FOOD SERVICE and MEALS BREAKFAST:

• Breakfast is served daily from 7:30 a.m. – 7:50 a.m.
• A “Grab & Go” breakfast opportunity will be available for the Jr-Sr High School between 2^nd & 3^rd hour. These breakfasts meet KSDE nutritional requirements and are charged to the students account as breakfast at the appropriate fee. Students “grab” their breakfast and then “go” to class. Students are to be responsible with trash and food behaviors. Students abusing this opportunity in any way will lose the privilege.

LUNCH:

• A menu is posted weekly. Students are welcome to pack their lunch or eat school meals.
• All students will eat in the cafeteria. Food shall not be taken from the cafeteria into the rest of the building without prior approval.
• Parents/Families are welcome to eat lunch with their students. Please call the office before 8:30 am on the day you wish to eat to let us know you will be attending. All visitors must check into the office. Families will not be permitted to enter the cafeteria directly and students will not be allowed to leave the cafeteria except to come to the office.
• Microwave ovens are provided for the students to heat up their own meals, however refrigeration is not available.
• Deliveries from restaurants or other food services are prohibited between 7:30 am – 4:30pm. School sponsored activities may occasionally have food brought in with prior administrative approval.
• Food may be brought by a parent or guardian between 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. Food is to be dropped off in the office. The student will not be called out of class, but will be notified that lunch is in the office for them to pick up on the way to the cafeteria.
• Filtered water is available at all times for students and they are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle daily.
• Soda/Pop is not allowed on campus between 7:30 am – 4:30 pm.
• Energy drinks (any beverage that contains high levels of a stimulant ingredient, usually caffeine, as well as sugar and often supplements, such as vitamins or carnitine, and that is promoted as a product capable of enhancing mental alertness and physical performance) are prohibited on campus at all times.
• Nutritionally approved drinks and snacks are available for purchase in the vending machines.

OFF CAMPUS LUNCH:

• Upperclassmen may be awarded the privilege of leaving campus for lunch
  • Seniors may leave campus at the end of the 1^st quarter.
  • Juniors may leave campus at the start of the 2^nd semester.
• Students must sign in and out in the office each time.
• They must arrive back on campus and be in their next class on time.
• Tardies will revoke the student’s privilege to leave.
• Students are expected to represent AHS with pride while off campus through mature and responsible behavior, respect for school property, and respect for the personal rights of others and the community. Violation of this expectation, violation of any law, or irresponsible driving will result in revocation of this off-campus privilege.
• No student on the D/F list may leave campus for lunch that week, even if the grade is brought to passing during that time.

TEAM MEALS, CLASSROOM PARTIES & OTHER SPECIAL FOOD EVENTS:

Team meals may be permitted for high school teams/clubs/activities during the school day. A dedicated space will be provided. The cafeteria must be notified the week before the team meal (to assist with meal planning/ordering quantities) and administration must approve the meal at that time. Junior high school teams/clubs/activities are not eligible for team meals on a regular basis, but may seek administrative approval for special events.

Classroom Parties are usually planned at school for Halloween, Christmas and Valentine’s Day. These parties are planned under the direction of the teacher who may request assistance from parents.

BIRTHDAY TREATS

Children may share birthday treats during the school day if treats are brought for the entire class. Please contact the classroom teacher for the best time to bring birthday treats.

All meals and treats for special events are encouraged to follow KSDE Nutrition and Wellness food guidelines during the school day (defined for this policy as 7:00am – 4:30pm) and include health choices such as fruits and vegitables. Events falling outside of those hours or on non-school days are exempt. Energy drinks as defined previously are prohibited on all campuses at all times.

 

FEES, PAYMENTS, BALANCES, CHARGING

 

To establish a meal account for your child, send a check for any amount to the school office, made payable to USD 220 with your student’s name in the memo section. If sending cash, please use an envelope and write the lunch account as well as your child’s name.

