Recordkeeping:​

Our schools will retain records to document compliance with the requirements of the wellness policy at 199 Scoles Ave, Clifton, New Jersey, 07012. Documentation maintained in this location will include but will not be limited to:

  • The written wellness policy including updated Covid-19 Protocols

  • Documentation demonstrating that the policy is available to the public.

  • Documentation of efforts to review and update the wellness policy.

  • Documentation to demonstrate compliance with the annual public notification requirements.

  • The most recent assessment on the implementation of the school wellness policy.

  • Documentation demonstrating the most recent assessment of the implementation of school wellness policy.

Annual Notification of Policy:​

The school will inform families and the public each year of basic information about this policy, including content, and updates to the policy and implementation status. The school will make this information available via the school website and via e-mails. This will include a summary of the school’s events and activities related to the wellness policy. Annually, the school will also publicize the name and contact information of the school officials leading and coordinating the committee, as well as information on how parents can become involved in the school wellness committee.

Due to the Covid -19 Pandemic, all staff and students entering the building premises will be screened by the school nurse or by a qualified staff person, observing that the child and or staff member is generally healthy and feeling well, no stomach upset, no coughing or respiratory problems, no rhinitis, or general eye infection such as conjunctivitis. Anyone who appears ill will be sent home, and will be required to see their doctor in order to discern whether or not a Covid test is needed for reentry. If a child or staff member becomes ill with Covid or has had a direct contact with a Covid positive individual, he or she will be required to stay home for 14 days (isolation period). Any cluster outbreaks of Covid 19 will be reported to the school Director as well as the Clifton Health Department and appropriate action will be taken. Communication will be encouraged between the school nurse, the teachers and therapists, and the parents.

 A Covid-19 Questionnaire Form and a Covid Liability waiver was given to all parents and or guardians to sign. Also, all children (except those in preschool and kindergarten) as well as staff members, will be required to wear a face mask throughout the school day. Additional protective gowns, gloves, and face shields will also be provided for staff members working with medically challenged individuals. In addition, a three feet distance (1 meter) will be maintained by all students in the classroom as well as during physical activity such as Gym. Hand sanitizer will be readily available in the classrooms. Also, children will be encouraged to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water. Furthermore, all classrooms, staff and student lockers, will be thoroughly cleaned with an approved CDC antiseptic cleaner at the end of the school day. Hand sanitizer stations will be set up throughout the school providing for easy access for everyone in the building. 

 

Triennial Progress Assessments:

At least once every three years, the School will evaluate compliance with the wellness policy to assess the implementation of the policy and include:

  • The extent to which the school is in compliance with the wellness policy

  • The extent to which the school’s wellness policy compares to the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s model wellness policy.

  • A description of the progress made in attaining the goals of the School’s wellness policy.

The position/persons responsible for managing the triennial assessment and contact information is: Dr. Gary Pignatello, Principal of Crossroads School. Modification of the wellness policy will occur based on the results of the annual School Health Index and triennial assessments and/or as School priorities change; community needs change; wellness goals are met; new health science information, and technology emerges; and new Federal or State guidance or standards are issued. The wellness policy will be assessed and updated as indicated at least every three years, following the Triennial assessment. The parents of these schools will be updated to the wellness policy annually, as well as the triennial report results.

School meals: 

Our schools are committed to serving healthy meals to children, with a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free and low-fat milk; that are moderate in sodium, low in saturated fat, and have zero grams of trans fat per serving (nutrition label or manufacturer’s specification); meeting the  nutritional needs of school children within their calorie requirements. The school meal programs aim to improve the diet and health of school children, help prevent childhood obesity, promote strong bone development of children, model healthy eating to support the development of lifelong healthy eating habits, and support healthy choices while accommodating cultural food preferences, religious requirements, and specific dietary needs. All food comes to school already prepared and individually wrapped for each student, allowing for the strictest sanitary precautions. No food is prepared at school.

