INTRODUCTION

Managing Life Threatening Allergies at School

The Hollis School District strives to provide a safe school environment for all students by:

·        understanding the life threatening potential of severe allergies

·        identifying those students with life threatening severe allergies

·        recognizing situations that may increase the risk of exposure

·        making reasonable and appropriate accommodations

·        notifying all staff of students with severe allergies

·        educating staff to recognize signs and symptoms of severe allergies, including anaphylaxis, and how to respond 

·        training appropriate personnel to administer emergency medication

·        providing support and education to students and parents as appropriate (i.e. informational letters to parents regarding guidelines, presentation to students regarding allergy symptoms and management)

·        encouraging self-advocacy, self-management and independence

·        developing educational training programs for Hollis School District staff

·        documenting staff attendance at training sessions through professional development forms

·        maintaining and annually reviewing this manual to reflect current best practice

·        implementing all procedures outlined in this manual

·        providing information about students with life threatening allergies and their photos to bus company personnel when consent is given

·        ensuring that all medical supplies are disposed of properly using the approved disposal system in the health office

See School Board Policy JLJ Life Threatening Food Allergy Approved 2/12/07

IDENTIFYING STUDENTS AND DEVELOPING PLANS

Step One:  Identification of child with a life threatening allergy

Step Two:  The nurse meets with parents to:

a.       obtain medical information (A1, A2, A3)

b.      discuss allergy action plan form (B1) which is completed by parent and physician

c.       discuss family’s concerns and questions

d.      explain the All School Health Alert process and staff education program

Step Three:  Parent completes Allergy Action Plan with physician

Step Four: 

• Nurse, parents, and appropriate staff involved with student,  review the Allergy Action Plan which includes accompanying medications
• Determination of the need for an Individual Health Care Plan (B2)
• Development of the Individual Health Care Plan/504 (B3) to meet the developmentally and age-appropriate needs of the student
• Determine if disclosure of confidential Health information to any person (staff, volunteer, or visitor) is necessary for student safety and obtain written consent from family

Step Five: 

• Nurse arranges for training for all involved staff members

Step Six:

• Nurse arranges for implementation of accommodations with appropriate staff

Allergies

Children may have a variety of life threatening allergies.  Their responses may vary as well.  School personnel will be notified of those students with life threatening allergies (all school health alerts, medical concerns list) and take steps to reduce their level of exposure.  This is done in a variety of ways and is dependent upon individual student’s allergy.  It is noted, however, that despite precautions, exposure may still occur.  Therefore, all staff will be trained to recognize and respond to allergic reactions appropriately. 

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe, potentially life threatening response resulting from exposure to an allergen.  In the school setting, it may result from:

• insect stings
• environmental factors
• latex
• foods
• other

Some symptoms may be:

Mouth              itching, swelling of lips, tongue, mouth

            Throat              itching, swelling, tightness, hoarse or hacking cough

            Skin                 itchy rash, hives, swelling, particularly of face, neck, skin folds

            Gut                   abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

            Lungs               breathing difficulty, wheezing, shortness of breath

In an effort to reduce exposure to insect stings/environmental allergens the Hollis School District routinely sprays for insects, removes rugs, maintains trash areas, sweeps, maintains filters and specialized equipment, as well as maintains a high level of cleanliness for the buildings.  

In an effort to reduce exposure to latex, students with latex allergies are provided with latex-free supplies and equipment.

In an effort to reduce exposure to life threatening food allergies, the Hollis School District has created a system that assists students in avoiding their particular food allergy.  Due to the reported increase in accidental ingestions across the country, the District has created a nut-safe area procedure as well. 

Nut - Safe Area Procedures

Area, for the purposes of this procedure, could be a lunchroom table, a classroom desk, or even an entire classroom.

