ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Rison High School Water Policy

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Bottled Water in Classrooms Hydration is important to cognitive performance. Students who are hydrated are able to think and learn more.

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Bottled Water in Classrooms Bottled water will be allowed in classroom as long as it is plain water (no additives, sweeteners, flavorings, etc.) in a transparent (clear), colorless bottle with a screw lid. Other containers such as cups, glasses, thermoses, etc. are not permitted.

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Bottled Water in Classrooms Squeeze bottles with pop tops or popup tops will not be allowed because the noise associated with the squeeze bottle will be a distraction in the classroom. Students who violate the provisions of this policy will lose their privilege to carry water into class for the remainder of the school year.

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Policy Development According to Mr. Brian Brown, Rison High School Principal (at that time) Started researching ways to increase student achievement and came across a research article on the importance of hydration and specific data which showed a positive correlation between hydration levels and the brains ability to learn. This research article lead to the next prong of an attempt to raise student test scores. Rison High School had been successful increasing student achievement (reaching levels of proficiency 80% and above), and needed every advantage to continue to increase scores. Paired the idea of allowing students access to water during class (for achievement purposes - a hydrated brain performs best).

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Policy Development Did not add policy to the Board Policy Book. Only added policy in the Student Handbook. The policy language was developed with the handbook committee consisting of teachers, administrators, students, and parents. It was later approved by the school board.

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Policy Support Administrators were supportive of the policy. Parents were supportive of the policy and students were excited. This policy allowed students access to water in the classroom. The policy was developed prior to having an active Wellness Coordinator at the district. Support of the policy continues.

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Access to Water Water fountains are located throughout the building.

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Policy Enforcement Loss of privilege or discipline is assigned (detention hall, etc) for infractions.

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Vending Rison High School

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Vending Rison Middle School

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Staff Support of policy Faculty and staff are encouraged to model drinking water consumption…

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Staff But… don’t take the vending machine out of the teachers lounge.

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Healthy Active Arkansas SUGAR-SWEETENED BEVERAGE REDUCTION Decision-makers in the business community/private sector, nongovernmental organizations, educational institutions and at all levels of government will adopt comprehensive strategies to reduce overconsumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in worksites, public places, recreational facilities and schools.

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Healthy Active Arkansas Strategies and Action Steps Reduce consumption of SSBs in schools a. Review model beverage contract language, adapt as needed, and distribute through local and state partners b. Develop and implement district policies that prohibit the sale of SSBs c. Incorporate SSB policy implementation, as needed, into the Well ness Priority of the Arkansas Consolidated School Improvement Plan (ACSIP) to assure accountability

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Healthy Active Arkansas Strategies and Action Steps Reduce consumption of SSBs in schools d. Develop local means (in addition to state agency reviews) to perform policy compliance checks e. Develop a recognition system for achievements in SSB reduction within local school districts f. Utilize campaigns to increase consumption of water and fat-free/low-fat milk

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CDC The Water Access in Schools Tool Kit _Access_in_Schools.pdf Components— 1. A description of key steps schools can take to meet federal requirements for drinking water. 2. A School Drinking Water Needs Assessment Checklist and Planning Guide. 3. Key resources for promoting water consumption and making water more available and accessible among school settings.

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH NPLAN National Policy & Legal Analysis Network to Prevent Childhood Obesity (NPLAN) – Model Wellness Policy Language for Water Access in Schools

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Water First: Think your Drink A project of the Tweens Nutrition and Fitness Coalition of Lexington, KY