ROCHESTER — Student health and well-being is the new District Wellness Committee’s top priority for the school year. 

Wednesday, Sept. 17, the District Wellness Committee met for the first time this year to discuss their policy and approach to wellness across the Old Rochester Regional School district which comprises Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester. 

The committee comprises members from each town’s school committee alongside faculty, staff, counselors, nurses, parents and community members.

The Wellness Committee is responsible for evaluating the state wellness policy, implementing it in schools, tracking progress toward goals and identifying action steps.

The wellness policy contains standards for nutrition provided in schools, the education around nutrition and the implementation of safe physical activity. 

Not only is the policy focused on healthy food and exercise, but also on instilling lifelong healthy habits in students. 

Kelsey Forcier, a parent from Mattapoisett, voiced her opinion on prioritizing mental health.

“It seems like the main focus is nutrition and physical [exercise], which is extremely important, but mental health, well-being and wellness is also a huge piece of that puzzle,” Forcier said. 

The committee reassured Forcier that they will focus on mental health too, assigning Forcier and Cristin Cowles, member of the Mattapoisett School Committee, to come up with solutions and present them in the next meeting. 

This year, the Wellness Committee received a grant from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and continued their partnership with Framingham State University and the John C. Stalker Institute to work with a wellness coach. 

This coach will assist in policy implementation and consulting. Dr. Shari Fedorowicz, the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, said “the coaching from the state is a big deal.”

The board has requested additional faculty, staff and student representatives, hoping more will join as the year progresses. 

The next meeting will be on Wednesday, Dec. 10.