Once it is determined in a child’s Individual Health Care Plan, Allergy Action Plan or 504 Plan, that a nut-safe area is required, the following procedures will occur:

Step One:  Determine table or area

Step Two:  Label area with warning/alert signs (see sample sign)

Step Three:  Provide cleaning materials to be used only in this area to avoid inadvertent cross contamination

Step Four:  School staff will clean the area before and after each use

Step Five: Staff and students will be instructed on the proper use of nut-safe areas

Step Six: Prior to entering a nut-safe area, everyone will wipe their hands

Proper Use of Nut – Safe Area

• This area is to be cleaned before and after any use
• No food may be shared or traded in this area
• Hand wiping will occur before entering (see hand wiping attachment)
• Only nut-safe items/foods can be in this area
• Staff members will monitor these areas for proper usage

A nut-safe classroom may not always be required at each grade level, however, to ensure that one could be implemented at any time during the school year, the HSD will use the following procedure in determining participation in the nut-safe classroom:

• In April, letters are sent home to all parents looking for voluntary participation in a nut-safe classroom for the following school year.  This letter outlines exactly what is expected to maintain a nut-safe environment. 
• In addition, staff will be asked to volunteer for a nut-safe classroom.
• In May, as staff begins to work on classroom placements, participation in a nut-safe classroom will be one of the considerations.
• In June, classroom placements are finalized.  If a nut-safe classroom is necessary, one will be in place.  Students who are placed in the nut-safe classroom will receive notification of this at the time that all students receive classroom placement assignments for the following year.  An explanatory letter restating the requirements of a nut-safe classroom will be sent in June with a follow-up letter in August from either the teacher or principal.

Classroom Accommodations

Classroom accommodations are extremely individualized; however, there are certain accommodations which could be used for any student who needs a nut-safe classroom.  

·        No nuts, nut products, or seeds will be allowed in the classroom.  This includes snacks, crafts, projects, celebrations.

• Students will eat only foods that have been identified as nut safe.
• Students will wash/wipe hands as indicated in individual health care plans, allergy action plans, or 504 plans.
• Students will not share foods or drinks.
• Wipes will be made available should they be needed.
• All personnel working in the classroom will be trained to implement preventive measures and emergency management procedures.

Specialists And Other School Activities

Individual Health Care Plans, Allergy Action Plans or 504 Plans, will be maintained by all staff members working with students with life threatening allergies.  They will include it in their substitute folders and school nurses will make sure substitutes are trained appropriately if needed.  If indicated in the individual health care plan, parents of children with life threatening allergies will be called when a substitute is assigned to their child’s classroom.

Cafeteria

The Hollis School District cafeterias do not serve any foods with nuts or nut products. 

If a nut-safe area is needed in the cafeteria one will be made available.   The nut-safe area procedures as outlined on page 3 will be followed by all staff and students.

Any other special accommodations will be made as needed.

Field Trips

Field trips will be discussed with parents beforehand to make appropriate accommodations if needed such as:

·        Consideration of eating situations

·        Consideration of wiping hands

·        Location of closest medical facilities

Parents will be welcomed as chaperones whenever they are available.

Students with life threatening food allergies should eat only those foods that are identified as being nut-safe.

The Emergency Medpak will accompany students on all field trips, both long and short.

A cell phone will be taken on all field trips and kept with the classroom teacher.

Should the parents be unable to attend, the teacher and/or school nurse will take charge of student’s Emergency Medpak and is delegated by parents to administer medications if so needed.

Transportation

It is the parent’s responsibility to contact the bus company to make arrangements for safe transportation to school.  This includes emergency procedures for their child while on the bus.   

The Hollis School District will share educational materials regarding life threatening allergies with bus company personnel. 

Exposure or Suspected Exposure

• Specific treatment and steps to take in the event of an exposure or suspected exposure will depend on the Individual Health Care Plan, Allergy Action Plan or 504 Plan for each individual student. 

• Student must be accompanied to the Health Office by an adult who is familiar with his/her condition. 

• Student will be assessed for anaphylaxis and treated as necessary.

• Whenever an Epi-Pen is administered an ambulance is called and then the Parent.

• If there is an exposure or suspected exposure without any signs or symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction, the student will remain with the school nurse until the parent arrives to pick them up for continued observation.

COMMUNICATIONS AND PRIVACY

Students with severe allergies are identified by information provided for school entrance by parent and/or physician.  This is usually done via Health History and/or Physical Examination and Immunization Record (see attached Forms A and B) submitted before the child begins school.

Depending on the severity of the allergy, accommodations and action steps to be taken during the school day to limit exposure and respond to severe allergies are outlined in a variety of ways:  Allergy Action Plan (see attached Form C), Individual Health Care Plan, (Form D) and/or 504 plan.  These plans list specific prevention strategies, as well as emergency action steps to be taken should exposure be suspected. 

When a student requires a Nut-Safe Classroom, parents of all students in that particular class are notified upon placement in June.  Information pertinent to managing severe food allergies is provided.  Parent compliance and signature is requested.

