Northbridge Public Schools

Protocol for Food During the School Day

Grades PK-8

Northbridge Public Schools has developed a protocol for food celebrations in the classroom to address the following issues:

There has been an increase in life-threatening food allergies in our schools.

New legislation has been passed which supports Northbridge Public Schools’ efforts to 

help prevent childhood obesity.

Birthday and holiday celebrations in the classroom:

All birthday and holiday celebrations will be non-food celebrations. Celebrations may include such things as non-food treats, special games, cards, and special privileges. Parents/guardians may send in small non-food items for the class for their child's birthday. (e.g. pencils, bookmarks)

Curriculum related food lessons:

When a teacher decides to include food as part of the curriculum, he/she will send permission forms home 7 days before the lesson.

At the beginning of the year, a general food permission form will be included in the forms sent home. On this form, parents/guardians will be able to indicate if their child may participate in any curriculum related food lesson. If the parent/guardian must be informed of the food to be provided, they will receive the permission forms.

As always, children are not allowed to share snacks or food with each other, either in school, on the bus, or at school sponsored events such as field trips.