Admission and Enrollment Policy
With respect to admission and enrollment, Evolution Academy Charter School prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex; national origin; ethnicity; religion; disability; academic, artistic, or athletic ability; or the district the child would otherwise attend in accordance with TEC § 12.111(a)(5). However, Evolution Academy Charter School may exclude a student who has a documented history of a criminal offense, a juvenile court adjudication, or discipline problems under Subchapter A, Chapter 37 of the Texas Education Code, as authorized by TEC § 12.111(a)(5)(A).
All prospective students are required to complete our basic Application for Admission form. If more applications are received than there are seats available in a particular grade or class, the school will conduct an admissions lottery. Applicant names will be drawn and placed onto a waiting list based on the order of their draw for each class or grade subject to the lottery. Once the lottery has placed all eligible applicants in order on the admission list or waiting list, and all available seats have been filled, all subsequent applicants will be placed on the waiting list on a first-come, first-served basis.
Parents of each applicant will be notified of their position on the admission list and/or waiting list. Parents must provide a phone number, email address, or alternate contact method so that information about admission offers may be communicated by the school. Students offered admission will be informed of an orientation session at which enrollment paperwork will be provided.
Upon invitation, all prospective students offered admission are required to attend a pre-scheduled orientation session (generally lasting two hours); during this session, parents and students will be required to complete the school’s enrollment packet. Students are required to be present with a parent or guardian for the entire orientation. Adult students who are 18 years of age or older may attend without a parent or guardian. Late arrival, early leaving, or non-attendance will result in the applicant being placed back in the lottery.
Questions regarding the application process, the enrollment process, or upcoming orientations should be directed to the scheduling office at each campus: Beaumont (409) 239-5553, Houston (281) 907-6440 or Richardson (972) 907-3755.
Bullying Policy
Evolution Academy strives to provide a safe, positive learning climate for students in the school. Therefore, it shall be the policy of the school to maintain an educational environment in which bullying and cyber bullying in any form are not tolerated. All forms of bullying and cyber bullying by school students are hereby prohibited. Anyone who engages in bullying or cyber bullying in violation of this Policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action which may include suspension, expulsion or notification to the appropriate authorities. Complaints of bullying or cyber bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be taken when a complaint is verified. Neither reprisals nor retaliation shall occur as a result of the submission of a complaint.
Bullying shall mean unwelcome verbal, written or physical conduct directed at a student by another student that has the effect of:
- Physically, emotionally or mentally harming a student;
- Damaging, extorting or taking a student’s personal property;
- Placing a student in reasonable fear of physical, emotional or mental harm;
- Placing a student in reasonable fear of damage to or loss of personal property; or
- Creating an intimidating or hostile environment that substantially interferes with a student’s educational opportunities.
All forms of bullying are unacceptable and, to the extent that such actions are disruptive of the educational process of the School, offenders shall be subject to appropriate staff intervention, which may result in administrative discipline.
If you have concerns that your student may be a victim of bullying, please report it to your campus administrator immediately. Bullying Reporting Forms in English and Spanish can be accessed below.
Website Incident Report Form
Website Incident Report Form (Spanish)
Child Nutrition Policy
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
email:
Program.Intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Harassment Policy
Harassment of any type has no place in the school setting. The school will endeavor to maintain a learning and working environment that is free of harassment. Evolution Academy Charter School expects administrators and supervisors to make it clear to students and staff that harassment in the school building, on school grounds, or at school-sponsored functions will not be tolerated and will be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion of students and termination of employment for employees. Harassment may include but is not limited to sexual harassment, racial harassment or harassment because of a physical condition or disability. It may also include but is not limited to hostile, demeaning or intimidating behavior or conversation.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Evolution Academy Charter School does not discriminate on the basis of sex, disability, race, religion, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, and/or national origin in educational programs or activities, which it operates, and it is required by Title IX, Section 504, and Title VI, not to discriminate in such a manner. This policy not to discriminate extends to employment and admission to such programs and activities.
Evolution Academy Charter School offers career and technology education programs in Health Science, Business Management and Administration and Human Services. Admission to these programs is based on interest and aptitude, age appropriateness and class space availability.
It is the policy of Evolution Academy Charter School not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap or age in its vocational programs, services or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Evolution Academy Charter School will take steps to ensure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs.