All staff, including cafeteria and custodial staff, are made aware of students at risk and provided with information regarding the management of food allergies during workshop days before students arrive.  A Health Alert, listing all students that require monitoring, is distributed and discussed.  Student pictures are provided when available.  Identification and management in the lunchroom, as well as strategies to help reduce the risk of cross contamination during serving and/or eating, is also reviewed with the appropriate personnel.

Awareness Education Procedures

Nursing staff will provide the following education annually to all staff regarding life threatening allergies:

• Anaphylaxis
• Epi-pen Training
• Emergency response procedures
• Prevention

Nursing staff will provide individual health information via:

• All School Health Alerts
• Individual Healthcare Plans
• 504 Plans
• Allergy Action Plans
• Medical Concerns Lists

Nursing staff will provide education to students:

• Through implementation of the Health Curriculum

• As outlined in the Individual Health Care Plan, Allergy Action Plan, or the 504 plan

Nursing staff will provide education to families through:

• PTA newsletters
• School-wide informational letters
• Classroom alert packets
• The student handbook
• Parent conferences

Copies of all Individual Health Care Plans will be maintained by those working with the student. A copy will also be kept in the teachers substitute folder.  All Plans will be updated yearly and/or before that as needed.

ASSESSING PROCEDURES

Nurses will update current procedures annually. Nurses will review process/procedures after an emergency event with the student’s parents, the building principal and any other appropriate personnel such as the teacher, 504 team, or student’s physician.  If needed, adjustments will be made to the Allergy Action Plans, 504 Plans, or All School Health Alerts based upon the emergency experience.

APPENDIX A: ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Procedures for Managing Food Allergies

Parent

The child with a severe food allergy is at greatest risk for a life-threatening and potentially fatal allergic reaction while at school.  Prior to school entry, (or immediately following a severe allergic reaction), the parent/guardian should meet with the School Nurse to develop an Allergy Action Plan (AAP)/Individual Health Care Plan (IHCP)/504 Plan.

The parent/guardian shall:

_____ provide information regarding food allergy including a list of food and ingredients

to avoid.  (Should include past history, their child’s prior signs and symptoms)

_____ provide licensed provider’s signed statement regarding allergy management

recommendations/medications

_____ provide properly labeled emergency medications including at least two up to date

epinephrine auto injector and replacement medications after use or upon

expiration

_____ provide a photo of child

_____ consent to administration of medications if needed

_____ consent to share information with school staff

_____ delegate emergency care to other school staff should nurse be unavailable (e.g.

field trip)

_____ provide emergency information (contact numbers, hospital of preference,

Physician/allergist name and phone numbers) and consent to disclosure of

information to these individuals

_____ send “safe snacks” for special occasions or if needed

_____ volunteer to assist/chaperone child’s field trips if possible

_____ provide licensed provider’s signed statement if child no longer

            has allergies

_____ contact bus company to develop a plan (for emergency epi-pen use which includes

symptoms and reactions.

_____ contact after-school program if applicable to develop a plan

_____ consider providing a medical alert bracelet for your child

The ultimate goal is to teach the allergic child what s/he needs to do to stay safe.  As s/he grows older, it is important that they take on more responsibility for the management of their allergy.  The parent will teach/instruct the child to do the following as their age/development allows:

_____ not share or trade food with others

_____ not eat anything with unknown or questionable ingredients

_____ read food labels

_____ understand the importance of hand washing/wiping before and after eating

             as the most important defense against unexpected exposure

_____ recognize the signs/symptoms of a reaction (age-appropriate)

_____ communicate to others as soon as a reaction starts or if exposure is

              suspected

_____ know who can access emergency medication

_____ carry and self-administer emergency medication when appropriate

_____ take as much responsibility as possible for own safety

School Nurse

The School Nurse shall:

_____ request information from parents/guardians regarding allergies

_____ implement Allergy Action Plan (AAP) as recommended by student’s physician

_____ design and implement an Individual Health Care Plan (IHCP) if needed

_____ maintain AAP/IHCP in Health Office easily accessible when needed

_____ maintain medication (Epi-pen/Epi-pen Jr) in Health Office, unlocked      

and easily accessible when needed.  Periodically check medications for expiration dates and arrange for them to be current.

_____ provide information regarding life threatening allergies to all school staff annually

(include causes, symptoms, risk factors, preventive measures, emergency

response) and maintain records of training including specific individuals receiving it. 

