Board approves student policies

A third offense will result in dismissal from the team or activity for the remainder of high school.
By MARY R. SMITH
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
McDONALD -- The board of education has approved two new student policies involving extracurricular activities and physical activity and nutrition.
The interscholastic and extracurricular participation policy is an agreement that must be signed by both students and parents.
It was developed by coaches, the athletic director, teachers, high school Principal John Larocca and Superintendent Michael Wasser.
The policy will be added to the student code of conduct and will apply to school-sponsored activities. It requires pupils to vow that while they are a member of a team sport or extracurricular activities, they will not be involved with drugs or alcohol, tobacco products, criminal activity, or hazing.
Penalties have been established for first, second and third offenses. The third offense will cause the student to be dismissed from the team or activity immediately and prohibited from participating in any athletic contest or extracurricular activity or attend any McDonald school functions for the remainder of high school.
After dismissal for one calendar year, the student may appeal to the board of education to be reinstated to his team or activity under probation for the reminder of the year.
Wellness issues
Teachers Gary Carkido, Carol Augustine, Brenda Borton and Cindy Peffer developed the Wellness Policy on Physical Activity and Nutrition for the current school year.
The policy notes that obesity rates have doubled in children and tripled in adolescents over the past two decades, and physical inactivity and excessive calorie intake are the predominant causes. The new policy will involve pupils, parents, teachers, food service professionals and other interested community members in developing nutrition and physical activity policies.
All pupils in grades K-12 will have an opportunity, to be physically active.
Elementary school foods will be supervised by school food service program and anything sold individually will be low-fat and nonfat milks, fruits and nonfried vegetables.
Middle, junior high and high school foods and beverages sold separately sold through vending machines, student stores or fund-raising activities will try to meet nutrition and portion-size standards.
Nutrition education will be presented to all grades..
The superintendent is to formulate a summary report every three years on compliance with the established nutrition and physical activity wellness policies.