Allergies

Nut and Nut Products in the Classroom:

We are reaching out to you to make you aware of important safety procedures we have in place regarding allergies and food safety. As you may or may not know, we currently have many students at TVES with significant allergies to nut products who are at risk for anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Given the risk involved with these severe allergic reactions, our best defense is to provide procedures that include strict avoidance of the food allergen.

As such, we ask for your help in avoiding exposure to nuts or nut-exposed products. Please do not send any food for snack that contains or may contain any nut product, or may have been in contact with nut products. Additionally, through our wellness guidelines, we encourage you to provide students with healthy snacks that will contribute to the balance of macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and fat) to boost energy and support overall health. This is a school-wide request, not specific to individual classrooms.

Teachers are not responsible for reading ingredient lists so family support with this expectation is most appreciated. Our schedules only allow for a “working snack” so the process of snack is integrated and not teacher-directed in nature. Each class a "will have a nut-safe" table in the cafeteria. Parents who prefer their child sit there will do so, Others who do not have nut products in their lunch may also sit there when there is room.

Managing life-threatening allergies presents an opportunity for us to teach all children about health and safety, respecting differences, supporting peers, and working collaboratively in a community. Your support in this area is much appreciated and please know that the safety and well-being of all students is always a priority at TVES.

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In alignment with our school district's Health and Wellness Regulations:

North Branford Public Schools promotes healthy schools by supporting wellness, good nutrition, and regular physical activity as part of the total learning environment. The District supports a healthy environment where children learn and participate in positive dietary and lifestyle practices. By facilitating learning through the support and promotion of wellness, good nutrition and physical activity, schools contribute to the basic health status of children. With regard to food-related activities and events that occur before and during the school day, they must be aligned with the specific curriculum or cultural related event. Food will not be allowed to be distributed purely for a birthday or celebratory event outside of the specific curriculum or cultural related activity that is approved by the building principal. Accordingly, the following will NOT be allowed in the District as follows unless it relates to a specific curriculum or cultural related activity identified by a teacher, and is approved by the building principal:

• Daily or monthly birthday celebrations involving food items

• Parent/caregiver supplying snacks to children other than their own

• Sale of food/snacks by an individual or group/organization to other children.

At any school allowed function, healthy food choice options will be available. Each building principal will address this change at the building level and will be available to answer specific questions regarding the implementation of these guidelines.