Students are required to pay for meal fees in advance. Payment will be accepted at the school office and on-line through ParentSquare (see the website at usd220.net). A 2.9% fee is assessed for all credit card transactions on-line. Each student will have a meal account where advance payments will be posted. Monthly account statements will be sent to parents so they are aware of their student’s balance. No accounts may charge more than -$60.00. The parent/guardian or employee shall be notified any time the account balance has dropped below zero. Students whose account balance has exceeded this limit will be given a cheese sandwich and milk for lunch or may bring sack lunches until the account has been brought back current. Any family experiencing economic hardship should contact our school Counselor as assistance may be available.

USD 220 participates with the USDA lunch program. You may be eligible for federally assisted meals. We ask that ALL families complete the Free/Reduced Lunch Application, even if they think they may not qualify.

In accordance with the Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

 

            The board offers the following district wellness plan as a supplement to its wellness policy, JGCA.  This plan reflects some of the board’s elected methods to promote student wellness, prevent and reduce childhood obesity, and provide assurance that school meals and other food and beverages sold and otherwise made available on the school campus during the school day are consistent with applicable minimum federal standards.  This plan is periodically revised in accordance with policy JGCA.  Questions concerning its contents may be directed to the Chairperson of the district’s wellness committee or to the superintendent at 311 J.E. Humphreys St., P.O. Box 187, Ashland, KS 67831 or via telephone at (620) 635-2220.

NUTRITION PROMOTION AND EDUCATION

Designated instructional staff will integrate nutrition education into the district’s sequential, comprehensive health education program. The program will be reviewed and updated, as appropriate.

Nutrition education will be interactive and will endeavor to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to adopt healthy eating behaviors.

Nutrition education may be provded in school cafeterias, as well as in the classroom, with coordination between the food service personnel and teachers.

The district will provide appropriate training to the staff members responsible for providing nutrition education and training to students on strategies for promoting healthy eating behaviors.

Nutrition messages will be disseminated throughout the district, schools, classrooms, cafeterias, homes, and community utilizing one or more of the following methods:

• Handouts;
• Posters and bulletin boards;
• Postings on the district’s website;
• Articles and information provided in district or school newsletters;
• Presentations that focus on nutritional value and healthy lifestyles;
• Special programs that highlight aspects of nutrition education; and
• News media
• Handbooks

Lessons and Activities

District staff will develop and implement nutrition education lessons and activities for all grades that are appropriate to the student’s age and developmental levels.

Instructional staff will be requested to integrate nutritional themes into lessons and activities, as appropriate, to complement the academic standards based on nutrition education. Nutritional themes may include, but are not limited to:

• Knowledge of USDA dietary guidelines;
• Sources and variety of foods;
• Guide to a healthy diet, including snacks and the importance of breakfast;
• Concepts of control and prevention of disease and nutritional deficiencies;
• Use and misuse of dietary supplements;
• Understanding calories;
• Understanding and using food labels;
• Essential nutrients and their relationship to physical performance and body composition;
• Appreciating cultural diversity related to food and eating;
• Recognizing appropriate serving sizes;
• Safe food preparation, handling, and storage; and
• Identifying and limiting junk food.

District staff members are expected to be supportive in helping students to practice the nutritional themes used in lessons and activities.

Family and Community Involvement

The superintendent or designee will be responsible for promoting family and community involvement in supporting and reinforcing nutrition education in the schools utilizing one or more of the following methods:

• Nutrition education materials sent home with students, posted in school buildings, and/or made available on the district’s website;
• Parents/Guardians are encouraged to send healthy snacks/meals to school;
• Families are invited to attend any exhibitions of student nutrition projects or health fairs;
• Nutrition education workshops and screening services may be offered;
• Links with nutrition service providers (e.g., qualified public health and nutrition professionals) may be established on the district’s website to inform families about supplemental nutritional services available in the community;
• Nutrition education curriculum may include homework that students can do with their families, such as:
  • Reading and interpreting food labels,
  • Reading nutrition-related articles, and
  • Preparing healthy recipes; and
• School staff members will be encouraged to cooperate with other agencies and community groups to provide opportunities for student projects related to nutrition, as appropriate.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Developmentally appropriate physical activities during the school day for students will be designed to achieve optimal health, wellness, fitness, and performance benefits, and may include the following:

• Daily school-wide exercise program for students in which all students participate in grades K – 9.
• Students in grades 10 – 12 encouraged to take at least one physical education course offering each semester.
• Physical activity breaks for students between lessons or classes, as appropriate; activities will be planned to maximize student participation;
• Providing information to parents/guardians that encourages students’ physical activity outside the school environment, such as outdoor play at home, sports, recreation programs, before and after-school programs, community programs, etc.;
• Establishing guidelines governing the age-appropriate physical activity opportunities for students that will be provided in each school;
• Offering and supervising walking or other movement programs for students on school property before school, at lunch, or after school when staffing is available;
• Daily recess periods for elementary school students featuring time for unstructured but supervised active play;
• Introducing physical activities other than competitive sports to students;
• Programs conducted before and after school in district facilities providing developmentally appropriate physical activities to students in an effort to promote physical activity. Designated staff will meet with providers of before and after-school programs in district facilities to discuss and support opportunities for physical activity for attendees;
• Sending students home with suggestions for physical activities for use by parents/guardians through:
  • Monthly suggested activity calendars,
  • Periodic information and updates,
  • Notices of family activity events taking place in the schools or community;
• Promoting the use of school facilities by students and the community for physical activity, fitness, sports, and recreation programs offered by district schools and/or community-based organizations outside of school hours through:
  • Announcements,
  • Posted notices,
  • Newsletters,
  • District’s website,
  • District’s calendar,
  • News media.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Professional staff will provide physical education instruction that complies with the established curriculum and academic standards to ensure that students develop required skills and knowledge.

The physical education curriculum and program will be reviewed and updated, as appropriate.

District schools will encourage all students to participate in physical education classes.

Physical education staff will utilize appropriate instructional strategies that provide meaningful inclusion of all students, regardless of skill or fitness level.

The district’s physical education programs will:

• Provide physical activity options and alternatives from a variety of categories such as outdoor, rhythmical, and lifetime;
• Feature cooperative as well as competitive games;
• Teach self-management skills as well as movement skills;
• Actively teach cooperation, fair play, and responsible participation;
• Promote participation in physical activity outside of school;
• Endeavor to be an enjoyable experience for students;
• Encourage lifelong participation in health-enhancing physical activities;
• Attempt to create a positive learning environment in which students feel safe and supported; and
• Utilize physical activities that are developmentally appropriate.

Suitably adapted physical education will be included, when practicable, as part of a student’s IEP, Section 504 Plan, or accommodation when chronic health problems, disabling conditions, or other special needs preclude such student’s participation in regular physical education instruction or activities. Documented medical conditions and disabilities will be accommodated in accordance with the applicable IEP or Section 504 Plan.

An annual assessment and inventory of equipment, facilities, and resources used for physical education courses will be made by physical education staff. Equipment, facilities, and resources determined to be obsolete, out-of-date, unusable, or unsafe will be reported for disposition.

Physical education staff will attend professional development opportunities and inservice programs, in accordance with board policy.

District schools will discourage the withholding or use of physical education solely as a form of punishment.

Student physical activity on school grounds during school hours will be supervised to enforce safety rules and to attempt to prevent injuries.

Building administrators are encouraged to notify district staff that physical activity (e.g., recess) will not be used or withheld as a form of punishment.

Assessment

A local assessment system may be implemented to track student progress on the Health and Physical Education academic standards. Course grades will be awarded in the same manner grades are awarded in other subject areas and will be included in calculations of grade point average, class rank, and academic recognition programs.

