allergy Policy - k-8

Food allergies can be life-threatening to students with allergic reactions. We need the help of every parent and student to be aware of the seriousness of food allergies and to help ensure a safe environment within the school.

For students with food allergies, food avoidance is the best protection against an allergic reaction.  Although the best policy to avoid allergens is the prohibition of food in school outside of lunch in the cafeteria, this approach is impractical since food and treats are a key element of many school celebrations.  In order to reduce the likelihood that any of our students will suffer a serious allergic reaction through hidden or accidentally introduced food sources, yet acknowledging that food and treats are part of the culture at St. Joseph School, the School Board has developed the following guidelines:

Parent Guidelines

• Parents must notify the school of any student with a food allergy.

• It is recommended that only purchased and labeled foods in their original unopened packaging be provided for birthday and other holiday celebrations.

• Parents must have teacher approval before food is distributed to the students.

• Birthday food treats and other food treats may be shared only in the lunchroom, with the exception of holiday parties.

• Food used in activities, projects and lesson plans which must be labeled and arrive in its original unopened packaging.

• Each parent of a child with food allergies should provide safe snacks for his child, which may always be on hand in the classroom.

Student Guidelines

• Children may not trade food, eating utensils or food containers.  
  This rule helps avoid peer pressure. 

• All children must wash hands before and after eating with soap or lanolin wipes to minimize the spread of food allergens.
  Neither clear water nor hand sanitizer will wash away allergens and are unacceptable for this purpose.
  

Teacher and Cafeteria Staff Guidelines

• Teachers should use only non-food rewards such as stickers, colored pencils, etc; thus avoiding the risk of inadvertent exposure.

• Each classroom will have lanolin free wipes or access to soap and water for hand washing anytime students come into contact with food in the classroom, e.g. eating, crafts, etc.

• It is best to have all activities involving food confined to the cafeteria; however, if this cannot be done, follow these guidelines:

• During times where eating in the classroom is necessary, the teacher will designate a specific area for eating in order to contain food contaminants to a specific area.

• Teachers will notify parents of children with allergies about any classroom activities (e.g. crafts, parties, lesson plans) involving food, and give them an opportunity to review labels.

• Teacher will review food labels for food that is brought in for special events or for lesson plans before it is distributed to the students.

• Children must wash their hands with lanolin free wipes before leaving the designated food area or must go directly to the restroom to wash their hands with soap and water, whichever the teacher designates.

• After any activity involving food in the classroom, e.g. lunch, party or craft, the eating or activity area must be wiped down thoroughly with a cleaner such as Fantastik® or Lysol® or with soap and water.  If each child must eat at his desk, have each child wipe down his desk.  Fresh paper towels should be used for each table and disposed of instead of a sponge or cloth rag or, which can trap allergens, etc. and transport them to clean surfaces.

• Cafeteria staff and teachers will monitor grades K-3 very closely in order that students don’t give or receive food that will cause an allergic reaction.

• Teachers will maintain a current class roster, inclusive of allergy information pertaining to relevant students, so any substitute can be informed of allergy issues.

• After any activity involving food in the cafeteria, e.g. lunch, party or craft, the tables used must be wiped down thoroughly with a cleaner such as Fantastik® or Lysol® or with soap and water.  Fresh paper towels should be used for each table and disposed of instead of a sponge or cloth rag or, which can trap allergens, etc. and transport them to clean surfaces.
  

School Administration Guidelines

• If a need exists, as determined by the principal and parents of children with food allergies, a separate peanut free, milk free table may be established in the cafeteria.

• School will provide training to teachers on how to read ingredient labels so they know technical and scientific words for common foods.
  

Insect Sting Guidelines

• Maintenance will check grounds monthly and remove nests on or near school property.  Teachers with playground duty should check daily too.

• Maintenance will ensure garbage is properly stored in well-covered containers.

• Eating areas will be restricted to inside school for kids/staff with insect allergy.

Click here to learn more about Food Allergy Basics.