_____ provide information regarding students with life-threatening allergies to school

staff on a need-to-know basis (include name, room, specific allergens, risk

reduction procedures) in the form of an all School Health Alert

_____ provide training regarding Epi-pen administration to staff immediately involved

with those students with life threatening allergies and maintain records of training

including specific individuals receiving it. 

_____ request parents to delegate Epi-pen administration to other school staff when

School Nurse is unavailable or when Epi-pen travels with student*

_____ inform other parents about the presence and needs of children with life threatening

allergies

_____ educate classmates regarding allergy management

_____ update clinical knowledge and skills regularly

_____ ensures emergency kit contains a physician's standing order for epinephrine

*NHDOE rules for nurses state “all prescribed injectable medication be administered by a registered nurse or others qualified under Chapter 326-B,

Nurse Practice Act (Ed. 311.02).  Nurses cannot delegate this responsibility to other school staff members.  There are no laws, however, that prohibit parents from delegating such care responsibilities to other responsible and willing school staff members if consistent with local school board policy.  Such authorization should be obtained in writing.  The parent shall train and describe circumstances for administration and shall review physician medication instructions.  The School Nurse will provide training and support to school staff regarding recognition of anaphylaxis and epinephrine auto injector injection.

School District’s Responsibility:

·        Staff is knowledgeable about and follows applicable federal laws including ADA, IDEA, Section 504, and FERPA and any state laws or district policies that apply.

·        Include students with life threatening allergies in school activities. Students should not be excluded from school activities solely based on life threatening allergy.

·        Identify a core team of, but not limited to, school nurse, teacher, principal, school food service and nutrition manager/director, and counselor (if available) to work with parents and the student (age appropriate) to establish a prevention plan. Changes to the prevention plan to promote food allergy management should be made with core team participation.

·        Works to eliminate the use of life threatening allergens in the allergic student's meals, educational tools, arts and crafts projects, or incentives.

·        Practices the Life Threatening Allergy Action Plans before an allergic reaction occurs to assure the efficiency/effectiveness of the plans.

·        Reviews policies/prevention plan with the core team members, parents/guardians, student (age appropriate), and physician after a reaction has occurred.

·        Follows federal/state/district laws and regulations regarding sharing medical information about the student.

Student

The student shall:

_____ not share or trade food with others

_____ not eat anything with unknown or questionable ingredients

_____ learn to read food labels (age-appropriate)

_____ understand the importance of hand washing/wiping before and after eating

             as the most important defense against unexpected exposure

_____ recognize the signs/symptoms of a reaction (age-appropriate)

_____ communicate to others as soon as a reaction starts or if exposure is

              suspected

_____ know who can access emergency medication

_____ carry and self-administer emergency medication when appropriate

_____ take as much responsibility as possible for own safety

Classroom / Specialist teacher

The classroom/specialist teacher shall:

_____ understand and implement accommodations as outlined in AAP/IHCP

_____ maintain an allergen safe area in classroom if appropriate

_____ understand emergency response procedures, able to administer Epipen/Epipen Jr.

if so delegated

_____ provide information regarding allergy management to substitutes in an easily

accessible manner

_____ make other personnel (teachers, parents, volunteers, students) working or visiting

in classroom aware of allergy management

_____ determine project materials are safe for child with allergies

_____ inform parents of any school events where food will be served

_____ inform parents of field trips

_____ encourage parents to go on field trips and/or to attend school events where food

will be served

_____ never allow a child suspected of having an allergic reaction to walk alone to the

school nurse’s office

_____ensure the epinephrine auto-injectors and instructions are taken on field trips and

remain with the student or in the care of the trained adult during the course of the

field trip.

_____annually attend health orientations/workshops/trainings from school nurse

School Psychologists/Guidance Counselors

They shall:

Monitor anxiety, stress level, and social development of students with life threatening food allergies and provide interventions as appropriate.

Act as a resource to staff, parents and students regarding anxiety, stress and normal development.

Educate classmates to avoid endangering, isolating, stigmatizing or harassing students with food allergies. Be aware of how the student with food allergies is being treated; use this opportunity to teach community caring; and enforce school rules/policies about bullying and threats.

