The Haverford Township School District board on Thursday heard its annual school wellness presentation required under USDA and Pennsylvania Department of Education guidance, with staff outlining nutrition, physical activity and mental‑health screening work across elementary, middle and high schools.
The presentation said the district completed its triennial assessment and made policy updates. Staff reported that the MySabre social‑emotional screener was administered in grades 3, 6 and 9 this year and that it identified 20 students districtwide as high risk; seven of those students participated in targeted interventions after receiving parental consent. District staff said school counselors provide elementary‑level interventions and Lakeside Neurological Support staff deliver interventions at the middle and high school levels.
The update outlined classroom and cafeteria initiatives the wellness committee has supported, including a discovery kitchen at elementary schools, a "mood boost" cafeteria signage program and student choice tasting events at the middle and high school. Staff also noted coordination with food services on curriculum connections and hands‑on demos, and described supports such as PBIS, advisory periods, a virtual calming room and an online mental‑health resource guide.
Board members heard that school nurses will implement the Pennsylvania Department of Health's Type 1 diabetes fact sheet requirement next school year and that new state legislation about tick removal requires nurses to preserve a removed tick if families choose testing. Staff said district nurses will attend training and a tour at the Delaware County Health Department on May 23.
Board members asked about follow up for students identified as high risk who did not participate in outside interventions; staff responded that school counselors are aware of those students and provide additional support as available. The presentation concluded with a short student video and a recommendation to continue student representation on the wellness committee.
The wellness update was presented for information; no board vote was taken Thursday.