At my kids school we have a no food policy for all classroom parties and even have a ban on most classroom parties. We are not supposed to do birthdays, and it is even discouraged on holidays. They have gone as far as to ban all bake sales as well becuse of the health and wellness programs now in effect. We have been coming up wiht other ways to treat the kids to special occasions. It make it easier in a way cause we have several children in our school with severe food allergies, my son included, but it also makes me feel bad cause I remember when i was a kid how much we looked forward to those fun things.
What some of my kids teachers have done is make it known that the homeroom mothers will be organizing the snacks/supplies with the other parents. The HR Mom calls parents and asks one family for napkins, another cups, another plates, we ask for one 'baked'treat, one wrappable treat,a finger food and juice. We do encourage the 'healthy' treats like sausage and cheese (one year my son and I put pretzel sticks in cheese cubes). I have made the calls asking a family for the cups or what ever and they are glad to help knowing they are contributing. The teacher also has informed us if there were any known allergies in the class and we try to accomodate. I would be against a "no Food" policy for class room parties.
I COMPLETELY agree. We are a tree nut/peanut AWARE school, and we do all we can to prevent anything from happening to the children who have allergies. As far as the whole obesity issue, it DOES begin at home. I never liked the parties that offer 25 different snacks, but one small treat, and a drink, is harmless. Thanks for your input.
well I guess I am lucky because my school district does not have this "No Food"policy. We normally plan small classroom parties for holidays etc.. We try to offer one sweet snack such as cupcakes and we also always have a healthy snack as well chees & crackers, veggies and dip, gold fish crackers etc.We always send a note home telling the parents about it. i feel if your child has an allergy to something it's up to you to send them in a snack for the party so they will not feel left out. As a child I always had celebrations in school and I looked forward to it and ity was a great treat. I see nothing wrong with an occasional party. Good nutrition should start at home a snack at school will not make a child obese. I also love to send home small candy bags for holiday's as well. If they don't want their child to eat it then they can throw it away when they get home. Children work so hard today they deserve some fun as well!
Thanks for the response, although, a few of you are misunderstanding my intent with the question. I am not ambivalent, as one user called me. I am only asking for OPINIONS, to see how other PTO's handle this. I know the laws, I am married to the Assistant Superintendant in our district. I live with the laws. Thanks to everyone who offered an opinion.
Just saw this article from the NY Times. Our district still allows 'treats' for birthdays and parties but each school's principal can ban certain foods.