For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX and 504 Coordinator at 1101 South Sherman Street Richardson, TX 75081, (972) 907-3755.
Sexual Harassment Policy
Sexual harassment is a violation of policy for any student or member of the Evolution Academy Charter School staff to harass another student or staff member through conduct or communications of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sex-oriented verbal “kidding,” repeated remarks to a person with sexual or demeaning implications, unwelcome touching, patting, pinching, or repeated brushing against another’s body. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, which violates Section 703 of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It is the policy of the school to maintain a learning and working environment that is free from sexual harassment. Evolution Academy Charter School prohibits any form of sexual harassment. Evolution Academy Charter School will act to investigate all complaints and discipline any student or employee of the school accordingly.
Wellness Policy
Wellness Policy Assessment Tool Triennial
Policy Purpose:
Evolution Academy is committed to providing an environment that enhances learning, the development of life-long wellness practices and wellness initiatives for students. EVOLUTION ACADEMY will follow nutrition guidelines that advance student health and reduce childhood obesity. The general wellness of all students shall be promoted through nutrition education, physical activity, and other school-based activities.
Policy Intent: EVOLUTION ACADEMY’s Wellness Committee, consisting of employees, parents, and students, will develop nutrition guidelines and wellness goals for EVOLUTION ACADEMY’s students. The Wellness Committee will develop a Wellness Plan that establishes wellness goals and objectives and provides action steps and methods for measuring implementation of each goal.
Wellness Committee
The Chief Executive Officer or designee will be responsible for implementing the school wellness policy and reporting on its status to the Board.
The Wellness Committee, on behalf of EVOLUTION ACADEMY, shall review and consider evidence-based strategies and techniques and shall develop nutrition guidelines and wellness goals as required by law. In the development, implementation, and review of these guidelines and goals, the Wellness Committee shall be comprised of at least five people from the following stakeholder groups: parents, teachers, school health professionals, members of the Board, and school administrators. A Student Wellness Council will also be formed to provide input for the wellness plan. The Wellness Committee may also gather input from other interested parents, staff, and members of the public.
Nutrition Promotion
Federal law requires that Evolution Academy establish goals for nutrition promotion in its wellness policy. Evolution Academy’s nutrition promotion activities will encourage participation in the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, and any supplemental food and nutrition programs offered by Evolution Academy.
Evolution Academy will ensure that any food and beverage advertisements marketed to students during the school day meet the Smart Snacks standards.
The WELLNESS COMMITTEE will monitor this by:
- Conducting regular reviews of advertisements displayed within school premises to ensure compliance with Smart Snacks standards.
- Surveying staff and students to gather feedback on the types of food and beverage advertisements encountered during the school day, ensuring they align with the nutritional guidelines.
GOAL 1: Evolution Academy’s food service staff, teachers, and other District personnel shall consistently promote healthy nutrition messages in cafeterias, classrooms, and other appropriate settings.
Objective 1:
Action Steps:
- Develop and distribute nutrition education materials (posters, brochures, etc.) in cafeterias, classrooms, and hallways.
- Provide staff training on healthy nutrition practices and how to effectively communicate these messages to students.
- Host community health fairs
- Integrate nutrition education into lesson plans across all grade levels.
- Food Service Staff
- Teachers
- Parents/ Community Members
- School Administrators
- Nutrition education materials (printed and digital)
- Training sessions for staff
- Event planning materials (e.g., posters, banners, etc.)
- Collaboration with local health agencies
- Increased awareness among students about healthy nutrition choices.
- Positive feedback from students and staff on nutrition events and educational materials.
- Documentation of staff training participation and ongoing use of healthy messaging.
Objective 2:
Action Steps:
- Integrate discussions of nutrition into school assemblies or special events
- Create opportunities for students to participate in hands-on nutrition learning.
- Utilize digital platforms (school websites, social media) to share healthy tips with students and families.
- Teachers
- School Counselors
- Parents and Families
- Community Members
- Guest speakers, chefs, or nutritionists
- Access to kitchen spaces for hands-on learning
- School website/social media for sharing information
- Number of students participating in nutrition-related activities.
- Increased engagement on social media platforms or school newsletters.
