About Us

OverviewPolicy and ProceduresPrograms and ServicesOUR PARTNERSStaff QualificationsUnpaid Lunch PolicyUSDA NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENTWellness Policy

Poinciana Christian Preparatory School provides your child with the opportunity to receive a quality education in a safe environment.

Our approach to your child’s education is different from public schools. We see each child as an individual with specific needs, strengths and weaknesses. It is very important to meet the needs, encourage the strengths and develop the areas where your child needs the most attention.

As a Christian school, we integrate three key components into your child’s education.

First, our staff encourages every child to understand what the typical Christian lifestyle is. At the same time, we do not require any student to be a Christian to attend the school.

Second, we integrate Christian components into the curriculum. Your child will have the opportunity to study the Bible while learning English, Math, Science and Social Studies.

Third, we have regular ministry opportunities. There are daily opportunities to pray for and support their fellow students. Chapel is held weekly and off campus opportunities for ministry will be built into the school year.

POLICY AND PROCEDURES

• ETHICS IN EDUCATION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

  GUIDELINES FOR POINCIANA CHRISTIAN PREPARATORY SCHOOL IEP WORKERS

  Policy Statement

  In order to provide as safe and secure environment as possible for our school participants and to minimize the school’s and workers’ vulnerability to unwarranted accusation, the following procedures have been adopted by Poinciana Christian Preparatory School IEP.

  Volunteer Workers Screening Procedure

  1. Prior to consideration for a position, any candidate who may be volunteering with children will complete and return an initial “Volunteer Application”.
  2. The principal or will carefully review the “Volunteer Application” to make certain the worker is appropriate for the position, based on the information provided.
  3. Any information indicating a candidate poses a threat to others or has any prior history of physical or sexual abuse will result in the immediate removal of the candidate from consideration for a position with Poinciana Christian Preparatory School IEP.
  4. Workers are to be parents/guardians of children enrolled in our school.

  Employee Screening Procedures

  1. Employees applications will be reviewed for compatibility with Poinciana Christian Preparatory School IEP and positions available.
  2. A statewide sexual offender background check and/or a national criminal/sexual offender background check will be performed through a law enforcement agency or other screening organization on all employees of this organization.
  3. Any information indicating a candidate poses a threat to others or has any prior history of physical or sexual abuse will result in the immediate removal of the candidate from consideration.

  Work Restrictions

  1. Never touch a person’s private area, except when necessary (as in the case of injury).
  2. Workers should avoid any appearance of impropriety. This includes such things such as sitting older children on their lap, kissing, or improperly embracing, etc.
  3. Workers are to release children in their care only to parents, guardians, or persons specifically authorized to pick up the person.

  Discipline

  1. Workers are never to spank, hit, shake, or otherwise physically discipline anyone.
  2. Disciplinary problems should be reported to a parent or guardian.
  3. If disciplinary situations are not satisfactory resolved, the principal shall report to the Board of Education.

  Injuries or Illness

  1. Persons who are ill (with a fever or having a communicable disease) will not be permitted to attend school.
  2. A suitable substitute (approved by the Board of Education) must be used to take the place of workers who are ill.
  3. Reasonable steps should be taken to avoid contact with body fluids of any kind.
  4. Persons who have received an injury should be given first aid as needed at the time of the injury. The person’s parent or guardian should be notified of the injury when they pick up the injured person.
  5. Any injury which may require medical attention should be given immediate attention. The parent or guardian of the injured person should be immediately notified. 911 should also be called if warranted by the injury.
  6. The teacher should prepare a written incident/notice for any major injury. The incident report should be kept on file.

  Notice of Abuse, Neglect or Molestation

  1. Workers aware of any actual or suspected cases of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect have a duty to report these cases to the proper authorities.
  2. Allegations of abuse or sexual molestation against any employee or volunteer are to be reported to the principal.
  3. Any allegation of sexual abuse or molestation will be taken seriously and investigated.
  4. These allegations will be reported to the Board of Education and the proper authorities as required by Florida law.
  5. Any employee who is the subject of an investigation by the proper authorities will be removed from their position, with pay, pending completion of the investigation.
  6. Any person who is found guilty of sexual abuse or molestation will be removed from any work with children within the organization.

