WCS families are so grateful for all the healthy, nutritious and delicious options served our children during lunch at school. This petition asks that WCS consider implementing a Health and Wellness Policy that would limit sugary and other unhealthy treats from classroom celebrations, using food as rewards and overall reduction in the amount of sugary treats offered to students inside and outside the classroom. Please sign and forward this email to 10 other WCS families.

Many WCS children and parents have brought up concerns about the amount and frequency of sweet treats and other unhealthy "treats" (candies, cookies, popsicles and pizza etc.) being offered to kids throughout the school day, during off campus and after-school activities. Please consider signing this petition to officially create a WCS Health and Wellness Policy that encourages non-food rewards and healthy celebrations. 

The following are some examples of healthier options that can be implemented:

Food for Celebrations, Rewards and Snacks
Celebrations (holiday parties or birthdays) should not exceed 2 days per month or 18 days per school year. Teachers are encouraged to promote and request healthy options for classroom and holiday parties.

Rewards (for classroom or specific students) will not be food related. Teachers will use other ways to reward good behavior, superior test scores, or classroom goals, etc.

Snacks at school during set snack time will include whole foods such as fruits, veggies, whole grains, dairy without added sugars.

Foods and beverages will not be withheld as punishment for any reason, such as for performance or behavior.

The following are some alternative rewards that can be offered to help celebrate

REWARD EXAMPLES

SAMPLE PRIZES
· Pencils
· Erasers
· Stickers
· Books
· Notepads
· Water bottles
· Tokens/points

GET MOVING
· Lead activity break
· Provide extra recess time
· Turn on music and dance
· Conga line through halls
· Help the teacher
· Teach the class (or help the teacher)
· Lap around the classroom
· Walk to drinking fountain for drink

SHAKE THE ROUTINE
· Students choose special activity
· Bring in guest reader
· Host dress up day
· Sit by friends
· “No homework” pass
· Eat lunch outside

RECOGNITION
· Give a certificate
· Post sign in the classroom
· Give a shout out
· Post in newsletter
· Birthday crown or badge
· Letter/email home to family
· Photo recognition board

Did you know the new American Heart Association recommendations for children between 2-18 states that they should be eating fewer than 10 - 25 grams of added sugar per day? That's about the equivalent of 2-6 teaspoons! Just one cup of Chobani Greek yogurt has 15 grams and that is about half less than most brands. Nutrigrain bars have 12 grams of added sugar while Wheat Thin crackers have 4 grams of added sugar in only 16 crackers! Even pizza has added sugar- yikes! Added sugars offer no nutritional benefits. The new American Heart Association guidelines states that eating foods with added sugars throughout childhood is linked to risk factors for heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure and type-2 diabetes in children and young adults. 

Sugar-free schools throughout the United States enjoyed improved student behavior, higher test scores and healthier students. Imagine the gift we could give our children if we implement a Health and Wellness Policy at Westminster that is aligned with God's vision of Health and Wellness. Let’s help Westminster by being proactive and supporting the health education of our children.

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies." Corinthians 6:19-20 God has given all of the principles for health management in his Word, the Bible. The Bible is the owner’s manual for your body. “You made my body, Lord; now give me sense to heed your laws” (Psalm 119:73 LB). And in Deuteronomy, it says, “These instructions are not mere words — they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land …” (Deuteronomy 32:47 NLT). God says, “If you do what I tell you to do with your health, you will enjoy a long life.”

**Please forward this email to 10 more families at Westminster Christian School so we can present this signed petition to the administration by August 30, 2018**

 From a Westminster Christian School Parent