- Student and parent surveys measuring awareness and application of nutrition knowledge.
GOAL 2: Evolution Academy shall share educational nutrition information with families and the general public to promote healthy nutrition choices and positively influence the health of students.
Objective 1:
Action Steps:
- Send information to families with nutrition tips and updates on school nutrition programs.
- Utilize the school website and social media channels to distribute nutrition information to a wider audience.
- Parents
- Food Service Staff
- Community Partners
- Marketing Material
- Social media and website platforms for communication
- High participation rate in family nutrition events.
- Increased parent engagement in school nutrition programs.
- Tracking the number website and social media page visits.
Objective 2:
Action Steps:
- Create and distribute a community-wide campaign to promote healthy eating.
- Collaborate with local grocery stores or food pantries to offer healthy food discounts or promotions for families.
- Community Organizations
- Local Businesses (grocery stores, food pantries)
- School District Leadership
- Parents
- Marketing and design resources for campaign materials
- Partnerships with local businesses
- Survey tools and analysis
- Increased public awareness of healthy nutrition choices.
- Number of partnerships with local businesses promoting healthy food options.
- Positive shifts in survey data reflecting improved nutrition knowledge.
GOAL 3: Evolution Academy shall ensure that food and beverage advertisements accessible to students outside of school hours on District property contain only products that meet the federal guidelines for competitive foods.
Objective 1:
Action Steps:
- Conduct a review of all food and beverage advertisements placed on the school’s property to ensure they meet federal competitive food guidelines.
- Implement a regular monitoring system to check for compliance with TDA standards.
- School District Leadership
- Wellness Committee
- Guidelines for TDA regulations
- Monitoring tools or schedules for checking advertisements
- Documentation of ongoing monitoring and compliance checks.
- Positive feedback from parents and students regarding the quality of advertised products.
Objective 2:
Action Steps:
- Educate vendors and local businesses about Evolution Academy’s nutrition standards for advertising.
- Create a feedback mechanism for students, staff, and families to report non-compliant advertisements.
- School District Leadership
- Wellness Committee
- Local Businesses and Advertisers
- Students and Parents
- Written policy for advertising standards
- Outreach materials for educating vendors
- Survey or reporting tools for feedback
- Policy adoption and implementation across Evolution Academy.
- Reduction in the number of non-compliant advertisements over time.
The Wellness Committee shall develop a wellness plan to implement EVOLUTION ACADEMY’s nutrition guidelines and wellness goals.
The wellness plan shall, at a minimum, address:
- Strategies for soliciting involvement by and input from persons interested in the wellness plan and policy;
- Objectives, benchmarks, and activities for implementing the wellness goals;
- Methods for measuring implementation of the wellness goals; and
- The manner of communicating to the public applicable information about EVOLUTION ACADEMY’s wellness policy and plan.
Nutrition Guidelines
EVOLUTION ACADEMY shall ensure that nutrition guidelines for reimbursable school meals and all other foods and beverages sold, otherwise made available, or marketed to students during the school day shall be designed to promote student health and reduce childhood obesity and shall be at least as restrictive as federal regulations and guidance, except when EVOLUTION ACADEMY allows an exemption for fundraising activities as authorized by state and federal rules.
EVOLUTION ACADEMY will implement a coordinated school health program with a nutrition education component. EVOLUTION ACADEMY’s nutrition promotion activities shall encourage participation in the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, and any other supplemental food and nutrition programs offered by Evolution Academy. EVOLUTION ACADEMY establishes the following goals for nutrition promotion:
- EVOLUTION ACADEMY’s food service staff, teachers, and other EVOLUTION ACADEMY personnel shall consistently promote healthy nutrition messages in cafeterias, classrooms, and other appropriate settings.
- EVOLUTION ACADEMY shall share education nutrition information with families and the general public to promote healthy nutrition choices and positively influence the health of students.
- EVOLUTION ACADEMY shall ensure that food and beverage advertisements accessible to students during the school day contain only products that meet the federal guidelines for meals and competitive foods.
GOAL 1: Evolution Academy shall deliver nutrition education that fosters the adoption and maintenance of healthy eating behaviors.
Objective 1:
Action Steps:
- Develop age-appropriate nutrition curriculum materials that focus on balanced diets, portion control, and the benefits of healthy eating.
