School WellSpot Benchmarks

School WellSpots

Schools can make a major impact in the health of their students and staff. Our school benchmarks are centered on a campus-wide tobacco-free policy and a school wellness program that includes physical activity and nutrition components for both students and staff. The foundational elements of a good school wellness program are:

  1. Establishing a School Health Advisory Council (SHAC)/wellness committee
  2. Completing an assessment of your school health environment
  3. Creating and implementing a school wellness policy

To learn more about the benchmarks for School WellSpots and to get your school moving Well-Ahead, take the school assessment.

Additional Resources:


School WellSpot Benchmarks           

All school WellSpots must be designated as tobacco-free locations and have an established SHAC or wellness committee. In addition to these two wellness benchmarks, schools may meet additional benchmarks to achieve the desired level of designation.

Schools who have received an award of any level through the Alliance for a Healthier Generation may use that award as documentation for the indicated benchmarks. 

Level Three

Level Two

Level One
  • Tobacco-free policy
  • Established SHAC/Wellness Committee
  • Four additional benchmarks of choice
  • Tobacco-free policy
  • Completed assessment
  • Created/updated wellness policy
  • Six additional benchmarks of choice
  • Tobacco-free policy
  • All benchmarks met

Benchmarks Documentation/Verification

Comprehensive tobacco-free campus policy

Copy of policy

RESOURCES FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Tobacco cessation coverage within employee health plans

Copy of health plan benefits or health plan promotional materials

 

Promotion of the Louisiana Tobacco Quitline or another approved cessation service organization

Written description or pictures of ways in which the LA Tobacco Quitline or other service is promoted 

RESOURCES FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Designation as a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace or Champion 

Well-Ahead LA will verify this benchmark is met with the Louisiana Breastfeeding Coalition. 

RESOURCES FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Promotion of the 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go! Healthy Workplaces message in at least two ways

Written description or pictures of at least two ways in which the 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go! Healthy Workplaces’ message is promoted to employees.

RESOURCES FOR IMPLEMENTATION
Promotion of self-assessment tools for prediabetes and heart health among employees Written description of pictures of ways in which the self-assessment tools are promoted

RESOURCES FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Full implementation of Louisiana Act 331 and USDA’s Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards*

Copy of policy on competitive foods and list of food items available in all venues outside of the cafeteria 

RESOURCES FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Establish a School Health Advisory Council (SHAC)/Wellness Committee at your school/district that is representative of your school/district and that meets regularly**

Copy of SHAC roster and an agenda or minutes from the most recent meeting

RESOURCES FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Complete an assessment of your school health environment and create an action plan using your assessment results**

Copy of school health assessment results and action plan or verification from a recognized program partner

RESOURCES FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Create a school/district wellness policy (or update the current policy) that reflects the results of the assessment and the priorities and goals determined by the SHAC**

Copy of wellness policy

RESOURCES FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Employees are offered accessible and free or low-cost physical activity and/or healthy eating/weight management programs as part of the school wellness program**

Copy of flyers, notices, newsletters or event info for employee wellness options

RESOURCES FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Implementation of at least two nutrition-based practices as part of the school wellness program**

  • All competitive foods and  beverages for sale to students during the extended school day (regular day plus after school programming and clubs) meet the Smart Snack/Louisiana guidelines
  • Students are offered breakfast that is fully accessible to all students
  • Food in the cafeteria is promoted and displayed in a pleasing way using Smarter Lunchrooms techniques
  • Participation in any farm to school activities 
  • Students are given at least 20 minutes to eat lunch, counting from the time they are seated
  • Drinking water is available to students free of charge at all times during the school day
  • Guidelines are placed on the type of food available at class parties or for classroom rewards

Written description of ways in which at least two nutrition-based practices are implemented 


RESOURCES FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Implementation of at least two physical activity-based practices as part of the school wellness program**

  • Daily recess is provided to all students in K-8 grades
  • Withholding or using physical activity (through physical education or recess) is not used as a punishment for behavior
  • Physical activity is used as a reward for good behavior
  • Physical activity energizers are available in the classroom
  • Walking or biking to school is promoted and supported
  • Students are offered physical activity opportunities before and after school
  • Shared use agreements are supported and implemented with community partners 

Written description of ways in which at least two physical activity-based practices are implemented

RESOURCES FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Implementation of at least two physical education-based practices as part of the school wellness program**

  • No substitutes or waivers are allowed for physical education (ex.: JROTC, sports, etc.)
  • PE is taught by a certified physical education teacher
  • Students are engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity at least 50% of PE class time
  • PE classes are appropriately modified or adapted to promote the participation of all students
  • School has developed a comprehensive school physical activity plan
  • Physical education teachers participate in annual professional development on effective practices for physical education 
  • Student/teacher ratio in physical education is comparable with other classes at all grade levels

Written description of ways in which at least two physical education-based practices are implemented

RESOURCES FOR IMPLEMENTATION
*This benchmark can be met by receiving a Silver Level Award (or higher) from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Proof of this award can substitute for the documentation requirement.

**This benchmark can be met by receiving a Bronze Level Award (or higher) from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Proof of this award can substitute for the documentation requirement.