PROGRAMS & SERVICES:
SAFE & HEALTHY SCHOOLS:
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
(Updated 10/29/08)

In an effort to improve student fitness and participation in physical activity on a regular basis, the Safe and Healthy Schools team provides professional development, technical assistance and resources for schools to develop and implement a comprehensive physical activity program. School-based opportunities to be active include regular physical education provided by a licensed physical educator, recess, intramural activities, interscholastic sports, classroom-based physical activity, as well as walking and/or biking to school.

Act 161 Implementation Report for 2006
This January 15, 2006 report summarizes the status of implementation of Act 161 of the 2004 Legislature, an act promoting wellness in Vermont schools.

• Act 161 Wellness Grants for 2006-2007
  Twenty-six schools applied for the 2006-2007 School Wellness Grant program. A total of $30,000 was awarded to fund fourteen projects. Use the link above to view a list of recipients and program descriptions. For more information contact Lindsay Simpson, Physical Education Consultant.

Nutrition and Fitness Policy Guidelines (Updated 10/29/08)
This document is the result of the collaboration between the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets and the Agency of Education, and Department of Health, as required by Act 161 of the 2004 session of the Vermont Legislature. The guidelines are based on the recommendations of nationally recognized authorities, including the Surgeon General of the United States, the National Association of State Boards of Education, the American Dietetics Association and the National Association of Sports and Physical Education. In 2008, Appendix B and Appendix C of the Guidelines were revised and consolidated into one Appendix B as required by Act 203 of the 2008 session of the Vermont legislature. The changes address competitive foods sold through the food service program, through vending machines, or through any other venue in the school.

Research Linking Physical Activity and Cognition
This document summarizes and cites a number of research studies which identify connections between physical activity, cognition and academic performance in youth.

Off-site Information & Resources
As a service to its users, the agency offers links from its Web site to resources and Web sites developed by other organizations. These links are provided as a resource only. Unless specifically stated, the inclusion of such links does not imply endorsement or support of information, products or services offered by an organization other than the Vermont Agency of Education. Information contained on such linked resources should be independently verified.

• Physical Activity Resources for Classroom Teachers
  This list provides Web links to a variety of resources for classroom-based physical activity. Many of these resources are free and directly linked to academic content areas.

• Physical Activity Resources
  The attached list of resources is provided to aid educators in the development and implementation of a comprehensive school-based physical activity program. Links are provided to Vermont program examples, position statements, grants and professional associations.

• Wellness Programs and Funding Sources
  This document provides a list of school and community programs which have the potential to improve childhood wellness and available funds for schools and communities that wish to develop wellness programs.

Lindsay Simpson, Physical Education Consultant
(802) 828-1461 (P)
(802) 828-0573 (F)
lindsay.simpson@state.vt.us

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