- Implement interactive classroom activities, such as cooking demonstrations, food tastings, and nutrition games, to engage students in learning about healthy eating.
- Teachers
- School Counselors
- Parents
- Community health organizations
- Curriculum guides and lesson plans
- Cooking or demonstration supplies
- Guest speakers or nutrition experts
- Event planning materials
- Increased knowledge of healthy eating behaviors among students, as evidenced by pre- and post-program assessments.
- Student participation in nutrition-related events and activities.
Objective 2:
Action Steps:
- Host workshops for students and parents on how to make healthy food choices at home and in their communities.
- Integrate discussions of food sources, sustainable agriculture, and cultural influences on nutrition into the curriculum.
- Teachers
- Parents
- Local food producers
- Workshop materials
- Local food sourcing partners
- Positive feedback from parents on the impact of nutrition workshops at home.
- Increased awareness of sustainable food practices and cultural diversity in nutrition education.
GOAL 2: Evolution Academy shall make nutrition education a District-wide priority and shall integrate nutrition education into other areas of the curriculum, as appropriate.
Objective 1:
Action Steps:
- Integrate nutrition education into core subject areas.
- Provide teachers with resources and support to incorporate nutrition topics into their daily lessons.
- Encourage cross-curricular projects that combine nutrition education with other subjects, such as creating a nutrition-themed science project or writing a persuasive essay about healthy eating.
- Teachers (across all subjects)
- School Administration
- Curriculum Coordinators
- Curriculum guides and interdisciplinary resources
- Teacher professional development on integrating nutrition topics
- Project materials for cross-curricular work
- Evidence of nutrition-related content in non-health subjects (through lesson plans and student work).
- Teacher feedback and satisfaction with resources for integrating nutrition education.
- Student projects that demonstrate an understanding of nutrition in various contexts.
Objective 2:
Action Steps:
- Create a District-wide nutrition education calendar with activities and key learning goals for each grade level.
- Develop partnerships with local businesses or organizations to sponsor nutrition education initiatives, such as “Nutrition Day”.
- School Leadership
- Teachers and Students
- Local businesses
- Parent and community volunteers
- Calendar or planning tool for District-wide events
- Partnership agreements with local organizations
- Materials for student-led campaigns (posters, social media resources)
- Successful execution of District-wide nutrition events.
- Strong partnerships with local businesses and organizations to support nutrition education.
- Increased student involvement in nutrition advocacy campaigns and community activities.
GOAL 3: Evolution Academy shall provide professional development so that teachers and other staff responsible for the nutrition education program are adequately prepared to effectively deliver the program.
Objective 1:
Action Steps:
- Organize professional development sessions for teachers on current nutrition science, effective teaching strategies for nutrition education, and student engagement.
- Provide ongoing support and training opportunities for new staff joining Evolution Academy.
- Offer access to nutrition-focused online courses, workshops, or certifications for teachers and staff.
- School Administrators
- Professional Development Coordinators
- Teachers
- Nutritionists or dietitians
- Training materials and nutrition resources
- Funding for professional development opportunities
- Online course subscriptions or certifications
- Increased number of teachers participating in professional development related to nutrition.
- Teachers’ reported confidence in teaching nutrition topics effectively.
- Evaluation of post-training assessments showing improved knowledge and skills.
Objective 2:
Action Steps:
- Develop a system for teachers to share best practices and successful strategies for teaching nutrition.
- Offer incentives or recognition for teachers who excel in promoting nutrition education in their classrooms.
- Teachers
- Professional Development Coordinators
- School Administrators
- Incentive programs (e.g., awards, recognition)
- Time allocated for teacher collaboration
- Evidence of collaboration among teachers sharing nutrition education strategies.
- Recognition of teachers for innovative and effective nutrition education practices.
- EVOLUTION ACADEMY shall deliver nutrition education that fosters the adoption and maintenance of healthy eating behaviors.
- EVOLUTION ACADEMY shall make nutrition education a priority and shall integrate nutrition education into other areas of the curriculum, as appropriate.
- EVOLUTION ACADEMY shall provide professional development so that teachers and other staff responsible for the nutrition education program are adequately prepared to effectively deliver the program.