  Responding to Law Enforcement

  1. All ministry leaders and employees will cooperate fully with any law enforcement or governmental agency that may be investigating allegations of injury, abuse, or molestation.
  2. The organization will promptly notify the school’s liability insurance carrier of any allegations of sexual misconduct or abuse for advice and guidance as soon as possible.
  3. A single organizational leader will be designated as spokesman following notice of any abuse or molestation in connection with activities of the school.

  Revision of Policy/Procedures

  This policy will be regularly reviewed by the Board of Education and can by modified in accordance with the bylaws of the organization. Any such modifications should be conveyed to all persons affected by the modification.

  A Needs Assessment Checklist

  The following checklists are items our school is doing to prevent sexual abuse.

  • We currently screen all employees who work with youth and children.
  • We currently require all volunteers who work with youth and children to fill out a “Volunteer Application”.
  • We do a background check on all paid employees working with children or youth.
  • We take all our policies to prevent sexual abuse seriously and see that they are enforced.
  • Our workers understand Florida state law regarding child abuse reporting requirement.
  • We have clearly defined reporting procedures for a suspected incident of abuse.
  • We have a specific response procedure to use if an allegation or sexual abuse is made at our academy.
  • We have sexual abuse liability coverage if a claim should occur

   

  Poinciana Christian Preparatory School IEP Code of Ethics Policy & Procedures for Reporting Misconduct

  (Adapted from the Code of Ethics of the Education Profession in Florida and Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida)

  1. Our school values the worth and dignity of every person, the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, acquisition of knowledge, and the nurture of democratic citizenship. Essential to the achievement of these standards are the freedom to learn and to teach and the guarantee of equal opportunity for all.
  2. Our primary concern is the student and the development of the student’s potential. Employees will therefore strive for professional growth and will seek to exercise the best professional judgment and integrity.
  3. Concern for the student requires that our instructional personnel:
  4. Shall make reasonable effort to protect the student from conditions harmful to learning and/or to the student’s mental and/or physical health and/or safety.
  5. Shall not unreasonably restrain a student from independent action in pursuit of learning.
  6. Shall not unreasonably deny a student access to diverse points of view.
  7. Shall not intentionally suppress or distort subject matter relevant to a student’s academic program.
  8. Shall not intentionally expose a student to unnecessary embarrassment or disparagement.
  9. Shall not intentionally violate or deny a student’s legal rights.
  10. Shall not harass or discriminate against any student on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, handicapping condition, sexual orientation, or social and family background and shall make reasonable effort to assure that each student is protected from harassment or discrimination.
  11. Shall not exploit a relationship with a student for personal gain or advantage.
  12. Shall keep in confidence personally identifiable information obtained in the course of professional service, unless disclosure serves professional purposes or is required by law.
  13. Aware of the importance of maintaining the respect and confidence of colleagues, of students, of parents, and of the community, employees of our school must display the highest degree of ethical conduct. This commitment requires that our employees:
  14. Shall maintain honesty in all professional dealings.
  15. Shall not on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, handicapping condition if otherwise qualified, or social and family background deny to a colleague professional benefits or advantages or participation in any professional organization.
  16. Shall not interfere with a colleague’s exercise of political or civil rights and responsibilities.
  17. Shall not engage in harassment or discriminatory conduct which unreasonably interferes with an individual’s performance of professional or work responsibilities or with the orderly processes of education or which creates a hostile, intimidating, abusive, offensive, or oppressive environment; and, further, shall make reasonable effort to assure that each individual is protected from such harassment or discrimination.
  18. Shall not make malicious or intentionally false statements about a colleague.

  Training Requirement All instructional personnel, educational support employees, and administrators are required as a condition of employment to complete training on these standards of ethical conduct.

  Reporting Misconduct by Instructional Personnel and Administrators All employees, educational support employees, and administrators have an obligation to report misconduct by instructional personnel and school administrators, which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student. Examples of misconduct include obscene language, drug and alcohol use, disparaging comments, prejudice or bigotry, sexual innuendo, cheating or testing violations, physical aggression, and accepting or offering favors. Reports of misconduct of employees should be made to Brendaliz Rivera at brivera@christianprepschools.com or (407) 435-0436. Reports of misconduct committed by administrators should be made to Benjamin Schenk at bschenk@christianprepschools.com or (662) 668-7802.

  Legally sufficient allegations of misconduct by Florida certified educators will be reported to the Office of Professional Practices Services. Policies and procedures for reporting misconduct by instructional personnel or school administrators which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student are posted in the front office, break room, and on our Web site at https://poincianachristianprep.com/about-us/

  Reporting Child Abuse, Abandonment or Neglect All employees and agents have an affirmative duty to report all actual or suspected cases of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Call 1-800-96-ABUSE or report online at: http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/report/.

