School Background and Overview

The public school system, Independent School District 549, adopted a Wellness Policy in 2010 and has used this policy as a guideline for: 1) Nutrition Education and Promotion, 2) Physical Education and Physical Activity, 3) Nutrition Standards for School Foods and Beverages, and 4) Other School-Based Activities to Promote Student Wellness. Within the component of Education and Physical Activity in the Wellness Policy there are policy recommendations for: a) Standardsbased Sequential Physical Education, b) Physical Activity Opportunities Before and After School, c) Physical Activity not used as punishment, d) Safe Routes to School, and e) Incorporating Physical Activity into the Classroom.

All 4 schools (Heart of the Lakes Elementary, Prairie Wind Middle School, St. Henry’s and St. Paul’s) as part of the Safe Routes to School Team are actively seeking solutions for creating a user-friendly, safe environment to promote walking and biking to and from school. Presently, there is also discussion about various changes in the school bus and family vehicle drop-off areas that would enhance safety measures for students choosing to bike or walk.