Our school participate in the USDA child nutrition program, which includes the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). This program is accessible to all students, meals are appealing and attractive to children, and are served in a clean and pleasant setting. Our school lunch program currently meets or exceeds the current nutritional requirements established by local, state, and Federal statutes and regulations. (The District offers reimbursable school meals that meet USDA nutrition standards.)

  • Promote healthy food and beverage choices using the following “Smarter Lunchroom Techniques”:

  • Whole fruit options are displayed in attractive bowls 

  • All available vegetable options have been given creative or descriptive names.

  • White milk is placed in front of other beverages in all coolers.

  • Student surveys and taste testing opportunities are used to inform menu development, dining space décor and promotional ideas.

  • Student artwork is displayed in the service and/or dining areas.

    Staff Qualifications and Professional Development: 

    All school nutrition program directors, managers and staff will meet or exceed hiring and annual continuing education/training requirements in the USDA professional standards for child nutrition professionals. These school nutrition personnel will refer to USDA’s Professional Standards for School Nutrition Standards website to search for training that meet their learning needs.

    Water: To promote hydration, free, safe, unflavored drinking water will be available to all students throughout the school day. The school will make drinking water available where school meals are served.

    Competitive Foods and Beverages:

    The schools are committed to ensuring that all foods and beverages available to students during the day support healthy eating. A summary of the standards and information, as well as a Guide to Smart Snacks in Schools are available at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/healthierschoolday/tools-schools-smart-snacks. The Alliance for a Healthier Generation provides a set of tools to assist with implementation of Smart Snacks available at www.foodplanner.healthiergeneration.org. Our schools do not have vending machines.

    Celebrations and Rewards:

    All foods offered at the schools will meet or exceed the USDA Smart Snack in School nutrition standards including:

    • Celebrations and parties. The school will provide a list of healthy party ideas to parents and teachers, including non-food celebration ideas. Healthy party ideas are available from the Alliance for a Healthier generation and the USDA.

    • Classroom snacks brought by parents. The school will provide to parents a list of foods and beverages that meet Smart Snacks nutrition standards.

    • Rewards and incentives: The school will provide teachers and other relevant school staff a list of alternative ways to reward children. Foods and beverages will not be used as a reward, or withheld as punishment for any reason, such as for performance or behavior.

    Fundraising:​

    The school will make available to parents and teachers a list of healthy fundraising ideas (examples from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and the USDA).

    Nutritional Education:​

    The school will teach, model, encourage and support healthy eating by all students. Schools will provide nutrition education and engage in nutrition promotion that:

    • Is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote and protect their health.

    • Is part of not only health education classes, but also integrated into other classroom instruction through subjects such as math, science, language arts, social sciences, and elective subject.

    • Includes enjoyable, developmentally-appropriate, culturally-relevant and participatory activities, such as cooking demonstrations or lessons, promotions, taste-testing, farm visits and school gardens.

    • Promotes fruits, vegetables, whole-grain product, low-fat and fat-free dairy products and healthy food preparation methods.

    • Emphasizes caloric balance between food intake and energy expenditure (Promotes physical activity/exercise).

    • Links with school meal programs, other school foods and nutrition-related community services.

    • Teaches media literacy with an emphasis on food and beverage marketing.

    • Includes nutrition education training for teachers and other staff.

    Essential Healthy Eating Topics in Health Education:​

    The school will include in the health education curriculum a minimum of 12 of the following essential topics on healthy eating:

    • Relationship between healthy eating and personal health and disease prevention.

    • Food guidance from “My Plate”.

    • Reading and using FDA’s nutrition fact labels

    • Eating a variety of foods every day

    • Balancing food intake and physical activity

    • Eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grain products.

    • Choosing foods that are low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol and do not contain trans- fat.

    • Choosing foods and beverages with little added sugars.

    • Eating more calcium-rich foods

    • Preparing healthy meals and snacks.

    • Risks of unhealthy weight control practices.

    • Food safety

    • Importance of water consumption.

    • Importance of eating breakfast.

    • Making healthy choices when eating at restaurants.