Physical Activity EVOLUTION ACADEMY will implement a coordinated health program with physical education and physical activity components and shall offer at least the required amount of physical activity for all grades. EVOLUTION ACADEMY establishes the following goals for physical activity:
GOAL 1: Evolution Academy shall promote and support opportunities for high school students to engage in physical activity throughout the school day and beyond.
Objective 1:
Action Steps:
- Create a “fitness first” initiative, where students participate in a 10-15 minute physical activity
- Develop a partnership with local fitness centers or community sports leagues to offer discounted memberships for students.
- Physical Education Department
- Local Fitness Centers
- Student Organizations
- Space for after-school programs
- Community partnerships for fitness discounts
- Activity guides for fitness breaks
- Increased student participation in after-school physical activities.
- Student feedback on how they benefit from physical breaks during the school day.
- Growth in student fitness center memberships or participation in community sports.
Objective 2:
Action Steps:
- Organize “Step It Up” challenges, where students track their daily steps and participate in school-wide walking.
- Implement a "school-wide fitness day" where students participate in outdoor activities or fitness challenges during a special event day.
- Student Government
- Physical Education Teachers
- Pedestrian-friendly maps or bike routes for students
- Tracking tools (apps or pedometers) for step challenges
- Event planning resources for fitness day
- High participation rates in walking/biking challenges.
- Increased use of alternative transportation (walking, biking) to school.
- Successful school-wide event with widespread student involvement.
GOAL 2: Evolution Academy shall integrate physical activity into academic classes where possible, promoting movement as part of the learning process.
Objective 1:
Action Steps:
- Encourage teachers to include movement-based activities in their lessons (e.g., debates while walking, math problems solved during a walk around the track, role-playing exercises for history or science).
- Provide professional development for teachers on how to integrate physical activity with academic subjects to increase engagement and learning retention.
- Promote "active breaks" within the classroom where students can engage in quick physical movements such as stretching or standing up during lectures.
- Teachers
- Professional Development Coordinators
- School Administrators
- Guides on integrating movement into the curriculum
- Materials for classroom activities that involve physical movement
- Professional development resources on active learning
- Increased use of movement-based activities across academic subjects.
- Teacher feedback on how physical activity impacts classroom engagement.
- Student reports of feeling more focused and energized during lessons.
Objective 2:
Action Steps:
- Develop a variety of extracurricular fitness clubs (e.g., running clubs, hiking groups, ultimate frisbee teams, rock climbing clubs) that are open to students with diverse interests and fitness levels.
- Offer fitness-based school events such as dance-offs, obstacle course challenges, or field day competitions for students to participate in and attend.
- Work with local community organizations to provide students with access to physical activity programs, such as group fitness classes, sports teams, and recreational leagues.
- Extracurricular Activity Coordinators
- Local Sports and Recreation Agencies
- Community Centers
- Space for extracurricular clubs and events
- Community partnerships for offering off-campus physical activities
- Promotional materials for student fitness programs
- Increased participation in extracurricular fitness programs.
- Positive feedback from students about the variety and accessibility of physical activities offered.
- New community partnerships formed to support student fitness activities.
Objective 3:
Action Steps:
- Create an online platform for students to track and share their physical activity
- Provide recognition for students who consistently engage in physical activity, whether through awards, certificates, or public acknowledgment.
- Technology Coordinators
- Student Government
- Teachers
- Fitness tracking software or app
- Incentive materials (e.g., prizes, certificates)
- Organizational support for virtual events
- Increased participation in online fitness challenges.
- Students reporting a sense of accomplishment and pride in their physical activity achievements.
- High levels of engagement with the fitness tracking platform.
GOAL 3: Evolution Academy shall promote physical activity as a lifelong pursuit by integrating fitness into the school culture.
Objective 1:
Action Steps:
- Promote "Fit Fridays" or similar events where students are encouraged to participate in physical activities before, during, or after school.
- Include physical activity as part of school culture by integrating fitness challenges into the student experience (e.g., start-of-year fitness goals, school spirit runs).
- Incorporate student leadership by having students lead fitness initiatives or events, such as leading group exercise sessions or organizing charity runs.
- Student Government
- Physical Education Department
- School Administrators
- Event planning resources for fitness events
- Incentives for student participation in challenges
- Leadership training for students organizing fitness events
- Increased school-wide participation in physical activity-focused events.