Cafeteria/lunchroom personnel

Cafeteria/lunchroom personnel shall:

_____ implement safe lunchroom procedures as recommended by School Nurse

_____ maintain nut-safe area as needed

_____ establish guidelines for cleaning tables, particularly to reduce the risk of cross

contamination

_____ maintain ingredient lists of all foods served in cafeteria

_____ understand emergency response procedures, able to administer Epipen/Epipen Jr.

if so delegated

_____ order and serve only foods that are nut-safe

Custodial staff

Custodial staff shall:

_____ establish cleaning protocols for maintaining nut-safe area

_____ establish cleaning protocols for maintaining cafeteria, particularly to reduce the

risk of contamination after food is served

Bus company/drivers

Although the bus company is not an employee of the Hollis School District, it is our expectation that Bus company/drivers shall:

_____ enforce the “no eating” policy while students are riding the bus

_____ be aware of signs and symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction as explained by

            parents of allergic child(ren)

_____ have access to quick communication in the case of emergency

APPENDIX B: FORMS

Health History Form

                                                                        (A)

HEALTH HISTORY (to be completed by parent/guardian)

Name_________________________________________DOB______________________

Address______________________________________Phone______________________

________________________________________________________________________

Birthweight__________________Birthplace____________________________________

Complications during pregnancy, delivery, or newborn period?

________________________________________________________________________

Physical Examination And Immunization Record

                                                                        (B)

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION AND IMMUNIZATION RECORD

Immunizations (Please provide month, day, year):

DPT     1 ______________     Hib       1 ______________     Polio     1 ______________

            2 ______________                 2 ______________                 2 ______________

            3 ______________                 3 ______________                 3 ______________

            4 ______________                 4 ______________                 4 ______________

            5 ______________

MMR  1______________       Hep B  1 ______________      Varicella   _____________

            2 _____________                   2 ______________

                                                             3 ______________

Is child able to participate in a full school program ?                     yes ___  no ___

ALLERGY ACTION PLAN

Name ______________________________________________________________

DOB ______________________Gr/Teacher _______________________________

ALLERGY TO ______________________________________________________

Signs of an allergic include:

Mouth              itching, swelling of lips, tongue, mouth

Throat              itching, swelling, tightness, hoarseness, hacking cough

Skin                 hives, itchy rash, swelling, particularly of face, neck, extremities

Gut                   abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Lungs               breathing difficulty, shortness of breath, wheezing

Feelings            restlessness, anxiety, impending sense of doom, withdrawal

The severity of these symptoms can quickly change and become life-threatening!

PHYSICIAN’S  MEDICATION STATEMENT

In the event of an allergic reaction, please list sequentially the medication procedure you would like the school to follow:

1.      _____________________________________________________________________

2.      _____________________________________________________________________

3.      _____________________________________________________________________

SHOULD YOU SUSPECT EXPOSURE OR SHOULD SYMPTOMS PRESENT

ADMINISTER EPIPEN AND CALL 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY!

Are there any specific accommodations that should be made during the school day ie. nut safe classroom, nut safe lunch table?

________________________________________________________________________

Physician’s Signature ______________________________________ Date ___________

Physician’s Name in Print __________________________ Phone __________________

NHDOE rules for nurses indicate that “all prescribed injectable medications be administered by a registered nurse or others who are qualified under Chapter 326-B, Nurse Practice Act” (Ed 311.02).  Nurses, therefore, cannot delegate this responsibility to other school staff members.  The DOE reports, “While the DOE does not provide advice, we are not aware of any law that prohibits parents from delegating care responsibilities to other people taking care of their children.  As long as consistent with local school board policy, a parent may delegate the administration of epinephrine auto injectors to their child to a responsible and willing school official, teacher, staff, aide, or volunteer.  Such authorization should be obtained in writing.”  The parent will train and describe circumstances for administration and shall review the above instructions with the person so delegated.  In addition, the school nurse will provide general training and support regarding recognition of anaphylaxis and epinephrine auto injector administration.  A student may carry and self-administer an epinephrine auto-injector if physician and parent both agree the student is responsible and indicate such in writing (HB 92).

Should the nurse be unavailable, the following people are delegated to administer epinephrine as prescribed:

________________________________________________________________________

Parent Signature _________________________________ Date _________________

Emergency Contact _______________________________ Phone _______________

Ecl 03/07

 
Individual Health Care Plan 2006-2007  SAMPLE

INDIVIDUAL HEALTH CARE PLAN 2006-2007                                        (D)

STUDENT NAME

Grade/Teacher

HEALTH ALERT:  SEVERE NUT ALLERGY

Student has a life-threatening allergy to nuts.