Family and Community Involvement

To promote family and community involvement in supporting and reinforcing physical education in the schools, the building principal or designee will be responsible for ensuring that:

1.   Physical education activity ideas are sent home with students;

2.   Parents/Guardians are actively encouraged to promote their child’s participation in the school’s physical education programs and any after-school activities through information distributed by the school;

3.   Families are invited to attend and participate in physical education activity programs and health fairs when held;

4.   Physical education curriculum may include homework that students can do with their families.

5.   School staff is encouraged to consider student preferences and interest when developing physical education programs.

6.   School staff is encouraged to work with local recreation agencies and community organizations to provide opportunities for students to participate in physical activity programs outside of school.

OTHER SCHOOL BASED ACTIVITIES

Drinking water shall be available and accessible to students, without restriction and at no cost to the student, at all meal periods and throughout the school day.

Nutrition professionals who meet hiring criteria established by the district and in compliance with federal regulations shall administer the school meals program. Professional development and continuing education shall be provided for district nutrition staff, as required by federal regulations.

1. Students shall be provided a clean and safe meal environment.

2. District administrators may consider offering alternative service models to increase school breakfast participation, such as breakfast served in the classroom and “grab & go breakfast” to reinforce the positive educational, behavioral, and health impacts of a healthy breakfast.

3. Students shall have access to hand washing or sanitizing before meals and snacks.

4. Access to the food service operation shall be limited to authorized staff.

5. Nutrition content of school meals shall be available to students and parents/guardians upon request.

6. The district shall provide appropriate training to staff on the components of the school wellness policy and plan.

7. Fundraising projects submitted for approval are encouraged to be supportive of healthy eating and student wellness or at least neutral on that topic.

8. The district shall support the efforts of parents/guardians to provide a healthy diet and daily physical activity for children by communicating relevant information through various methods.

FUNDRAISERS

Fundraising projects must be submitted for district approval in accordance with district policy. School fundraising activities will be approved with consideration of the following:

• Fundraising activities held during the school day involving the sale of food or beverages will be limited to foods that meet the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards, unless an exemption is approved by the building principal;
• Availability of any food or beverage items sold as part of a fundraising activity will be restricted until at least thirty (30) minutes after the last lunch period;
• Fundraising activities that promote physical activity will be encouraged; and
• District staff members are encouraged to select foods and beverages which are low in sugar and fat content to be sold as part of any fundraisers for school sponsored activities, programs, or events outside of the school day. 

For purposes of this regulation, school day means the period from midnight before school begins until thirty (30) minutes after the end of the official school day.

Copies of this administrative regulation will be available in the central office and will be distributed to activity sponsors, student treasurers of school activities, and other interested individuals and groups.

Exempt fundraiser foods or beverages may not be sold in competition with school meals in the food service area during the meal service.

NUTRITION GUIDELINES FOR ALL FOODS/BEVERAGES AT SCHOOL

All foods and beverages available in district schools during the school day shall be offered to students with consideration for promoting student health and reducing obesity.

Energy drinks are not permitted on campus within the school day.

Foods and beverages provided through the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs shall comply with established federal nutrition standards.

Foods and beverages offered or sold at school-sponsored events outside the school day, such as athletic events and dances, are encouraged to offer healthy alternatives in addition to more traditional fare.

Competitive Foods 

Competitive foods available for sale shall meet or exceed the established federal nutrition standards (USDA Smart Snacks in School). These standards shall apply in all locations and through all services where foods and beverages are sold to students, which may include, but are not limited to: a la carte options in cafeterias, vending machines, school stores, snack carts, and fundraisers conducted during the school day.

Competitive foods are defined as foods and beverages offered or sold to students on school campus during the school day, which are not part of the reimbursable school breakfast or lunch.

For purposes of this policy, school campus means any area of property under the jurisdiction of the school that students may access during the school day.

For purposes of this policy, school day means the period from midnight before school begins until thirty (30) minutes after the end of the official school day.

The district may impose additional restrictions on competitive foods, provided that the restrictions are not inconsistent with federal requirements.