- Positive student feedback about the impact of fitness challenges on their daily routines.
- Growth in student leadership roles related to physical activity initiatives.
Objective 2:
Action Steps:
- Engage students in fitness-related service learning projects, such as volunteering for community races or organizing events that promote physical health in the community.
- Develop a "Wellness Week" that focuses on mental and physical health, including fitness challenges, nutrition seminars, and stress-relieving activities.
- Community Health Organizations
- School Health and Wellness Team
- Partnerships with local health and fitness organizations
- Event planning resources for Wellness Week
- Speakers or fitness mentors for student engagement
- Active student participation in service learning projects related to fitness.
- Increased interest in health and fitness programs after student engagement with local influencers.
- Successful Wellness Week events with positive student feedback and involvement.
- EVOLUTION ACADEMY shall provide an environment that fosters safe, enjoyable, and developmentally appropriate fitness activities for all students, including those who are not participating in physical education classes or competitive sports.
- EVOLUTION ACADEMY shall provide appropriate staff development and encourage teachers to integrate physical activity into the academic curriculum where appropriate.
- EVOLUTION ACADEMY shall make appropriate before-school and after-school physical activity programs available and shall encourage students to participate.
- EVOLUTION ACADEMY shall make appropriate training and other activities available to employees in order to promote enjoyable, lifelong physical activity for employees and students.
- EVOLUTION ACADEMY shall encourage parents to support their children’s participation, to be active role models, and to include physical activity in family events.
- EVOLUTION ACADEMY shall encourage students, parents, staff, and community members to use the school’s facilities that are available outside of the school day.
EVOLUTION ACADEMY establishes the following goals to create an environment conducive to healthful eating and physical activity and to promote and express a consistent wellness message through other school based activities:
GOAL 1: Evolution Academy shall allow sufficient time for students to eat meals in cafeteria facilities that are clean, safe, and comfortable.
Objective 1:
Action Steps:
- Ensure that students have at least 20 minutes to eat during lunch periods.
- Reorganize meal schedules to allow for staggered lunch times to reduce crowding and provide enough space for students to eat comfortably.
- Regularly maintain cafeteria cleanliness, ensuring dining areas are free of waste and sanitized during each meal period.
- Survey students for feedback on meal times, space, and comfort, and adjust based on their input.
- Cafeteria Staff
- School Administration
- Students
- Custodial Staff
- Additional staff for staggered lunch periods
- Survey tools for student feedback
- Cleaning supplies for cafeteria maintenance
- 90% of students report having at least 20 minutes to eat.
- Positive survey results showing improvements in cafeteria cleanliness and student comfort.
- Reduction in student complaints about overcrowding during lunch.
Objective 2:
Action Steps:
- Improve the design of cafeteria seating areas to provide more comfortable spaces for students (e.g., better seating arrangements, creating quiet areas).
- Implement a “healthy meal of the day” promotion where students are encouraged to try new, nutritious foods.
- Ensure all students have access to water during meal times (e.g., water fountains, pitchers at tables).
- Cafeteria Staff
- Students
- Health & Wellness Committee
- Parent Teacher Associations (PTA)
- Seating redesign or additions
- Promotional materials for the "meal of the day" initiative
- Water pitchers or additional water fountains
- Increased student participation in trying new healthy menu items (measured by meal selection data).
- Positive student feedback on cafeteria comfort.
- Increased access to water during meals.
GOAL 2: Evolution Academy shall promote wellness for students and their families at suitable District and campus activities.
Objective 1:
Action Steps:
- Organize community health fairs where students and families can participate in physical activities, health screenings, and nutrition workshops and educate families on physical and mental health topics.
- Provide resources for healthy eating and active living that families can use at home, such as recipes and exercise ideas.
- District Wellness Committee
- Local Health Professionals
- Families
- Event planning resources for wellness fairs and family health nights
- Partnering health professionals or fitness trainers
- Printed or digital wellness resources for families
- Participation rate of families in health nights or wellness fairs.
- Positive family feedback on the usefulness of the wellness resources provided.
- Increased awareness of healthy living practices as demonstrated by post-event surveys.