He also has asthma, which increases the risk for anaphylaxis. 

NO NUTS, NUT PRODUCTS, OR SEEDS WILL BE ALLOWED IN CLASSROOM.  THIS INCLUDES SNACKS, CRAFTS, PROJECTS, AND CELEBRATIONS.  ANIMALS WILL ALSO BE EXCLUDED.

ALL PERSONNEL WILL WASH HANDS BEFORE ENTERING.

THIS INCLUDES ENTERING AFTER RECESS AND LUNCH.

STUDENT WILL EAT ONLY SNACKS PROVIDED FROM HOME.

STUDENT WILL WASH HANDS BEFORE EATING.

STUDENTS WILL NOT SHARE OR TRADE SNACKS.

STUDENT WILL EAT AT THE NUT FREE TABLE AT LUNCH.

STUDENT WILL NOT DRINK FROM FOUNTAIN.

ANY EQUIPMENT TO BE USED BY STUDENT WILL BE WIPED BEFORE USE.

EMERGENCY MEDPAK WILL TRAVEL WITH STUDENT AT ALL TIMES.

ADULT WILL REMAIN WITH STUDENT IF HE COMPLAINS OF ILLNESS.

IF EXPOSURE SUSPECTED OR SYMPTOMS PRESENT

ADMINISTER EPIPEN ASAP, NOTIFY NURSE, CALL 9-1-1.

DO NOT HESITATE!  TIME IS CRUCIAL!

            Mouth               itching, swelling of lips, tongue, mouth

            Throat              itching, swelling, tightness, hoarse or hacking cough

            Skin                  itchy rash, hives, swelling, particularly of face, neck, skin folds

            Gut                   abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

            Lungs               breathing difficulty, wheezing, shortness of breath

Should exposure be suspected, administer EpiPen, and notify School Nurse via Walkie Talkie.  Office personnel will call 9-1-1 and notify parents.  Nurse will administer other meds as prescribed.

APPENDIX C: SIGNS AND NOTICES

NUT SAFE CLASSROOM

NO NUTS OR NUT PRODUCTS ALLOWED!

WASH/WIPE HANDS

BEFORE

ENTERING!

           NUT SAFE TABLE

It is particularly important that the NUT SAFE TABLE remain nut-safe at all times.

          *The NUT SAFE TABLE is so marked.

          *Only those eating a nut-safe lunch will sit at this table.

          *No one eating any type of nut product will ever sit at this

           table even when it is not needed for those with nut allergies.

*Particular attention should be given to students at this table

           so any type of adverse reaction is observed and reported ASAP.

          *Same students should also be watched while at recess.

            If complaining of any symptoms, notify nurse via

            Walkie Talkie ASAP.

          *When lunch is finished, the NUT SAFE TABLE will be

            washed with its own cloth/sponge.  This will avoid the

            possibility of cross contamination from other tables.

          *This table will not be used for any other purpose (project fairs,

            meetings) unless absolutely necessary.  After use, it will be wiped

            down immediately.

APPENDIX D: LETTERS & NOTICES

Letters

Dear Parents/Guardians,                                                                                                                  

Very shortly we will begin the process of developing class lists for the ______ school year.  Our goals for each child’s class placement include the following:

·         To provide a successful school year in all aspects, academically, emotionally, and socially.

·         To provide a well rounded, heterogeneously balanced, appropriate class that will work well together. 

 In order to accomplish these goals, Classroom Teachers at each grade level, with the assistance of Guidance, Curriculum Coordinator(s), Special Education Teacher(s), Reading Specialists and Administrators will develop class lists given the following considerations for each individual and the class as a whole*:

·         Academic ability

·         Peer relationships and modeling

·         Learning/Teaching styles

·         Male/Female ratios

·         Individual needs and interests

·         Equitable class size

HPS and HUES will plan for one nut-safe classroom at each grade level, Grades 1 – 6.  Please read the attached letter and return the bottom portion with your preference to the office by ___

As you can imagine this task is not a simple one. Therefore, we ask that you please honor our combined educational expertise in this area by not requesting a specific teacher for your child.  If your family has had a personal experience that would influence placement, please feel free to write to us and share any pertinent information about your child.