  Signs of Physical Abuse The child may have unexplained bruises, welts, cuts, or other injuries; broken bones; or burns. A child experiencing physical abuse may seem withdrawn or depressed, seem afraid to go home or may run away, shy away from physical contact, be aggressive, or wear inappropriate clothing to hide injuries.

  Signs of Sexual Abuse The child may have torn, stained or bloody underwear, trouble walking or sitting, pain or itching in genital area, or a sexually transmitted disease. A child experiencing sexual abuse may have unusual knowledge of sex or act seductively, fear a particular person, seem withdrawn or depressed, gain or lose weight suddenly, shy away from physical contact, or run away from home.

  Signs of Neglect The child may have unattended medical needs, little or no supervision at home, poor hygiene, or appear underweight. A child experiencing neglect may be frequently tired or hungry, steal food, or appear overly needy for adult attention.

  Patterns of Abuse: Serious abuse usually involves a combination of factors. While a single sign may not be significant, a pattern of physical or behavioral signs is a serious indicator and should be reported.

  Liability Protections Any person, official, or institution participating in good faith in any act authorized or required by law, or reporting in good faith any instance of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect to the department or any law enforcement agency, shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability which might otherwise result by reason of such action. (F.S. 39.203)

• An employer who discloses information about a former or current employee to a prospective employer of the former or current employee upon request of the prospective employer or of the former or current employee is immune from civil liability for such disclosure or its consequences unless it is shown by clear and convincing evidence that the information disclosed by the former or current employer was knowingly false or violated any civil right of the former or current employee protected under F.S. Chapter 760. (F.S. 768.095)

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Poinciana Christian Preparatory School Programs and Services

• Speech
• Individual Educational Therapy
• Group Education Therapy
• Individual Tutoring
• Group Tutoring
• Learning Buddies
• Transportation
• After School Program
• Summer School
• Athletics
• Computers
• Art
• Physical Education
• Music
• Coding
• Foreign Languages
• Gifted
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Deaf or Hard of Hearing
• Developmentally Delayed
• Dual-Sensory Impaired
• Emotional/ Behavioral Disability
• Established Conditions
• Intellectual Disability
• Language Impaired
• Occupational Therapy
• Orthopedically Impaired
• Other Health Impaired
• Physical Therapy
• Specific Learning Disability
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Visually Impaired

OUR PARTNERS

Poinciana Christian Preparatory School Programs and Services

• Speech
• Individual Educational Therapy
• Group Education Therapy
• Individual Tutoring
• Group Tutoring
• Learning Buddies
• Transportation
• After School Program
• Summer School
• Athletics
• Computers
• Art
• Physical Education
• Music
• Coding
• Foreign Languages
• Gifted
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Deaf or Hard of Hearing
• Developmentally Delayed
• Dual-Sensory Impaired
• Emotional/ Behavioral Disability
• Established Conditions
• Intellectual Disability
• Language Impaired
• Occupational Therapy
• Orthopedically Impaired
• Other Health Impaired
• Physical Therapy
• Specific Learning Disability
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Visually Impaired

STAFF QUALIFICATIONS

Qualified Teachers:

All our teachers meet the following qualification required by the Florida Department of Education.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in any subject
• Three or more years of K-12th grade teaching experience
• Special skills, knowledge, or expertise that qualifies them to provide instruction in K-12th grade subjects.

UNPAID MEAL POLICY

 

Overview

Individual Education Plan Academy’s Board of Directors and Program Director are aware that occasionally, families might forget to update their child’s lunch account.

In order that students do not go hungry, to promote parent to school accountability, to lessen the fiscal burden to the school, as well as to treat all families equitably, the school board will allow students in all grade levels the opportunity to “charge” the cost of meals to be paid back at a later date subject to the terms of this policy. School meals maybe prepaid in advance by several methods including, payment by cash, check or money order, and may be sent to the school cafeteria. Credit card payment is not accepted.

Intent

The intent of this established approach is to formally set and communicate exact, fair, and, current expectations for cashier’s and the local foods program associates’ responses relating to requests by families to charge meals provided under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).The policy also establishes procedures for methods of payment, charge availability, collection methods, alternate meals content and school to family communication. Also included are outlines to maintain the financial integrity of the programs, provide children with adequate nutrition to focus in school and minimize stigmatization for children with meal charges. The school board, sponsor director, school administration and cafeteria staff developed this meal program protocol which shall be applied to families with full paid or reduced price eligibility status.

