Student Wellness Policy/ Birthdays & Other Celebrations

The Dallas School District Board has a Student Wellness Policy which conforms to state requirements. The purpose of the policy is to encourage a healthy lifestyle through increased physical activity during school hours and proper nutrition. This policy specifically states:

Food shall not be used in the schools as a reward or punishment.

Physical activity shall not be used as a form of punishment.

The policy will also require the school to regulate foods served in the school for classroom parties, holiday celebrations, and other food from student homes. These foods need to promote student health and reduce childhood obesity, and protect students with food allergies.

In order to adhere to this policy and to protect students that suffer from food allergies, The Wycallis Primary Center does not accept or distribute food for individual student birthday parties and/or classroom parties. Please do not send food items in with your child/children. If you wish to hand out an item to celebrate your child’s birthday, we recommend a small non-food item such as pencils, stickers, coloring books, erasers etc. You may also consider donating a book to the School Library or a game to the classroom for recess.

Teachers do not use food as a reward and are not permitted to give students snacks. Students are not permitted to share food with each other. There will be no exceptions to these rules. Although these measures may seem drastic, they are necessary to protect the health and safety of all students. We have a significant number of students that could die if they are given food that contains certain allergens, primarily peanuts or peanut-based products.

Students are expected to bring their own healthy snacks to school if desired for a daily snack or class celebration. Individual snacks should be securely wrapped or packaged. Several classrooms are peanut free and peanut products are prohibited in those classrooms. It is requested that all students try to keep their snacks and lunches peanut free to the greatest extent possible. There is a peanut free table established in the cafeteria and peanut products may not be brought to the peanut free table. There will be no eating and/or drinking on school buses.

Soda and Energy drinks that are high in sugar and caffeine should not be sent to school with students. Such beverages are not recommended for minors and are not permitted under our Wellness Policy guidelines.