You
may have already received a letter regarding the District’s
implementation of allergy aware schools guidelines which respectfully
requests that family and staff refrain from bringing nuts or nut
products into the schools. In response to feedback from families and
community members, we will delay implementation until Monday, October
28. This will allow families additional time to make adjustments in
their menu planning as we make this essential change to support the
safety of students who have life-threatening allergies. This date also
coincides with the first of four student assemblies featuring Kyle Dine,
food allergy educator and musician, which will enhance students’
understanding of the impact of food allergies. We appreciate your
understanding and support.
Maria Geryk, Superintendent
(Reposted from email)
Life Threatening Allergy Guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does the restriction about bringing in foods with nuts or nut products apply to both students
Yes. We are asking that no one bring in foods with nuts or nut products.
2. Why is the restriction only on nuts and nut products?
Peanut allergy is one of the most common food allergies. Peanuts can cause a severe, potentially fatal, allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Allergy to peanuts appears to be on the rise. Research indicates that the number of children in the U.S. with a peanut allergy tripled between 1997 and
2008. This is why peanuts (although technically a legume) are included in this restriction.
3. Does this restriction include products processed in a facility that processes nut products?
No. You will see information regarding this on food packages; however, our request is that no one
brings in actual nuts or nut products into the schools. Avoidance of contact with nuts is our goal.
4. Does this restriction apply to snacks as well as at lunch?
Yes. The risk for cross-contamination is very high. If one person eats a nut product and then
touches a doorknob or another common area in the classroom, a person with a nut allergy who then
touches that item may be at risk of an allergic reaction.
5. Does this restriction apply to before- and after-school activities as well?
Yes. This also applies to when on buses and on field trips.
6. Does the restriction on nuts and nut products include special celebrations and holidays?
Yes,
7. My child usually eats a peanut butter sandwich for lunch. What are we to do?
There are a number of common substitutions but one that many children like is Sunflower butter. It
is important to read the manufacturer labels carefully for more specific information to see if the
8. Can I be certain that no one will ever have foods with nuts or nut products in the schools?
No. We are not banning nuts, but rather strongly requesting that everyone abide by the guideline not
to bring nuts or nut products into the schools. That is why we are considering the schools to be
“allergy aware.” If you or your child has a life threatening food allergy, we recommend that you
continue all personal safety measures that you typically use.
Life Threatening Allergy Guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does the restriction about bringing in foods with nuts or nut products apply to both students
Yes. We are asking that no one bring in foods with nuts or nut products.
2. Why is the restriction only on nuts and nut products?
Peanut allergy is one of the most common food allergies. Peanuts can cause a severe, potentially fatal, allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Allergy to peanuts appears to be on the rise. Research indicates that the number of children in the U.S. with a peanut allergy tripled between 1997 and
2008. This is why peanuts (although technically a legume) are included in this restriction.
3. Does this restriction include products processed in a facility that processes nut products?
No. You will see information regarding this on food packages; however, our request is that no one
brings in actual nuts or nut products into the schools. Avoidance of contact with nuts is our goal.
4. Does this restriction apply to snacks as well as at lunch?
Yes. The risk for cross-contamination is very high. If one person eats a nut product and then
touches a doorknob or another common area in the classroom, a person with a nut allergy who then
touches that item may be at risk of an allergic reaction.
5. Does this restriction apply to before- and after-school activities as well?
Yes. This also applies to when on buses and on field trips.
6. Does the restriction on nuts and nut products include special celebrations and holidays?
Yes,
7. My child usually eats a peanut butter sandwich for lunch. What are we to do?
There are a number of common substitutions but one that many children like is Sunflower butter. It
is important to read the manufacturer labels carefully for more specific information to see if the
8. Can I be certain that no one will ever have foods with nuts or nut products in the schools?
No. We are not banning nuts, but rather strongly requesting that everyone abide by the guideline not
to bring nuts or nut products into the schools. That is why we are considering the schools to be
“allergy aware.” If you or your child has a life threatening food allergy, we recommend that you
continue all personal safety measures that you typically use.
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