Dothan City Schools Wellness Policy

Overview

The Dothan City Schools (DCS) Wellness Policy is a comprehensive plan designed to promote the health and wellbeing of students and staff. Developed in accordance with the USDAs Healthy, HungerFree Kids Act of 2010 and local district goals, the policy addresses three core components: nutrition standards for foods offered on campus, physical activity opportunities, and nutrition education.

The policy applies to all public elementary, middle, and high schools within the Dothan City School System and is reviewed annually by the School Board, the Wellness Committee, and community stakeholders.

Nutrition Standards

School Meals

All breakfasts and lunches served in DCS must meet the USDAs Smart Snacks in School guidelines and the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Key requirements include:

• Fruits and vegetables at every meal at least one serving of each.
• Wholegrain rich foods in place of refined grains.
• Lean protein sources such as poultry, fish, legumes, and lowfat dairy.
• Limiting added sugars to no more than 10% of total calories.
• Maximum sodium limits: 610mg per lunch and 540mg per breakfast for elementary schools; adjusted for older grades.

Competitive Foods & Beverages

Foods sold outside the reimbursable meal program (vending machines, a la carte, school stores) must comply with the following:

All items must display a clear nutrition fact panel, and water must be freely available throughout the school day.

Physical Activity

Daily Requirements

DCS commits to providing at least 60 minutes of moderatetovigorous physical activity (MVPA) each school day, distributed as follows:

1. Physical Education (PE) minimum 150 minutes per 10day grading period for elementary, 200 minutes for middle, and 250 minutes for high schools.
2. Classroom Activity Breaks at least 5 minutes of movement every hour, integrated through brain breaks or active lessons.
3. Recess minimum 20 minutes for elementary grades, with equipment that encourages active play.
4. Extracurricular Sports & Clubs supported through funding, facility access, and inclusive programming.

Facilities & Equipment

The district maintains safe, clean, and accessible facilities, including:

• Indoor gymnasiums with markings for multiple sports.
• Outdoor fields and courts meeting state safety standards.
• Walking routes and active corridors in hallways.
• Equipment inventories regularly inspected and rotated.

Implementation & Accountability

Wellness Committee

The DCS Wellness Committee is the governing body that oversees policy execution. Membership includes:

• Superintendent (Chair)
• School principals
• PE and nutrition teachers
• School dietitians
• Parent representatives
• Student representatives (grades 612)
• Community health partners

Monitoring & Reporting

Each school submits quarterly reports covering:

• Menu compliance (percentage of meals meeting nutrition standards).
• Competitive food sales analysis.
• Physical activity minutes logged.
• Student participation in wellness programs.

Data are compiled districtwide and posted on the DCS website for transparency.

Professional Development

Annual training is provided for:

• Food service staff menu planning, portion control, and safe handling.
• PE teachers curriculum alignment with MVPA goals.
• Classroom teachers integrating movement into academic instruction.

Student & Family Involvement

Engagement strategies include:

• Wellness surveys administered each spring.
• Parent workshops on nutrition labeling and active lifestyles.
• Student Wellness Ambassadors who promote healthy choices.

Resources & Further Reading

• USDA School Meal Regulations
• CDC Physical Activity in Schools
• Dothan City Schools Official Site
• Nutrition.gov Guidance for Schools