This policy shall be included in the school-wide first day package for all existing and new students, and shall require a signed acknowledgment from the head of household. The policy is available on the school’s website, as well as, strategically posted on the communication wall in the cafeteria.

Definitions

 

Word/Terminology	Definition
Charge	A purchase that is applied to an account
Meal	Lunch, breakfast or snack
Full paid	Paying full price for a meal
Reduced price	Paying less than the full cost price of a meal. Reduced status is according to the state’s eligibility guidelines.

Reimbursable meal	Lunch, breakfast or snack containing the components that will allow the foods program to be paid for the meal under the state guidelines
Charge limit	$25.00
Alternate meal	A meal serve other than that listed on the daily menu.
Word/Terminology	Definition
Low balance	The minimum dollar amount that a family must have in the Lunch account
al-la-carte	Items that are not on the set menu
Stigmatization	Identifying students with an unpaid label

 

ThePolicy

• Students may purchase reimbursable meals (breakfast lunch or snack) on their account resulting in a negative balance of up to $20.00 if they for get their money. If the current purchase causes the negative balance to drop below $20.00, the student will not be able to charge and will be offered the alternate meal.*The Charge limit is subjected to annual adjustment to the meal prices. E.P. has committed support to the program by covering all meal charges incurred by families in the Reduced and Full paid categories

• Students who qualify for free meals will not be denied are disbursable meal even if they have accrued a negative balance on their cafeteria account.

• The alternate breakfast will not be served… All students will receive reimbursable breakfast and lunch with meal components, portion sizes and packaging .In the event that the meal is being served to students with full paid status the price is under the PLE (Paid Lunch Equity) requirements.

• Meals that are non-reimbursable shall be served under the smart snacks and non-program food requirements..

Payment under  of the charges are requested through the schools accounting department.  No  maximum charge limit is required as the school’s administration pledges to cover full paid and Communicating the Policy

The written meal charge policy will be communicated to the household by posting on Individual Education Plan Academy School website at www.christianprepschools.com; included in the student information packet distributed on the first day of school and to all transfer students during the school year, and attached to the Meal Benefits Application

Overt identification

 

• Overtidentificationofeligibilitystatusandaccountbalancewillbepreventedinthefollowingmanner: An account balance will be communicated via, email, on the monthly invoice notification as well as a private call to parents. In the event that an invoice is sent home, the invoice will be place in a white unmarked. Staff will be trained periodically to ensure that the overt policy is maintained.

Other

• Second meal will not be
• There will be no adult
• Whenthereisnegativeaccountbalancethestudentwillnotbeallowedtopurchase”a-lacarte”meal components or snacks.

For all other FNS nutrition assistance programs, state or local agencies, and their subrecipients, must post the following Nondiscrimination Statement:

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1. mail:
   U.S. Department of Agriculture
   Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
   1400 Independence Avenue, SW
   Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
2. fax:
   (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
3. email:
   Program.Intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Updated 10-2019
Individual Education Plan Academy’s Wellness Policy
Introduction
Individual Education Plan Acaemy recognizes that good nutrition and regular physical activity
affect the health and well-being of all students. Furthermore, research suggests that there is
a positive correlation between a student’s health and well-being and his/her ability to learn.
Moreover, schools can play an important role in the developmental process by which
students establish their health and nutrition habits by providing nutritious meals and snacks
through the schools’ meal programs, supporting the development of good eating habits and
promoting increased physical activity both in and out of school.
Individual Eucation Plan Academy is committed to creating school environments that
promote and protect the overall well-being of all students and staff. The guidelines listed
below encourage a comprehensive wellness approach that is sensitive to both individual
and community needs.
1. Local School Wellness Policy Leadership
District level
Individual Education Plan Academy will assemble a representative wellness committee that
will meet bi-annually to monitor and set goals for the development and implementation of its
local school wellness policy. As required by K-20 Education Code 1003.453 the policy shall
be reviewed annually and an updated copy shall be sent to the Florida Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services when a change or revision is made.
 The Lead School Lunch Administrator shall ensure overall compliance with the local
school wellness policy.
 Parents, students, representatives of the school food authority, teachers of physical
education, school health professionals, the school board, school administrators and
the public shall be permitted to participate in the development, implementation, and
periodic review and update of the local school wellness policy.
 Lead School Lunch Administrator will be responsible for:
1. The preparation of monthly menus.
2. Awareness of and compliance with National School Lunch Program (NSLP) mandates.
3. Keeping records and filing reports in connection with the school
lunch program, as required by the school and state.
4. Arranging for substitutes when food service personnel are absent.
5. The purchase of food commodities.
6. Evaluation of food service personnel.
Updated 10-2019
7. Obtaining bids from vendors for the procurement of food, equipment, and services
needed for the department and make recommendations regarding which
bids/proposals are in the overall best interest of the schools.
8. Managing the food service department in an efficient manner while following
budgetary guidelines.
9. Disseminating information to school staff, students and community agencies which
will promote increased interest in the program.
10. Supervising and training school lunch personnel, and preparing staff assignments
11. Assisting in the selection of school lunch personnel.
12. Performing all other duties prescribed by the Director of Student Services and/or
Board.
School level
Each school within Individual Education Plan Acaemy will establish an ongoing Healthy
School Team that will meet bi-annually to ensure compliance and to facilitate the
implementation of Individual Education Plan Academy’s wellness policy.
 The school principal and local school staff shall have the responsibility to comply with
federal and state regulations as they relate to Individual Education Plan Academy
wellness policy.
 In each school, the Lead School Lunch Administrator will be responsible for
establishing the Healthy School Team that will ensure compliance with the policy.
 The Healthy School Team should include, but not be limited to, the following
stakeholders: parents, students, school food service program representatives, school
administrators, school health professionals, physical education teachers and the
public.
 The Healthy School Team is responsible for:
o Ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations for competitive food
and beverage items sold on the school campus (7 CFR 210.11 and FAC 5P2.002);
o Maintaining a school calendar identifying the dates when exempted
competitive food fundraisers will occur in accordance with the frequency
specified in paragraph (c) of FAC 5P-2.002;
o And reporting its school’s compliance of the regulations to the Lead School
Lunch Administrator, the person responsible for ensuring overall compliance
with Individual Education Plan Academy wellness policy.
Updated 10-2019
Individual Education Plan Academy will review and consider evidence-based strategies and
techniques in establishing goals for nutrition promotion and education, physical activity and
other school-based activities that promote student wellness to include, at a minimum, a
review of Smarter Lunchroom tools and techniques.
2. Nutrition Promotion
Nutrition promotion can positively influence lifelong eating behaviors by creating food
environments that encourage healthy choices and encourage participation in the school
meal programs.
 At a minimum, utilize Smarter Lunchroom tools and strategies to promote and
reinforce healthy eating in the school environment, ensuring that messages are clear
and consistent.
 Increase the number of on campus locations that students can access useful
nutrition information by 10-15%.
 Increase student awareness of useful nutrition information from brochures,
worksheets, handouts and digital content by 10-15%.
 Increase the variety of opportunities that allow parents to engage in support of school
wellness initiatives by 10-15%.
 Discover effective ways to communicate school wellness messages and identify
healthy eating and active living messages that resonate with parents. Examples may
include presentations, newsletters, social media posts, and printed materials which
highlight a wellness topic of interest.
 Nutrition education messages from the classroom will be modeled in the cafeteria
and across campus by offering locally-grown food whenever possible within the
school meals programs as well as in a la carte sales, including vending machines.
3. Nutrition Education
Academic performance and quality of life issues are affected by the choice and availability of
nutritious foods in our schools. Healthy foods support student physical growth, brain
development, resistance to disease, emotional stability and ability to learn.
 Students receive nutrition education that is interactive and teaches skills they need
to adopt age-appropriate healthy eating behaviors. Classroom lectures, activities and
student participation are provided in nutrition and health classes.
 Students will understand how food reaches the table and the implications that has
for their health and future.
 The staff responsible for nutrition education will be adequately prepared and
participate regularly in professional development activities to effectively deliver an
accurate nutrition education program as planned. Preparation and professional
development activities will provide basic knowledge of nutrition combined with skill
Updated 10-2019
practice in program-specific activities and instructional techniques and strategies
designed to promote healthy eating habits.
4. Physical Activity
Individual Education Plan Academy shall ensure that physical activity is an essential
elementof each school’s instructional program. The program shall provide the opportunity
for all students to develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to participate in a