    • Eating disorders

    • The Dietary Guidelines for Americans

    • Reducing sodium intake

    • Social influences on healthy eating, including media, family, peers and culture.

    • How to find valid information or services related to nutrition and dietary behavior.

    • How to develop a plan and track progress toward achieving a personal goal to eat healthfully.

    • Resisting peer pressure related to unhealthy dietary behavior.

    • Influencing, supporting, or advocating for others’ healthy dietary behavior.

    Food and Beverage Marketing in Schools:​

    The school will only permit advertising and marketing for those foods and beverages that are permitted to be sold at school, consistent with the school’s wellness policy. Any foods and beverages marketed or promoted to students at school during the school day will meet or exceed the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards.

    Physical Activity:​

    Children and adolescents should participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Physical activity can be provided through a comprehensive school physical activity program (CSPAP). A CSPAP reflects strong coordination and synergy across all the components: quality physical education as the foundation; physical activity before, during and after school; staff involvement and family and community engagement; and the school is committed to providing these opportunities. Schools will ensure that these varied physical activity opportunities are in addition to, and not as a substitute for, physical education (addressed in “Physical Education” subsection). Our schools will be encouraged to participate in Let’s Move! Active Schools(www.letsmoveschools.org) in order to successfully address all CSPAP areas.

    Physical activity during the school day (including but not limited to recess, classroom physical activity breaks or physical education) will not be withheld as a punishment for any reason. The school will provide teachers and other school staff with a list of ideas for alternative ways to discipline students.

    The school will ensure that its grounds and facilities are safe and that equipment is available to students to be active. It will also conduct necessary inspections and repairs.

    Physical Education:​

    The school will provide students with physical education, using an age-appropriate, sequential physical education curriculum consistent with national and state standards for physical education. The physical education curriculum will promote the benefits of a physically active lifestyle and will help students develop skills to engage in lifelong healthy habits, as well as incorporate essential health education concepts (discussed in the “Essential Physical Activity Topics in Health Education” subsection). The curriculum will support the essential components of physical education.

    All students will be provided equal opportunity to participate in physical education classes. The school will make appropriate accommodations to allow for equitable participation for all students and will adapt physical education classes and equipment as necessary.

    All school elementary students in each grade will receive physical education for at least 69-89 minutes per week throughout the school year.

    The school physical education program will promote student physical fitness through individualized fitness and activity assessments (via the Presidential Youth Fitness Program or other appropriate assessment tool) and will use criterion-based reporting for each student.

    Essential Physical Activity Topics in Health Education:​

    Health education will be required in all grades (elementary). The school will include in the health education curriculum a minimum of 12 of the following essential topics on physical activity:

    • The physical, psychological, or social benefits of physical activity.

    • How physical activity can contribute to a healthy weight.

    • How physical activity can contribute to the academic learning process.

    • How an inactive lifestyle contributes to chronic disease.

    • Health-related fitness, that is, cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and body composition.

    • Differences between physical activity, exercise and fitness.

    • Phases of an exercise session, that is, warm up, workout and cool-down.

    • Overcoming barriers to physical activity.

    • Decreasing sedentary activities, such as TV watching.

    • Opportunities for physical activity in the community.

    • Preventing injury during physical activity.

    • Weather-related safety, for example, avoiding heat stroke, hypothermia and sunburn while being physically active.

    • How much physical activity is enough, that is, determining frequency, intensity, time and type of physical activity.

    • Developing an individualized physical activity and fitness plan.

    • Monitoring progress toward reaching goals in an individualized physical activity plan.

    • Dangers of using performance-enhancing drugs, such as steroids.

    • Social influences on physical activity, including media, family, peers, and culture.

    • How to find valid information or services related to physical activity and fitness.

    • How to influence, support, or advocate for others in physical activity.

    • How to resist peer pressure that discourages physical activity.

