Tumwater School District adopts revised student wellness policies 

The Tumwater School District Board of Directors (TSD) adopted three revised policies related to student health and wellness to align with state standards. 

The board approved changes to Policy 6700 (Nutrition), Policy 6701 (Recess and Physical Activity) and Policy 6702 (Wellness) at a meeting on Oct. 26.

The changes make district policies consistent with Washington State School Directors' Association (WSSDA) model policies. 

TSD Director of Finance & Operations Kira Acker presented the revised policies at the board meeting.

“We have had 6700, which is just the blanket nutrition policy … it just addressed the meal charge policy for the district, but WSSDA policy actually had a lot … more about nutrition oversight … and what the programs are,” Acker said. 

Policy 6700 needed an update to include operational oversight, financial integrity and administrative changes.

Operational oversight involves delegating the administration of meals for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) to the superintendent, while requiring board approval for any food company contracts and meal pricing.  

Financial integrity refers to a self-sustaining nonprofit food service account where annual operating expenditures do not exceed projected revenues, while administrative responsibilities direct administration to oversee U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) meal pattern compliance, food safety, dietary accommodations and other standards. 

The daily minimum recess time and regular exercises were revised in Policy 6701. 

The daily minimum recess time for elementary now requires at least 30 minutes of unstructured, inclusive and safe recess for all kindergarten through sixth grade students. 

Unstructured play and regular exercise are also encouraged during recess to improve classroom learning, emotional well-being and self-regulation. 

Policy 6702 establishes a district wellness committee to ensure compliance with USDA regulations. The policy also includes the Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program principles, which is subject to funding.