Non-Sold Competitive Foods 

Non-sold competitive foods available to students, which may include but are not limited to foods and beverages offered as rewards and incentives, at classroom parties and celebrations, or as shared classroom snacks, shall meet or exceed the standards established by the district.

If the offered competitive foods do not meet or exceed the Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards, the following standards shall apply:

Rewards and Incentives:

• Foods and beverages are discouraged as a reward or incentive in district schools.
• Foods and beverages used as a reward for classroom or school activities are encouraged to be an activity that promotes a positive nutrition message (e.g., guest chef, field trip to a farm or farmers market, etc.).

Shared Classroom Snacks, Parties and Celebrations:

• All meals and treats for special events are encouraged to follow KSDE Nutrition and Wellness food guidelines during the school day (defined for this policy as 7:00am – 4:30pm). Events falling outside of those hours or on non-school days are exempt. Energy drinks as defined previously are prohibited on all campuses at all times.
• When possible, foods/beverages for parties and celebrations shall be provided by the food service department to help prevent food safety and allergy concerns.

The district shall provide a list of suggested nonfood ideas and healthy food and beverage alternatives to parents/guardians and staff, which may be posted via the district website, student handbook, newsletters, posted notices and/or other efficient communication methods.

Marketing/Contracting 

Any foods and beverages marketed or promoted to students on the school campus during the school day shall meet or exceed the established federal nutrition standards (USDA Smart Snacks in School) and comply with established Board policy and administrative regulations.

Exclusive competitive food and/or beverage contracts shall be approved by the board, in accordance with provisions of law. Existing contracts shall be reviewed and modified to the extent feasible to ensure compliance with established federal nutrition standards, including applicable marketing restrictions.

SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL

District schools may provide appropriate instruction on walking and bicycling safety to students.

To make walking and biking to school safer and easier for students, improvements to school zone traffic safety may be made by:

• Developing drop-off and pick-up procedures and informing students, parents/guardians, and district staff by means of:
  • Publication in handbooks,
  • Reminders to parents/guardians in the form of letters or emails at the start of each school term and as necessary throughout the school year,
  • Presentation at a student assembly,
  • Presentation at a parents meeting, and/or
  • Posting of notice/signs.
• Designating a drop-off and pick-up zone to discourage traffic congestion in front of schools;
• Conducting regular traffic safety training for school personnel, volunteers, and students who drive to school
•  Encouraging carpooling to alleviate traffic congestion in front of schools;
• Staggering school arrival and dismissal times for different grades to minimize the flow of traffic; and
• Using a designated employee, parent/guardian, or volunteer at drop-off locations to open the student’s door and expedite the drop-off process.

Designated school personnel, police, and volunteers may periodically evaluate drop-off and pick-up conditions and provide safety information and instruction to drivers.

The Superintendent or designee may meet periodically with local municipality officials, law enforcement, and community organizations to develop, evaluate, and maintain safe routes to school.

In cooperation with the local ordinances and laws, physical improvements such as curb striping and signage revision may be made to the school’s drop-off and pick-up zones and/or parking and stopping spots.

CARDIAC EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN

Purpose: According to Kansas Statute 72-6288, each school district's Board of Education is required to adopt a comprehensive cardiac emergency response plan for each attendance center. The plan should include policies and procedures for both on-campus and off-campus activities. School districts must submit a copy of their CERP and any subsequent amendments to the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). The initial CERP should be submitted by July 31, 2025. 

By incorporating these components and adhering to state guidelines, USD 220 Public Schools can establish an effective Cardiac Emergency Response Plan that enhances the safety and well-being of its students, staff, and visitors.

Cardiac Emergency Response Team (CERT):

1. Formation: Prior to the first day of student arrival each school year, the principal or other designee shall establish a CERT comprising trained staff members, including administrators, coaches, and teachers, responsible for responding to cardiac emergencies.