    Recess (Elementary):​

    All elementary schools will offer at least 20 minutes of recess on all days during the school year. If recess is offered before lunch, schools will have appropriate hand-washing facilities and/or hand-sanitizing devices located just inside/outside the cafeteria to ensure proper hygiene prior to eating and students are required to use these devices before eating. Hand-washing time, as well as time to put away coats/hats/gloves, will be built in to the recess transition period/timeframe before students enter the cafeteria.

    Outdoor recess will be offered when weather is feasible for outdoor play. In the event that the school must conduct indoor recess, teachers and staff will follow the indoor recess guidelines that promote physical activity for students, to the extent practicable. Recess will complement, not substitute, physical education class. Recess monitors or teachers will encourage students to be active, and will serve as role models by being physically active alongside the students whenever possible. Social distancing, 6 feet from each other, in order to prevent Covid-19 transmission. Masks are worn daily by both students and staff. Handwashing and or the use of hand sanitizer is encouraged as needed throughout the day.

    Classroom Physical Activity Breaks (Elementary and Secondary):​

    Students will be offered periodic opportunities to be active or to stretch throughout the day on all or most days during a typical school week. The school recommends that teachers provide short (3-5 minutes) physical activity breaks to students during and between classroom time at least three days per week. These physical activity breaks will complement, not substitute for physical education class, recess, and class transition periods. The school will provide resources and links to resources, tools, and technology with ideas for classroom physical activity breaks. See USDA and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.

    Active Academics:​

    Teachers will incorporate movement and kinesthetic learning approaches into “core” subject instruction when possible (example: science, math, language arts, social studies, and others) and do their part to limit sedentary behavior during the school day.

    The school will support classroom teachers incorporating physical activity and employing kinesthetic learning approaches into core subjects by providing annual professional development opportunities and resources, including information on leading activities, activity options, as well as making available background material on the connections between learning and movement.

    Teachers will serve as role models by being physically active alongside the students whenever possible.

    Before and After School Activities:

    The school will offer opportunities for students to participate in physical activity either before and/or after the school day (or both) through a variety of ways. The school will encourage students to be physically active before school and after school by the following suggestions:

    • Promote activities such as participation in International Walk to School Week, National Walk and Bike to School Week.

    • Instruction on walking/bicycling safety provided to students.

    • Use crossing guards.

    • Use crosswalks on streets leading to schools.

    • Use walking school buses.

    • Create and distribute maps of school environment (example: sidewalks, crosswalks, roads, pathways, bike racks, etc.)

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    Other Activities that promote Student Wellness:

    The school will integrate wellness activities across the entire school setting, not just in the cafeteria, other food and beverage venues and physical activity facilities. The school will coordinate and integrate other initiatives related to physical activity, physical education, nutrition and other wellness components so all efforts are complementary, not duplicative, and work towards the same set of goals and objectives, promoting student well-being, optimal development, ad strong educational outcomes.

    Schools are encouraged to coordinate content across curricular areas that promote student health, such as teaching nutrition concepts in mathematics, with consultation provided by school professionals.

    Community Partnerships:

    The school will develop relationships with community partners (example: hospitals, universities/colleges, and local businesses). Existing and new community partnerships and sponsorships will be evaluated to ensure that they are consistent with the wellness policy and its goals.

    Community Health Promotion and Family Engagement:

    ​The school will promote to parents/caregivers, families, and the general community the benefits of and approaches for healthy eating and physical activity throughout the school year. Families will be informed and invited to participate in school-sponsored activities and will receive information about health promotion efforts.

     

    Professional Learning:​

    When possible, the school will offer annual professional learning opportunities and resources for staff to increase knowledge and skills about promoting healthy behaviors in the classroom and in school (example: increasing the use of kinesthetic teaching approaches or incorporating nutrition lessons into math class). Professional learning will help staff understand the connections between academics and health, and the ways in which health and wellness are integrated into ongoing district reform or academic improvement plans/efforts. All staff members have recently attended CPR & AED & First Aid training and are currently certified in these areas. In addition, many of our staff members have been trained and are now certified in Narcan administration.

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    If you have any questions about the results of our most recent assessment, please contact Tara Mcalister at 973-478-4866