Open communication is the key to keeping your allergic child safe at school. Remember to always speak to your school nurses at the beginning of every school year and update us with any changes throughout the year. My goal for 4th and 5th graders is for them to become more independent and proactive with their health needs, preparing them to progress and become big middle schoolers! It is a big wide world out there, and the more knowledgeable and self-aware they become, the safer they will be.
At Neary, we keep classrooms nut free (since students eat at their desks and may be switching classrooms for lessons). Students are allowed to consume nut products in the dining room (which are cleaned thoroughly between lunch periods), and as history has shown over the past few years, allergic students arrive at Neary very comfortable eating alongside their classmates, regardless of food eaten. Therefore, there is no "allergy-friendly" or"nut-free" table. However, if this is something that you feel is important to your child, we can certainly accommodate them. There are also hand wipes available in the dining room, and students who consume nuts are requested to wash their hands with soap and water, or use a hand wipe, prior to going out to recess.
All staff are trained by me twice a year in the administration of epi pens, and are aware of signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, whether from food, insect stings, latex, etc.
Please remember that most of your children's education comes from you at home. Remind your children not to share food with others. Ever. Teach them how to read labels. Have them practice asking about food items while eating in a restaurant, and encourage them to advocate for themselves. Get medications and doctor's orders into school asap. I will contact you regarding expiring medications. Together we can help them to be safe and healthy!
Please check out the following link to see if you are eligible for a coupon for free or reduced epi pens!
https://www.epipen.com/en/hcp/access-for-epipen-and-generic