The District Wellness Committee for the Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55 was recognized for achieving Massachusetts School Wellness Champion status during the Healthy Kids, Healthy Programs Summit held on Friday, May 23. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
MATTAPOISETT — Superintendent Michael S. Nelson is pleased to share that Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55 were recognized for achieving Massachusetts School Wellness Champion status for meeting the requirements of the School Wellness Initiative for Thriving Community Health (SWITCH).
The SWITCH program is a statewide initiative for supporting and advancing wellness efforts for Massachusetts students, schools and communities. The program promotes healthy school meals, physical activity for students, quality physical education, and better health outcomes for students.
The SWITCH program is sponsored by the Massachusetts School Wellness Coalition, a group of dedicated stakeholders that includes the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Office for Food and Nutrition, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Massachusetts Parent Teacher Association (PTA), and the School Nutrition Association of Massachusetts, along with other agencies, institutes and nonprofits.
Represented by Director of School Food and Nutrition Jill Henesey, the Districts were recognized on May 23 at the Healthy Kids, Healthy Programs Summit for updating and maintaining a local wellness policy. The event featured a keynote speech delivered by state Rep. Andy Vargas, who represents the 3rd Essex District.
Henesey and District Nurse Coordinator Nicole Reedy, who is a school nurse at Old Rochester Regional High School, worked together this year with a DESE school wellness specialist and a school wellness coach to update the districts’ policy in accordance with the state program for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Old Rochester Regional School District and Massachusetts Superintendency Union #55 Wellness Program Policy was approved by the Joint School Committee on May 8. Click here for the District Wellness Program Policy.
The District Wellness Committee is now working to install volunteers to serve on the committee. The committee holds four daytime meetings per year. The District Wellness Committee may be composed of parents, high school students, members of school committees, school administrators, teachers, health professionals, physical education teachers and members of the public.
“There will be representation from each building and each town, school committee,
community members and parents/guardians,” said Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Dr. Jaime Curley, who has participated in the committee’s meetings this year. “We have solicited volunteers for the committee, and we are now in the final stages of confirming members and meeting dates for the 2025-26 school year. Together, we are committed to providing school environments that promote and protect student’s health, well-being and ability to learn by supporting lifelong habits of healthy eating and physical activity.”
Superintendent Michael S. Nelson commended Director of School Food and Nutrition Jill Henesey, District Nurse Coordinator Nicole Reedy, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Dr. Jaime Curley and others who helped update the local wellness policy. Superintendent Nelson thanked them for putting the District Wellness Committee on a sustainable path, as it provides a healthy framework for the districtwide practices related to health and wellness.
“I am incredibly proud of all the hard work that has been done to achieve recognition as a Massachusetts School Wellness Champion,” said Superintendent Nelson. “This achievement underscores our dedication to fostering a community where everyone can thrive both academically and personally. I’d like to thank Director of School Food and Nutrition Henesey, District Nurse Coordinator Reedy and Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Dr. Curley for all their hard work to put us on the right path for health and wellness within the district. We look forward to continuing our commitment to promoting a healthy and supportive environment, creating a positive impact and enhancing the wellbeing of our students.”
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