District Wellness Committee Proposes Policy Updates, Seeks Community Input

Ardsley’s District Wellness Committee is seeking feedback from families, staff, students, and community members on proposed changes to its current Wellness Policy, which would broaden the district’s approach to student and staff well-being. A 10-question survey is open through May 15, 2025.

The proposed revisions to Policy 5661 would expand beyond existing guidelines for nutrition and physical activity to include social, emotional and mental well-being, student voice and wellness literacy, a broader definition of wellness, staff and community well-being, responsible technology use, outdoor activity and more inclusive food choices. The committee—led by Assistant Superintendents Jennifer Bradshaw and Cheri Rosenblatt—includes students, parents, educators, administrators, health professionals and Board of Education trustee Dr. Vikas Agrawal.

Meeting four times this school year, the committee focused on key areas: nutrition awareness, school-based wellness initiatives, movement in classrooms and policy review. “I’m excited about the reinvigoration of this important committee with so many members of the student, staff, parent and health and wellness community! I’m particularly excited about the potential to expand our Wellness Policy to include social-emotional well-being and additional staff training,” said Jennifer Bradshaw, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction.

To promote daily movement and well-being throughout the school day, CRS PE teacher Scott Miele led work on integrating physical activity and brain breaks into classroom routines.

Wellness Week programming was held across all school buildings, highlighting healthy eating, mental health and digital well-being. School nutrition services supported the effort by promoting and offering plant-based options in our cafeterias like Veggabōls, crudité and smoothies. The initiative was coordinated by staff across departments, including social worker Monique Johnson, technology director Sabrina Rich, and assistant principal Jennifer Goldenberg, with generous funding support for each school’s programming from the PTSA.

The Wellness Policy Subcommittee plans to present final revisions to the Board of Education following community input. Proposed changes also aim to increase student voice and expand committee representation to include more counselors, mental health and technology/media specialists and other community members.

“This committee hit the ground running and is ready to expand next year. We are hoping to get broad feedback on our proposed Wellness Policy changes this month so we can present a whole-community vision to our Board of Education,” Bradshaw said.

To participate, visit BoardDocs to review the current Wellness Policy 5661 and complete the survey by May 15.