|
Severe Allergy Management
Students who have a severe allergy, where a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis can develop, should have a prescribed Epipen (epinephrine) at school. Prescribed epinephrine is kept in the classroom as well as in the Health Office. In some cases an Epipen may be kept with the student.
An Emergency Health Care Plan should be filled out prior to the school year and reviewed with the school nurse. The Medical Order/Parent Authorization Form to administer prescribed medications during a severe allergic reaction must be on file at school. All of these forms are available at the Health Office or on the School Health Forms page.
In the case of food allergies, a meeting with the parents and school nurse may be necessary to review classroom management that will create a safe and inclusive environment for the student.
There are some classrooms designated as Allergen Free i.e. for Peanuts, Tree nuts or both. There will be a flyer outside these rooms and all common rooms used by students. To maintain a safe environment, staff, students, and visitors are asked to wash their hands upon entering these classrooms. Handwashing is also encouraged before and after snacks and meals. Hand wipes are used by all students after lunch and before recess.
To further maintain allergen free environment in these classrooms, we ask that parents:
• Check all labels of their child's snacks and any store bought foods that they send in to be shared with the class. No foods labeled with peanut or tree nut ingredients or that have a disclaimer on the label should be sent to school for those classrooms. Click the following for a list of foods to avoid for Staying Peanut Free and Staying Tree Nut Free.
Send in snack w/ ingredient list so the teacher may check it or it is available shoud there be a concern. If there is no ingredient list then the snack for the class will be deferred to lunch or sent home.
• Homemade foods are allowed for an individual child's snack as long as it includes a note stating that it is peanut and tree nut free.
Foods for celebrations also must include an ingredient list and be safe for all students in the classroom. Because of the concern of cross contamination during food preparation, only store bought items w/ an ingredient list or a student's own special snack will be accepted for the child with severe food allergies.
Before the first day of school parents receive a letter if their child has a classmate who has a severe peanut and/or tree nut allergy. This mailing also includes this information and a list of peanut and tree nut free snack suggestions.
The teacher supervises the food in the classroom and consults as needed with the school nurse or parents of the student with the food allergy.
Cafeteria management: There are four "Peanut and Tree nut Free tables in the cafeteria for lunch. This table is available to any child who has no peanuts, tree nuts or anything made with peanuts, treenuts or their products as part of their lunch. This table is permanenetly designated by labeling and location in the cafeteria. This must be maintained during before and after school hours. The table is cleaned by an adult with a separate cloth and cleaning solution from the general tables. The Lunch staff supervises the children to maintain the safety of the Peanut and Tree Nut free tables.
Please refer to the School Allergy Policy and Procedures. |
District Page
|
