Allergy Alert!

I can't open the link.

me neither

SORRY!!!!

here is the policy from the school

http://www.ahsd25.k12.il.us/

here link from the NBC news

http://www.nbc5.com/newsarchive/16425096/detail.html

I hope that works! If not please let me know.

We tried to propose something like this in our district and man did parents have a hissy fit! We were stealling thier childhood and not letting them have any fun! Nevermind the peanut allergic kid with red blotchy hives to his mouth and neck and that annoying high pitch squeak he is making...he loves cup cakes! He should be eating them, right!

I did get to the article, what was interesting was the comments posted after it. It's a tough subject, because both sides often have good points. I do think it's a shame for an entire school to be punished because of one, and I can see where this could get very sticky if very parent of every student with any allergy wants the trigger eliminated. I know the peanut allergy is a biggie because more often than not it is life threatening, but a parent with a child with environmental allergies which triggers asthma could make a good argument too.

By the time we eliminate peanuts, wheat, sugar, dust, latex, eggs, etc, not much will be left.

Eight years ago my school system instituted an strict Life Threatening Allergy Policy (signed by the School Committee) and over the ensuing years we have tightened it. No nuts in the cafeteria food. Nut free table available in the lunch room. No food policy for all curriculum and celebration events in the classroom, no sharing of food for any reason. There was an initial outcry that we were taking the fun out of the students lives but we persisted in putting safety first. Now this is an established way of life in our school. We still have birthday celebrations but we use games, crafts etc instead of food. I have heard from many many parents that they are grateful for this policy for reasons other than allergy reasons. (I have children with celiac disease, obesity, on Kosher diets, diabetic diets etc.). Change is hard for everyone but the children change easier than the parents and many of the "old time" staff. What seemed such a challenge 8 years ago is now easily accepted by all. Just keep the focus on wellness and safety and the fun will still be there.