SMCPS Guidelines to Reduce the Risk of Allergen Exposure

The parent/guardian should:

• Keep  emergency contact information updated with the school.

• Provide the school with complete and accurate medical information. 

• Work with the school nurse to develop an Allergy/Anaphylaxis emergency action plan. 

• Supply and maintain at least one non-expired emergency use epinephrine device for school, as ordered by the health care provider.

• Consider having your child wear medical identification bracelet/necklace indicating allergic condition. 

Student participation in planning and health management responsibilities must be age, condition, and developmentally appropriate. 

The student should: 

• Take all efforts to avoid known allergens.

• Inform school staff immediately of an exposure or symptoms of an exposure. 

• Inform an SMCPS staff member immediately if emergency medication is self-administered at school or during a school sponsored activity.

• Adhere to SMCPS medication guidelines. Refer to SMCPS Student Handbook or SMCPS regulation Administration of Medications to Students - JHCD-R

The school nurse should:

• Collaborate with the school administrator, school staff, parent(s)/legal guardian(s), health care provider and student to promote a safe and healthy learning environment that minimizes the risk of anaphylaxis.  

• Collaborate with the parent/legal guardian of students with a history of food or other allergies to ensure the receipt of appropriate allergy-related school forms.

• Notify Food and Nutrition Services of student food allergies.  

• Work with the student's parent/legal guardian to ensure necessary meal or snack substitution or modifications. 

• Inform and train appropriate staff about a student's potential for anaphylaxis and how to respond to an event.

The school administrator should:

• Consider including information about food allergies in school community communications.

• Encourage the use of non-food items for student celebrations. If outside food is allowed, ensure it is commercially packaged to include an ingredient list. 

• Collaborate with the school nurse to meet the needs of the current population related to allergies and anaphylaxis.

• Collaborate with the school nurse to ensure all students are able to participate in school sponsored activities.

• Ensure staff completion of SMCPS required Allergy/Anaphylaxis training.

• Support training of emergency use epinephrine devices for staff, provided by the school nurse. 

Teachers (including substitute teachers) and paraeducators should:

• Respond to a student with anaphylaxis as instructed and/or trained by the school nurse.

• Maintain awareness of classroom needs (e.g., routine and emergency care, exposure avoidance strategies). 

• Modify class materials related to student allergies, as needed (i.e. latex balloons). 

• Communicate concerns regarding a student’s medical needs to the school nurse.

Food and Nutrition Services staff should:

• Read and understand student food allergy information communicated by the school nurse.  

• Provide meal or food substitution or modification per requirement of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Child Nutrition Programs as applicable. 

• Maintain the SMCPS School Lunches, Menus & Meal Plan webpage. 

• Review cleaning and sanitation procedures in cafeteria or other food service areas (e.g., handwashing, table cleaning, methods for the safe handling of food to prevent food allergens from unintentionally contacting). 

Bus drivers and transportation aides should:

• Discourage the consumption of food and drinks on buses except when medically necessary based upon individual student needs. 

• Respond to the student with anaphylaxis as trained by the school nurse.

• Communicate problems or concerns with the transportation office, school nurse and school administrator.  

Coaches and athletic trainers should:

• Communicate to the school nurse those students with a history of allergies or anaphylaxis indicated on a sports physical.

• Communicate concerns regarding a student’s medical needs to the school nurse.

• Respond to the student with anaphylaxis during athletic or other activities as trained by the school nurse.

• Maintain CPR certification.

Operations staff should:

• Execute cleaning and sanitation procedures throughout the school.

• Maintain supplies and coordinate with Food and Nutrition Services staff to thoroughly clean cafeteria and kitchen during and after each day’s use with disinfectant.

• Support facilitation of school lunches with cleaning and refuse/recycling removal; 

• Facilitate the EPA Tools for Schools Program to proactively identify risk factors at the site and coordinate best practices as well as investigations and response to adverse Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) issues.  This involves:

  1. Facilitate IAQ meetings with site-base staff 2-3 times per school year;

  2. Monitoring indoor spaces frequently; 

  3. Taking humidity and temperature readings; 

  4. Instituting mold remediation protocols when needed; 

  5. Entering work orders and coordinating with the Department of Maintenance to report conditions and ensure proper functioning of HVAC equipment.

The prompt administration of epinephrine is the medication of choice for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis. Epinephrine helps to prevent or decrease upper airway swelling, open the airways, and maintain heart function to prevent or decrease low blood pressure and shock. 

• Parents must supply and maintain at least one non-expired emergency use epinephrine device for school, as ordered by the health care provider.

• Students who self-carry emergency medications must adhere to SMCPS medication guidelines. Refer to SMCPS Student Handbook or SMCPS regulation Administration of Medications to Students - JHCD-R

• A minimum of two stock epinephrine auto-injectors will be maintained in each school’s health suite.