lifetime of physical activity.
 All students in grades K-5 shall receive 150 minutes per week of instructionally
relevant physical education. For middle school physical education in grades 6-8, all
students shall receive a minimum of one semester of physical education in each of
the three years. In grades 9-12, students receive a minimum of one credit of
physical education in senior high school as required.
 All elementary school students will have at least 20 minutes of daily recess. Each
school will provide space, equipment and an environment conducive to safe and
enjoyable play.
 Staff will be encouraged to participate in 60 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic
activity (e.g., brisk walking, jogging, swimming) every week.
5. Other School-Based Activities
Individual Education Plan Academy will integrate wellness activities across the entire school
setting. These initiatives will include nutrition, physical activity and other wellness
components so that all efforts work towards the same set of goals and objectives used to
promote student well-being, optimal development and strong educational outcomes.
General Guidelines
 Individual Education Plan Academy shall consider the components of the Centers for
Disease Control’s Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model in
establishing other school-based activities that promote wellness.
 The goals outlined by the wellness policy will be considered in planning all schoolbased activities (such as school events, field trips, dances and assemblies).
 Afterschool programs will encourage healthy snacking and physical activity.
 Each school within Individual Education Plan Academy shall be in compliance with
drug, alcohol and tobacco-free policies.
Eating Environment
 Students will be provided an adequate amount of time to consume their meal with a
minimum of 20 minutes after receiving their food from the line.
 Each school will provide nutritious, fresh, locally grown food that reflects Florida’s
bountiful harvest.
Updated 10-2019
 School food service will work with school departments, community partners and the
student health council to facilitate student understanding of fresh, local, sustainably
grown food.
 Convenient access to facilities for hand washing and oral hygiene will be available
during meal periods.
Recycling
 Each school shall maximize the reduction of waste by recycling, reusing, composting
and purchasing recycled products.
Employee Wellness
 Individual Education Plan Academy’s wellness committee will have a staff wellness
subcommittee that focuses on staff wellness issues, identifies and distributes
wellness resources and performs other functions that support staff wellness in
coordination with human resources staff.
 All staff will be provided with opportunities to participate in physical activities and
healthy eating programs that are accessible and free or low-cost.
Health Services
 A coordinated program of accessible health services shall be provided to students
and staff and shall include, but not be limited to, violence prevention, school safety,
communicable disease prevention, health screening, including body mass index,
community health referrals, immunizations, parenting skills and first aid/CPR
training.
Use of School Facilities Outside of School Hours
 Each school will promote the use of school facilities outside of school hours for
physical activity programs offered by community-based organizations and for the
school community’s use. Parents will be allowed to bring their children to the school
and have access to basketball courts, playgrounds and track facilities.
Behavior Management
 Individual Education Plan Academy is committed to prohibiting the use of food as a
reward, unless incorporated into an activity that promotes positive nutrition
messages (such as a guest chef or field trip to a farm).
 Teachers and other school personnel will not deny or require physical activity as a
means of punishment.
6. Guidelines for All Foods and Beverages Available During the School Day
Updated 10-2019
Individual Education Plan Academy shall operate and provide food service in accordance
with USDA’s National School Lunch Program (NSLP) standards and applicable laws and
regulations of the state of Florida. The guidelines for reimbursable school meals shall not be
less restrictive than regulations and guidance issued by USDA.
General Guidelines
 All reimbursable meals will meet nutrition standards mandated by USDA, as well as
any additional state nutrition standards that go beyond USDA requirements.
 School meals will include a variety of nutrient-dense foods, including whole grains
and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, while accommodating special dietary needs and
ethnic and cultural food preferences.
 To the maximum extent possible, all schools in Individual Education Plan Academy
will participate in available federal school meal programs, including the SBP, NSLP,
ASSP, AMP, and SFSP.
 Free, potable water will be made available to all children during each meal service.
 Individual Education Plan Academy will source 5-10% of all fresh fruits and
vegetables from local farmers when practicable.
 Schools are encouraged to offer fresh, seasonal, locally grown food at every location
on the school site where food is sold and at all school-sponsored events and
activities.
Competitive Foods
 All foods and beverages sold on the school campus to students outside of
reimbursable school meals are considered “competitive foods,” and must comply
with the nutrition standards for competitive food as defined and required in 7 CFR
210.11.
o School campus means, for the purpose of competitive food standards
implementation, all areas of the property under the jurisdiction of the school that are
accessible to students during the school day.
o School day means, for the purpose of competitive food standards implementation,
the period from the midnight before, to 30 minutes after the end of the official
school day.
 Competitive foods include items sold a la carte in the cafeteria, from vending
machines, school stores, snack bars and for in-school fundraisers.
 Unless being sold by Individual Education Plan Academy food service program, it is
impermissible for any competitive food item sold to students during the school day to
consist of ready-to-eat combination foods of meat or meat alternate and grain
products, as defined in 7 CFR 210.10 and 210.11. (FAC 5P-2.002)
 To be allowable, all competitive food items sold to students must meet general
nutrition requirements and nutrient standards.
General nutrition requirements for competitive foods:
Updated 10-2019
 Be a grain product that contains 50 percent or more whole grains by weight or have a
whole grain as the first ingredient; or
 Have as the first ingredient one of the non-grain major food groups: fruits,
vegetables, dairy or protein foods (meat, beans, poultry, seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds,
etc.); or
 Be a combination food that contains 1⁄4 cup of fruit and/or vegetable.
 If water is the first ingredient, the second ingredient must be one of the above.
Nutrient standards for competitive foods:
Nutrient Standard Snack Items and Side Dishes
(including any added accompaniments)
Entrée Items
(including any added accompaniments)
Calories 200 calories or less 350 calories or less
Sodium Limits 200 mg or less 480 mg or less
Total Fat Limits 35% or less of total calories 35% or less of total calories
Saturated fat Less than 10% of total calories Less than 10% of total calories
Trans fat 0 g of trans fat as served
(less than or equal to 0.5 g per portion)
0 g of trans fat as served
(less than or equal to 0.5 g per portion)
Sugar 35% of weight from total sugar
as served or less
35% of weight from total sugar
as served or less