2. Roles and Responsibilities: Each team member will have clearly defined duties during an emergency: 

• CPR:
  • immediately begins performing CPR 
• AED User:
  • retrieves and uses the Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
• Communicator:
  • 911 
  • Notification of Administration

• lookout/guide for EMS
• Provides additional communication as directed by administration throughout the event

• Documenter: 
  • documentation of event from start to finish
    • persons involved and in which role
    • start time/transfer of care (EMS) time
    • information on patient
    • details of actions taken in the order in which they happen
    • shares documentation with EMS upon arrival

• Administrative role: 

• crowd control and evacuation
• notification to family member
• delegation as necessary to ensure all roles are met 
• serves as the only point of contact after the event 

3. Activation:  Upon notification to the office of any type of on-campus emergency, the secretary shall immediately activate the CERT (for all emergencies).

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs):

• Placement: 
  • AEDs shall be clearly marked, easily accessible, and be located in the following on-campus locations
  • Ashland High School: 

•  Main Office 
•  Gymnasium
•  Swimming Pool Lifeguard Counter (when the pool is open)
•  Football Field Concession Stand (when the field is in use)

• Ashland Grade School: 
  • Gymnasium

• Maintenance: 
  • All AEDs shall be checked monthly by the Director of Facilities Management
  • A log shall be kept of each AED’s maintenance/checks 
  • All pads/parts shall be replaced prior to the expiration date
  • Any issues during maintenance checks shall be immediately corrected. 

• Registration: All AEDs and their location within the building shall be registered with Clark County EMS and Clark County Sheriff Department to facilitate coordination during emergencies.

Training:

• CPR and AED Training: 
  • Beginning of the year certification in CPR for all coaches, administrators, bus drivers, department directors, and members of the CERT prior to the start of school. A copy of the CPR certification card shall be maintained in the employee’s personnel file.
  • Beginning of the year training to all staff on location of AEDs, members of the CERT, and process/procedures in the event of a cardiac emergency.
  • CPR training offered to all staff and, if appropriate, students, to ensure proficiency in CPR and AED use several times throughout the school year.
• Drills: 
  • Conduct a minimum of one annual all-school cardiac emergency response drill to practice and evaluate the effectiveness of the plan, and to ensure students/staff are aware of procedures.
  • Conduct a minimum of one cardiac emergency response drill per semester for members of the CERT.

Emergency Communication:

• Protocols: 
  • Alerting CERT members
  • Contacting EMS
  • Communicating with the school community during an emergency

• Emergency Contact Information: 
  • Maintain updated emergency contact lists for all students and staff.

Post-Event Review:

• Debriefing: After an incident, administration will conduct a debriefing session within 48 to assess the response, identify areas for improvement, and provide support to those involved.

• Plan Updates: 
  • Administration and the CERT shall review the CERP 
    • prior to the start of each school year 
    • within 24 hours after a drill
    • within one week after an event
  • Based upon feedback and evaluation, the CERP shall be changed/updated as needed

                                                                                                                                                                          

The services of a qualified counselor are available to all students. This service is for students and parents alike. In the event that a counselor is not available, the building principal shall act in that capacity and/or make the appropriate referrals. Students having academic problems or vocational questions, college or other post-secondary questions, and those students who need any other kind of help should contact either the counselor or building principal.

 

Local Wellness                                                                     JGCA

         The board is committed to providing a school environment that promotes student wellness as part of the total learning experience for its students.  To this end, the board shall promote and monitor a local wellness plan that includes methods to promote student wellness, prevent and reduce childhood obesity, and provide assurance that school meals and other food and beverages sold and otherwise made available on the school campus during the school day are consistent with applicable minimum federal standards.  The plan shall:

• Include goals for providing proper student nutrition promotion and education, physical activity, and other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness which are based on evidence-based strategies and techniques;
• Meet federal nutrition standards and guidelines for all foods and beverages provided to students in each school during the school day; and
• Ensure standards and nutrition guidelines for all foods and beverages sold to students during the school day at each district school are consistent with the requirements of the School Breakfast Program, the National School Lunch Program, and the competitive food standards established pursuant to the National School Lunch Program.