Objective 2:
Action Steps:
- Launch a wellness newsletter for families, featuring tips on nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and wellness events.
- Host community walks or runs to engage students and families in physical activity together.
- District Wellness Committee
- Communications Department
- Local fitness organizations
- Families
- Online registration platform for wellness events
- Partnering fitness groups for community events
- Increased sign-ups for wellness events via the digital platform.
- Positive feedback from families on the accessibility and usefulness of the wellness newsletter.
- High participation rates in community physical activities like walks or runs.
GOAL 3: Evolution Academy shall promote employee wellness activities and involvement at suitable District and campus activities.
Objective 1:
Action Steps:
- Organize regular wellness challenges for school staff (e.g., step challenges, healthy eating challenges).
- Offer on-site fitness classes or access to local fitness facilities for employees to encourage physical activity.
- Provide employees with resources on stress management, mental health, and work-life balance.
- District Administration
- Health & Wellness Committee
- Local Fitness Centers
- School Staff
- Incentive prizes for wellness challenges
- Partnerships with local fitness centers
- Wellness materials for stress management and mental health
- High participation rates in employee wellness challenges.
- Positive feedback from staff about the accessibility and variety of wellness offerings.
- Increase in employee satisfaction and engagement with wellness programs.
Objective 2:
Action Steps:
- Promote wellness through school-wide events like “Staff Wellness Days” that offer opportunities for relaxation, exercise, and wellness education.
- Provide health screenings (e.g., blood pressure, cholesterol) for employees during staff events.
- Develop a wellness committee made up of school employees to plan and promote ongoing wellness initiatives.
- Wellness Committee
- School Administration
- Health Professionals
- School Staff
- Space for wellness events and screenings
- Partnerships with health professionals for screenings
- Budget for wellness activities and staff incentives
- Successful implementation of staff wellness events with high employee participation.
- Increased employee engagement with the wellness committee.
- Positive feedback from staff regarding the impact of wellness activities on their well-being.
- EVOLUTION ACADEMY shall allow sufficient time for students to eat meals in lunchroom facilities that are clean, safe, and comfortable.
- EVOLUTION ACADEMY shall promote wellness for students and their families at suitable campus activities.
- EVOLUTION ACADEMY shall promote wellness activities and involvement at suitable district and campus activities.
The Richardson campus participates in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) child nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP). The Houston and Beaumont campuses participate in the School Breakfast Program (SBP). As required by federal law, Evolution Academy has established nutrition guidelines to ensure that all foods and beverages sold or marketed to students during the school day on each campus adhere to all federal regulations and guidance and are designed to promote student health and reduce childhood obesity.
Evolution Academy will comply with federal requirements for reimbursable meals. No food and beverages are sold to students during the school day.
Evolution Academy will measure compliance with the nutrition guidelines by reviewing meal reimbursement submissions from the child nutrition department to TDA and monitoring the types of foods and beverages made available to students during the school day.
At least every three years, as required by law, Evolution Academy will measure and make available to the public the results of an assessment of the implementation of Evolution Academy’s wellness policy. This “triennial assessment” will evaluate the extent to which each campus is compliant with the wellness policy, the progress made in attaining the goals of the wellness policy, and the extent to which the wellness policy and plan compare with any state- or federally designated model policies. The WELLNESS COMMITTEE will consider evidence-based strategies when setting and evaluating goals and measurable outcomes.
Annually, Evolution Academy will notify the public about the content and implementation of the wellness policy and plan and any updates to these materials.
To comply with the legal requirement to annually inform and update the public about the content and implementation of the local wellness policy, Evolution Academy will create a wellness page on its website to document information and activity related to the school wellness policy, including:
- A copy of the wellness policy
- A copy of this wellness plan, with dated revisions;
- Notice of any Board-adopted revisions
- The name, position, and contact information of Evolution Academy official responsible for oversight and implementation of the wellness policy and wellness plan;
- Notice of any WELLNESS COMMITEE meeting at which the wellness policy or implementation documents are scheduled for discussion;
- The WELLNESS COMMITEE’s triennial assessment; and
- Any other relevant information.
Records regarding Evolution Academy’s wellness policy will be retained in accordance with law and Evolution Academy’s records management program. Questions may be directed to the Education Service Manager, Evolution Academy’s designated records management officer.