Nurses Middle College Nashville (the “School”) is committed to providing a school environment that supports student health, well-being, and academic success.

1. Leadership and Oversight

The Director of Business Operations (or designee) serves as the Wellness Policy Lead and is responsible for oversight, implementation, and compliance.

2. Public Involvement

Parents, students, school staff, health professionals, and community members are permitted and encouraged to participate in the development, implementation, review, and update of this policy.

3. School Meals

The School will serve meals that meet all United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) meal pattern and nutrition requirements.

4. Foods and Beverages Sold to Students

All foods and beverages sold to students on the school campus during the school day must meet USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards.

5. Foods and Beverages Provided (Not Sold)

The School will follow local guidelines for foods and beverages provided, but not sold, including those served at classroom celebrations, classroom snacks, and rewards. Non-food rewards are encouraged.

6. Food and Beverage Marketing

Only foods and beverages that meet Smart Snacks nutrition standards may be marketed or advertised on the school campus during the school day.
Marketing of foods and beverages that do not meet Smart Snacks standards is prohibited.

7. Nutrition Education (Evidence-Based Goal)

The School will provide developmentally appropriate, evidence-based nutrition education designed to build the knowledge and skills needed to support healthy eating behaviors.

8. Nutrition Promotion (Evidence-Based Goal)

The School will promote healthy food and beverage choices and participation in school meal programs through school-wide messaging and activities that encourage nutritious selections.

9. Physical Activity and Physical Education (Evidence-Based Goal)

The School will provide opportunities for students to engage in regular physical activity and physical education consistent with Tennessee law and State Board of Education policy.
Physical activity will not be used as punishment and will not be withheld as a disciplinary consequence.

10. Other School-Based Activities that Promote Wellness (Evidence-Based Goal)

The School will support student mental, social, and emotional well-being through school counseling services, positive behavior supports, and wellness-focused school activities.

11. Fundraising (Tennessee Requirements)

Food and beverage fundraisers must comply with Smart Snacks standards.
The School may allow up to twenty (20) exempt fundraisers per semester, per school site, if chosen.
Food or beverage fundraisers are prohibited in food service areas during mealtimes.
The Principal is responsible for monitoring and ensuring the fundraiser exemption limits are not exceeded.

12. Triennial Assessment

The School will conduct an assessment of the Local School Wellness Policy at least once every three years to evaluate compliance, progress toward goals, and alignment with model policies.
Results of the assessment will be made available to the public.

13. Public Updates and Communication

The School will annually inform families and the public about the content of the Local School Wellness Policy, implementation status, and how to participate in wellness policy activities and reviews.

This policy is adopted by Nurses Middle College Nashville and applies to all students, staff, and school-sponsored activities.