Arlington Public Schools have made several changes in the areas of health and wellness over the last couple of years.

Most recently, the Arlington County School Board adopted a new Wellness Policy. Drafted by APS's Comprehensive School Health Committee, the policy addresses such issues as length of recess, foods served in schools, and safe spaces to walk or bike to school.

Last December, APS, under the auspices of its Comprehensive School Health Committee, convened a meeting to address "Keeping Students Healthy." The gathering brought together representatives of most Arlington schools, school district officials, school board members, and representatives of organizations in Arlington to share ideas about ways to promote health and wellness in our schools and improve the health of our students. A booklet listing all the schools' initiatives in this area is available on the APS website.

Also last December, the School Board approved a new School Food Services Advisory Committee. The committee is charged with:

• Reviewing existing APS policies and procedures that relate to Food Services and, when necessary, recommending policies and procedures that address student access to healthier foods and beverages.
• Developing and participating in public awareness activities that promote student, staff and parent knowledge of practices that develop life-long good health habits.
• Advising Food Services on menu planning and selection process.
• Reviewing the financial implications of any recommendation for change.
• Reviewing current federal and state legislation to Food Services and making recommendation regarding legislative positions.

The committee's efforts supplement some changes to school cafeteria menus that APS has already made, including reducing fat in some offerings.

In Fall 2005, the School Board adopted a new policy governing what is offered for sale in its vending machines to ensure that snacks and beverages meet or exceed certain nutritional standards.

The policy eliminates sodas, including diet sodas, and sports drinks from vending machines accessible to students. Beverages can include water, 100% fruit or vegetable juice, drinks containing at least 25% juice with no added sweeteners, and reduced-fat milk. The fat, calories, and nutritional levels of the available snacks were also specified. Products will meet nutritional standards that will be revised periodically based on consumer interest, nutrition, cost, and availability. The standards will meet or exceed those of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, according to APS.

Only high school students and school staff currently have access to vending machines. There are no plans to make vending machines accessible to middle and elementary school students.

Arlington County's Board is exploring the issue of revising vending machine guidelines now that the schools have done so. The county operates vending machines in places that children and families frequent, such as county recreation centers.

In related news, APS operates two committees that address health issues. The Comprehensive School Health Committee, chaired by Alvin Crawley, assistant superintendent for student services, is made up of representatives from the schools, extended-day program officials, county public health officials, and parents, among others.

Dr. Crawley also serves as staff liaison to the School Health Advisory Board (SHAB), which is mandated by the Virginia General Assembly to help develop policy and assist in evaluating school health, health education, the school environment, and health services throughout the state of Virginia. Arlington's SHAB reports annually to the School Board and oversees the work of the Comprehensive School Health Committee.

For further information, please visit the APS website (http://www.arlington.k12.va.us/).