“It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe.”
– Anonymous

Student safety is at the forefront of all decisions made in our school district! Allergy/food management is a “hot topic” that has been in the hopper for several years and came to the surface last year. Through a collaborative process with stakeholders from parents, teachers, nurses, administrators, and outside facilitators, we have a comprehensive allergy management plan ready for presentation to the Board of Education and community.

Earlier this summer, we notified our community of the formation of the Food Allergy Management Plan Committee, and also solicited their input on developing the District’s plan. The committee, made up of staff and parents, as well as MOCHA founder Denise Bunning, has worked diligently this summer to create a formal plan to improve the learning environment for students with food allergies, sensitivities and other food-related issues. They carefully considered expert resources as well as community input in developing the District 109 Food Allergy Management Plan.

That plan will be presented to the Board of Education at the August 25 meeting. I am excited to report that the comprehensive plan is the most up-to-date of its kind in the state of Illinois, and that we will be implementing the plan guidelines District-wide immediately at the start of the school year.

A Prezi presentation created by Kipling Assistant Principal Svetlana Sutic – highlights plan and “to do’s”:

From a letter I sent to the community:

We will share the final plan document with the entire community as soon as it is complete and ready to present to the Board (August 25, 2014).

Please share your comments about this plan via Let’s Talk – scroll to Top 5 Topics and select Food Allergy Management

Classroom Snacks: To create the most allergy-friendly learning environments, and in support of nationwide initiatives to increase student health and decrease childhood obesity, the plan spells out new guidelines for food in the classrooms. If classroom teachers choose to allow daily snacks, elementary students will be able to bring fruits and vegetables; middle school students can bring fruits, vegetables, yogurt and cheese. No additions, toppings or mix-ins (such as dips or spreads) shall be included. If teachers allow drinks, the only drink in the classroom shall be water. So, you won’t see any more of those “peanut-free classroom” signs. The plan dictates that all classrooms are peanut free at all times.

While the plan leaves open the definition of “fruits and vegetables,” the spirit of the plan is for students to bring “whole” fruits and vegetables, preferably fresh. However, dried fruits and vegetables, applesauce, and canned fruit fit the bill. In any and all cases, classroom teachers have the discretion to further limit snack options. Of course, accommodations will be made for students who have 504 plans that dictate food requirements that don’t align with these new guidelines.

These classroom guidelines will be in place 24/7, including during Park District camps and PTO events and activities. As always, work with your building principal when planning events to ensure that any food-related activities are scheduled in a designated area.

Food in the Curriculum: The plan dictates that educators find ways to replace food in the curriculum, and that food is not offered as a reward in the classroom. Again, the only foods allowed in the classroom at any time are those indicated above (fruits and vegetables in elementary classrooms; fruits, vegetables, yogurt and cheese in middle school classrooms).

Holiday Parties: Parent volunteers who plan classroom celebrations will focus on fun – but not on food. The Halloween, winter holiday and Valentine’s Day parties will be food-free. Students should not bring food to share with other students (including Halloween or Valentine’s candy).

Lunchroom – No Limits: There are no food limits in lunchrooms. However, if a lunchroom has a designated allergen-free table, students will abide by those restrictions. There will be other designated areas in every school that have no food restrictions. For example, if a PTO raffle award includes a group pizza party with a teacher, the party can be held in the cafeteria or other designated area.

Principals and other building administrators are ready to lead this change in their schools. I support their work and all of our efforts to improve the overall health of our community and to create the safest, healthiest learning environments possible. With community-wide support, District 109’s Food Allergy Management Plan will create that positive environment!

If you have any questions, please contact me or reach out to plan development committee co-chairs Jenell Mroz (jmroz@dps109.org) and Cathy Kedjidjian (ckedjidjian@dps109.org).