Letters addressed to the attention of the Principal, need to be received by _______.   We appreciate your support as we plan for the 2006-2007 school year. On the reverse side, we have listed frequently asked questions about placement. 

Sincerely,

______________, Principal                                                      _____________, Principal       

HPS                                                                                        HUES                                                                        

___________, Assistant Principal                                 _____________, Assistant Principal

HPS                                                                             HUES

Dear Parents,

More and more children are coming to school with food allergies.  Symptoms vary, sometimes even becoming life-threatening.  Although ingestion poses the biggest threat, skin contact and cross contamination can also cause a reaction. 

Nuts and nut products are the most common food allergens.  Therefore, in an effort to maintain a safe school environment for all students, it may be necessary to assign a nut safe classroom at each grade level.  Nut safe procedures may be implemented at any time during the school year depending on student needs. 

To accomplish this goal, your cooperation and commitment is very much needed.  Being in a nut safe classroom requires that staff and students follow certain guidelines listed below.  Please read the following information carefully and indicate your preference with regard to participation in such a program.  The bottom portion of this letter should be returned to the Main Office by April 20, 2007.

            *No nuts, nut products, or seeds will be allowed in classroom for any reason.

  This includes snacks, lunches, crafts, holiday projects, and celebrations.

  Food labels should be read carefully.  The New Safe Food Labeling Act

  requires that all manufacturers list all food allergens.  Information included    

  should help to guide you.

*Students, staff, and visitors to nut safe areas will wipe hands before entering.

*No animals, like guinea pigs or hamsters, that eat dry foods will be allowed.

*Students in nut safe classrooms will receive education about food allergies.

Thank you for your continued help in keeping our students safe!

Sincerely,

Principal, HUES                        Assistant Principal, HUES                     School Nurse, HUEs

_____ Yes – I have read, understand, and agree to follow the guidelines of a nut safe

classroom and to have my child, __________________________________________,

placed in a nut safe room for the school year 2007/2008.

_____No – I do not want my child, _________________________________________,

placed in a nut safe room for the school year 2007/2008.

______________________________________        _____________________________

Parent Signature                                                            Date

Dear Parents,                                                                                        Date

We are taking this opportunity to inform you of some important information and ask for your consideration in our efforts to provide a safe school environment for all students.  This year we have several children in our school who have life threatening allergies to peanuts/nuts.  This particular allergy can be difficult to manage within the school setting because strict avoidance of even the smallest trace of nut protein is required.  While ingestion of the protein by allergic children will certainly cause a very serious reaction or even possibly death, these students can also become sick through skin contact and inhalation of nut proteins.

Prevention of exposure to these allergens is the primary means of keeping these children safe.  Therefore, it is beneficial to reduce the amount of nut and peanut products in the school environment.  We will continue to have some nut-free classrooms and the cafeteria will no longer serve products that contain nuts or traces of nuts.  The cafeteria will offer other sandwich and lunch alternatives.

We are asking for your assistance in helping to provide a safe environment for all our students.  Please remind your children to wash their hands and faces after eating, never to share food, and reinforce the “No Eating on the Bus” policy.  Providing snacks and lunches at school not containing nuts would be appreciated.  We recognize that not every family will be willing or able to make this choice.  However, if we are able to significantly reduce the amount of the allergen at school by those willing to voluntarily participate in this effort, we will be able to increase the safety of these children. 

Some key points to consider regarding food allergies:

·         A fatal allergic reaction can be caused by as little as one milligram (1/5000 of a teaspoon) of an allergen.

·         Most food allergic reactions occur from eating an unexpected or hidden ingredient, or unknowingly ingesting the allergen.

·         Highly allergic people can develop symptoms when the allergen comes in contact with their skin (tactile) or from merely inhaling (airborne) the food vapors.

Thank you for your support in this important matter.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

__________________                 ________________________

Principal                                   Registered School Nurse                         

HEALTH ALERT:  NUT ALLERGIES                       (G)

FIRST GRADE BUS RIDE NUT SAFE

In our efforts to provide a safe school environment at all times, we ask that the First Grade Bus Ride Event be nut safe.  No nuts or nut products will be permitted in the school at that time. 

We also ask that anyone coming to the school (parent, teacher, or child) wash their hands before coming, especially if they have had nuts and/or nut products for breakfast.  Oils from such items can remain on the skin and may very well prompt an adverse reaction in those who are sensitive.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us to keep students safe.