Food Allergies at School

Some students at our school have severe reactions to specific foods (e.g. peanuts, tree nuts, dairy products, soy, eggs, wheat, and/or shellfish). We also have students with serious bee sting and latex allergies.

To protect our students with allergies, the following measures are followed:

• We prohibit students from sharing food with one another at snack time or in the cafeteria.

• For classroom celebrations, allergens are avoided as is possible; however, parents of students with food allergies may send in alternative treats for their child.

• Extra "safe" snacks may be kept in the classroom in case of an unplanned celebration.

• Students are encouraged to wash their hands before and after eating.

• Classroom arts and crafts projects avoid specified allergens as is possible.

• No latex balloons are permitted at school.

If your child has a food/latex/insect sting allergy, it is important to have the allergy documented in the Health Office, so that we can help prevent an allergic reaction at school. If, as a precaution, your physician prescribes emergency medication for your child, the medication must be stored in the Health Office; the district Allergy Action Plan can be used by your physician for any allergic reaction treatments. It is also important to talk to your child about his/her allergens and how to avoid them at school.

Teachers have access to information regarding allergies present in their classroom via the PowerSchool data base. School staff receive annual instruction regarding signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) and use of an epi-pen.

Bus drivers are aware of severe allergies via Power School data base. Bus drivers are trained on epi-pen administration. It is highly recommended that you share pertinent medical information directly with your bus driver. WCASD Transportation policy states that there is no eating on the bus.