         The Superintendent or designee shall be responsible for the implementation and oversight of this policy and plan to ensure each of the district’s schools, programs, and curriculum is compliant with this policy, the plan, and existing law and regulations.

Each building principal or designee shall annually report to the superintendent or designee regarding compliance in his/her school.  Staff members responsible for programs related to school wellness shall also report to the superintendent or designee regarding the status of such programs.  The superintendent or designee shall then annually report to the board on the district’s compliance with law, policy, and the district’s plan related to school wellness.

         Wellness Committee

         The board shall establish a wellness committee comprised of, but not necessarily limited to, at least one of each of the following: school board member, district administrator, district food service representative, student, parent/guardian, school health professional, physical education teacher, and member of the public.

         The wellness committee shall serve as an advisory committee regarding student health issues and shall be responsible for developing, implementing, and periodically reviewing and updating a school wellness policy and plan that complies with law to recommend to the board for adoption.

         The wellness committee shall review and consider evidence-based strategies and techniques in establishing goals for nutrition education and promotion, physical activity, and other school based activities that promote student wellness as part of the policy and plan development and revision process.

         The superintendent or designee and the wellness committee shall conduct an assessment at least once every three (3) years on the contents and implementation of this policy and plan as part of a continuous improvement

process to strengthen them and ensure proper implementation. This triennial assessment shall be made available to the public in an accessible and easily understood manner and include:

• The extent to which district schools are in compliance with law, policy, and its plan related to school wellness;
• The extent to which this policy and plan compare to model local wellness policies; and
• A description of the progress made by the district in attaining the goals of this policy.

         At least once every three (3) years, the district shall update or modify this policy and wellness plan based on the results of the most recent triennial assessment and/or as district and community needs and priorities change; wellness goals are met; new health science, information, and technologies emerge; or new federal or state guidance or standards are issued.

         The district shall annually inform and update the public, including parents/guardians, students, and others in the community, about the contents, updates and implementation of this policy and plan via the district website, student handbooks, newsletters, or other efficient communication methods. This annual notification shall include information on how to access the school wellness policy and plan; information about the most recent triennial assessment; information on how to participate in the development, implementation, and periodic review and update of the school wellness policy and plan; and a means of contacting wellness committee leadership.

         Recordkeeping

         The district shall retain records documenting compliance with the requirements of the school wellness policy, which shall include:

• The written school wellness policy and plan;
• Documentation demonstrating that the district has informed the public, on an annual basis, about the contents of the school wellness policy and plan and any updates to these documents;
• Documentation of efforts to review and update the school wellness policy and plan, including who was involved in the review and methods used by the district to inform the public of their ability to participate in the review; and
• Documentation demonstrating the most recent assessment on the implementation of the school wellness policy and plan and notification of the assessment results to the public.

 

Approved:  3/18

KASB Recommendation – 6/05; 4/07; 6/14; 12/15; 6/17; 3/18

 

The USD 220 Heat Plan is a three-part plan. Each part is important to ensure that the athletes in the Ashland school district are protected from the problems that can arise as coaches and athletes begin workouts during the hot summer months of August and September. The three parts are Education, Acclimation, and Hydration of Athletes for heat related problems.

Heat not only affects the performance of athletes but can also affect their health.

Part I: Education

Educating athletes to the need of how to best take care of themselves during hot weather workouts is only one part of the education needed to properly care for athletes. Coaches should educate themselves to stay abreast of all the latest information available concerning heat related problems among athletes.

Coaches should also help educate parents and others about their roles in helping to prevent heat-related problems in athletes.

Heat Indexes

All coaches should use the Heat Index Calculator provided by the KSHSAA. This is an accurate tool that will give coaches specific information about weather and humidity conditions.

While the index can aide coaches in identifying unfavorable conditions, coaches should remember that the heat index was developed for industry and does not take into consideration the football uniform. The uniform can worsen the effects of unfavorable heat conditions and should be taken into consideration when determining the duration and intensity of practice, as well as the frequency of water breaks.

