Almadina Academy Wellness Policies 2026-2027

Most US children attend school for six or more hours a day and consume as much as
half of their daily calories at school. The school nutrition environment and services are part of
the model and can help shape lifelong healthy eating behaviors. The CDC recommends that
schools implement policies and practices to create a nutrition environment that supports
students in making healthy choices. Almadina Academy provides students with nutritious and
appealing foods and beverages, consistent and accurate messages about good nutrition, and
ways to learn about and practice healthy eating throughout the time children spend at school
grounds.
Water access in school:
Providing access to drinking water gives students a healthy alternative to sugar-sweetened
beverages. It helps to increase students’ overall water consumption, maintain hydration, and
reduce energy intake if substituted for sugar-sweetened beverages. 1-3 cups of adequate
hydration may also improve cognitive function in children and adolescents. 4-8 cups of drinking
water, if fluoridated, also plays a role in preventing dental cavities. At Almadina Academy, free
water is available to students during mealtimes where they are served. We ensure that water
fountains are clean and properly maintained. The students are allowed to have water bottles in
class or to go to the water fountain if they need to drink water.
Healthy Eating Learning Opportunities:
Healthy eating learning opportunities include nutrition education and other activities that give
children knowledge and skills to help them choose and consume healthy foods and beverages.
These opportunities are present in the cafeteria and classroom. Nutrition education at Almadina
Academy is a part of a comprehensive health education curriculum, also integrated throughout
the school curriculum. For example, students learn how to analyze food advertisements in
language arts classes.
Physical Education and Physical Activity
Schools are in a unique position to help students attain the nationally recommended 60 minutes
or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily. Regular physical activity in childhood
and adolescence is important for promoting lifelong health and well-being and preventing
various health conditions. The students at Almadina Academy receive 60 minutes of physical
activity each day. Regular physical activity can help children and adolescents improve
cardiorespiratory fitness, build strong bones and muscles, control weight, reduce symptoms of
anxiety and depression, and reduce the risk of developing health conditions such as heart
disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and obesity.
Parents for Healthy Schools
Parents have a powerful role in supporting their children’s health and learning. Engaged parents
help guide their children successfully through school, advocate for their children, and can help
shape a healthy school environment. CDC developed a set of resources called Parents for

Healthy Schools, to assist schools, school groups, and school wellness committees with
Almadina Academy encourages parent involvement in school health. Parents for Healthy
Schools uses evidence-based strategies for parent engagement.
Family and Community Engagement:
Family and community engagement in physical activity means that parents, school staff, and
community members are working together to increase opportunities for physical activity before,
during, and after the school day to improve the learning, development, and health of children
and adolescents. School physical activity programs are more successful when family and
community members are involved.
Family and community engagement benefits students by:
● Improving grades and test scores.
● Encouraging better student behavior.
● Enhancing social skills.
● Increasing physical activity.
What role do families and community agencies play in the WSCC approach?
Family and community involvement in schools is important to the learning, development, and
health of students. When schools engage families in meaningful ways to improve student health
and learning, families can support and reinforce healthy behaviors in multiple settings.
At home, in school, in out-of-school programs, and in the community. With help from school
leaders, community agencies and groups can collaborate with schools to provide valuable
resources for student health and learning. In turn, schools, students, and their families can
contribute to the Almadina Academy community through service-learning opportunities and by
sharing school facilities with community members (e.g., school-based community health centers
and fitness facilities).
How does the Almadina Academy use the WSCC model?
Establishing healthy behaviors during childhood is easier and more effective than trying to
change unhealthy behaviors during adulthood. Schools play a critical role in promoting the
health and safety of young people and helping them establish lifelong healthy behaviors.
Almadina Academy has posters in the hallways, main areas, and cafeteria that promote healthy
eating. The breakfast and lunch menus are displayed in the cafeteria. The menus are
brightly colored and attractive for the kids. The children are encouraged to eat healthy and
well-balanced meals at school and out.