Exemptions:
 Any entrée item offered as part of the breakfast or lunch program is exempt if it is
served as a competitive food on the day of service or the day after service in the
breakfast or lunch program.
 Fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables with no added ingredients, except water.
 Canned fruits with no added ingredients except water, which are packed in 100
percent juice, extra light syrup or light syrup.
 Low sodium/No salt added canned vegetables with no added fats.
 Reduced fat cheese, nuts, seeds and nut/seed butters, as well as seafood and whole
eggs with no added fat are exempt from the total fat and saturated fat standards.
*Refer to 7 CFR 210.11 competitive food service standards for additional exemptions.

Nutrition standards for beverages:
Portion sizes listed are the maximum that can be offered.
Updated 10-2019
Beverages Elementary Middle High
Plain water unlimited unlimited unlimited
Unflavored low-fat milk 8 fl. oz. 12 fl. oz. 12 fl. oz.
Unflavored or flavored fat-free milk 8 fl. oz. 12 fl. oz. 12 fl. oz.
100% fruit or vegetable juice 8 fl. oz. 12 fl. oz. 12 fl. oz.
100% fruit or vegetable juice diluted with
water but no added sweeteners 8 fl. oz. 12 fl. oz. 12 fl. oz.
Other flavored and/or carbonated
beverages that are labeled to contain 5
calories or less per 8 fl. oz., or 10
calories or less per 20 fl. oz.
Not allowed Not allowed 20 fl. oz.
Other flavored and/or carbonated
beverages that are labeled to contain 40
calorie or less per 8 fl. oz. or 60 calories
or less per 12 fl. oz.)
Not allowed Not allowed 12 fl. oz.
For elementary and middle school students: foods and beverages must be caffeine-free
except for trace amounts of naturally occurring caffeine substances. Food and beverages for
high school students may contain caffeine.
Standards for food and beverages available during the school day that are
not sold to students:

 The school will provide parents and teachers a list of ideas for healthy
celebrations/parties, rewards and fundraising activities.
Fundraising
 Fundraising efforts will be supportive of healthy eating by complying with all applicable
regulations and nutrition standards for competitive foods while also emphasizing the
sale of nonfood items.
 No fundraisers that include the sale of food items will occur until thirty (30) minutes after
the conclusion of the last designated meal service period.
 The school board is permitted to grant a special exemption from the standards for
competitive foods as specified above for the purpose of conducting infrequent schoolsponsored fundraisers, not to exceed the following maximum number of school days per
school campus each school year:
Updated 10-2019
School Type Maximum Number of School Days to
Conduct Exempted Fundraisers
Elementary Schools 5 days
Middle School/Junior High Schools 10 days
Senior High Schools 15 days
Combination Schools 10 days
 Each school’s Healthy School Team will maintain a school calendar identifying the dates
when exempted competitive food fundraisers will occur. (FAC 5P-2.002)
7. Policy for Food and Beverage Marketing
School-based marketing will be consistent with policies for nutrition education and health
promotion. As such, the following guidelines apply:
 Schools will only be allowed to market and advertise those foods and beverages that
meet or exceed USDA’s Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards.
 Marketing activities that promote healthful behaviors are encouraged. Examples may
include: vending machine covers promoting water, pricing structures that promote
healthy options in a la carte lines or vending machines, sales of fruit for fundraisers and
coupons for discounted gym memberships.
 Individual Education Plan Academy will foster a cafeteria environment that promotes
healthy eating, including the incorporation of fresh, locally grown foods into student
meals.
 Individual Education Plan Academy nutrition department’s replacement and purchasing
decisions will reflect the marketing guidelines mentioned above.
8. Evaluation and Measurement of the Implementation of the Wellness Policy
Individual Education Plan Academy wellness committee will update and make modifications
to the wellness policy based on the results of the annual review and triennial assessments
and/or as local priorities change, community needs change, wellness goals are met, new
health information and technology emerges and new federal or state guidance or standards
are issued. The wellness policy will be assessed as indicated at least every three years
following the triennial assessment.
Triennial Progress Assessments
Individual Education Plan Academy will assess the local school wellness policy to measure
wellness policy compliance at least once every three years. This assessment will measure
the implementation of the local school wellness policy, and include:
 The extent to which Individual Education Plan Academy is in compliance with the
local school wellness policy;
 The extent to which the local school wellness policy compares to model local school
wellness policies; and
Updated 10-2019
 A description of the progress made in attaining the goals of the local school wellness
policy.
9. Informing the Public
Individual Education Plan Academy will ensure that the wellness policy and most recent
triennial assessment are always available to the public. Individual Education Plan Academy
will also actively notify households on an annual basis about any updates made to the
wellness policy and the availability of the triennial assessment results, as well as provide
information to the community about the school nutrition environment.
 Individual Education Plan Academy will ensure the most updated version of the
wellness policy and triennial assessments are always available on the school
website for the public to view.
 Individual Education Plan Academy will present wellness policy updates, as
applicable, during meetings with the Parent Teacher Association/Organization,
school board, district superintendent, health and wellness committee and other
interested groups or stakeholders.
 Wellness updates will be provided to students, parents and staff, as applicable, in
the form of handouts, Individual Education Plan Academy website, articles and
each school’s newsletter, to ensure that the community is informed, and that
public input is encouraged.
 Each school will provide all parents with a complete copy of the local school
wellness policy at the beginning of the school year.

10.Community Involvement
Individual Education Plan Academy is committed to being responsive to community input,
which begins with awareness of the wellness policy. Individual Education Plan Academy will
actively communicate ways in which parents, students, representatives of the school food
authority, teachers of physical education, school health professionals, the school board,
school administrators, representatives from the local agriculture community, food and
nutrition professionals and the public can participate in the development, implementation
and annual review of the local school wellness policy through a variety of means, including:
 Individual Education Plan Academy will consider student needs in planning for a
healthy nutrition environment. Students will be asked for input and feedback using
surveys and attention will be given to their comments.
 Individual Education Plan Academy will use electronic mechanisms, such as email or
displaying notices on Individual Education Plan Academy’s website, as well as nonelectronic mechanisms, such as newsletters, presentations to parents or sending
Updated 10-2019
information home to parents, to ensure that all families are actively notified of any
updates to the wellness policy, as well as how to get involved and support the policy.
 At the final public-school board meeting of each year, the local school wellness policy
will be discussed, and all stakeholders will be asked to provide feedback on the
policy. All comments and recommendations will be reviewed and considered.
 A team of district and community representatives will be established to support the
food service director and teachers in implementing local purchasing and other farm
to school activities on an ongoing basis.
Record Keeping
Records to document compliance with the requirements of the local school wellness policy
will include, but is not limited to the following:
• The written local school wellness policy;
• Documentation demonstrating compliance with community involvement
requirements, including requirements to make the local school wellness policy and
triennial assessments available to the public as consistent with the section on
informing and updating the public; and
• Documentation of the triennial assessment of the local school wellness policy.
SYdney Kelly, RDN 10/8/20