Important notes that will be considered:

• Allow students to take helmets and jerseys off whenever possible.
• Easy access to water and electrolyte replacement drinks is recommended throughout physical activity in the heat.
• Gradually increase intensity and duration of workouts. 
• Gradually add equipment.
• Use shade during breaks when available.
• Quick access to cold towels and or cooling tubs is recommended.
• Pre and post-practice weigh ins may provide useful information on water loss and scheduling drink breaks. Avoid “prove yourself” drills in the heat.
• Closely monitor “at risk” or poorly conditioned players.
• Coaches need to make sure that each athlete is drinking plenty of water at each break.

Coaches should observe athletes frequently and carefully before, during, and after practice. Coaches should be aware of the signs of the following heat related problems.

Symptoms of Heat Illness:

 

 

RECOMMENDED MODIFICATIONS TO ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION BASED ON THE HEAT INDEX

 

 

These are general guidelines for assessing the potential severity of heat stress. Individual reactions to heat will vary. It should be remembered that heat illness can occur at lower temperatures.

Part II: Acclimation

All Athletes should undergo a period of acclimation to help reduce the negative effects of heat during hot weather workouts. Football workouts should begin with several days of workouts in shorts, T-shirts, and helmets. Helmets should be removed frequently during the first workouts of the season and on any day that heat conditions are severe.

 

During the early part of the season, athletes should weigh themselves before and after practice to determine the amount of weight loss during practice. Remember…” Weight loss during practice IS water loss – weight loss over a period of time is fat loss.” Athletes should replace the amount of fluid lost in practice before the next practice.

Benefits of Heat Acclimation:

• Better drinking habits 
• More body water
• More blood
• Lower heart rate
• More blood to skin 
• Sweat sooner
• Sweat more
• Sweat more widely
• Sweat less salty
• Better heart output 
• Stay cooler

Part III: Hydration

Proper hydration is essential in protecting athletes and maximizing their performance during hot weather. Dehydrated players heat up faster and lose the benefits of acclimation.

Coaches should make fluids available at all times during practice and should monitor athletes to make sure they are consuming enough fluids. Some athletes may lose more than three quarts of sweat per hour during the hot and humid weather.

The more an athlete sweats, the more susceptible they are to dehydration. Sweat loss leads to dehydration, fatigue, cramps, heat intolerance, and slow recovery. Athletes need to consume more than the eight cups of water per day normally recommended for proper hydration. Some will need several quarts to replace fluids lost during workouts.

Don’t rely on thirst

Thirst kicks in too late and shuts off too early. Thirst usually occurs when athletes have already begun to dehydrate.

Athletes should drink 20oz. of fluids within an hour or two before practice or games. Drink regularly during practice and games to minimize weight loss.

Salt is not an enemy – athletes should use salt on food during meals.

 

 

Guidelines for proper hydration

● 2-3 hours before practice or games, drink 17-20oz. of fluid and another 7-10oz. 10-20 minutes prior to the start of an event.

● After exercising, drink at least 20oz. per pound of weight loss within two hours of finishing, training, or competition

● Athletes should monitor their frequency of urination as well as the color of their urine. A well hydrated athlete will have a clear urine, whereas urine from an athlete not well hydrated will have a yellow to orange color

 

2025-2026 Health & Wellness Committee

Chairperson	Paula Rice	price@usd220.net
Co-Chair	Haley Walker	hwalker@usd220.net
Member	Becky Luerman	bluerman@usd220.net
Member	Jamie Harrington	jharrington@usd220.net
Member	Hailey Pohlman	hpohlman@usd220.net
Member	Kristin Saathoff	ksaathoff@usd220.net
Member	Pam Wheaton	pwheaton@usd220.net
Member	Jesse Stebens	jstebens@usd220.net

 

KSDE Child Nutrition & Wellness Reports