Quote:Originally posted by Stephie's Mom:
[b]Got a few 504 questions:
1. Are PTA sponsored events subject to 504 accommodations? For example, family fun nights held on school property involving food, ice cream socials, etc. Can I request in a 504 that they not serve nutty things? Can anyone give me supporting evidence that PTA events do/don't fall under the jurisdiction of 504? School has mentioned that they don't think PTA events are covered.
2. Can I request that the students not pack pb&j sandwiches when on a field trip, or is it more reasonable to ask that my child be given a peanut free zone to eat in, and that hand washing/wipes be given out after eating?
3. What's the best way to handle the playground situation? Have students wash hands/use wipes before entering playground? DD's playground will be shared with only 1-2 other grades, and they do use it after snack/lunch time.[/b]
Sorry, I did not answer because there are others on the board who know much more about the law than I do. Since no one has responded, I`ll tell you what we do. Dd is 12, so I have definitely BTDT.
1. Yes, it is covered. Dd`s 504 states that peanut products will not be served at any school events or fundraisers. I have read on this board that this is one advantage of a 504 compared to IHP without 504, the fact that non-school activities are covered.
2. Yes, dd`s 504 states that a letter will go home asking parents not to send peanut products on field trips. Most parents comply, at the most 1 or 2 send peanut products anyhow. It is all about reducing the risk.
3. The way we handled it was that dd`s class had to wash hands before entering the classroom. So on the playground, no one had washed hands. They had lunch, then playground, then washed hands,then returned to class. I was really worried about peanut residue in the classroom (dd had a food free room). I wasn`t so worried about peanut residue on the playground. I really think this is a comfort zone issue and depends on how contact sensitive your child is.
[This message has been edited by Carefulmom (edited May 21, 2007).]

Quote:Originally posted by Stephie's Mom:
[b]Got a few 504 questions:
1. Are PTA sponsored events subject to 504 accommodations? For example, family fun nights held on school property involving food, ice cream socials, etc. Can I request in a 504 that they not serve nutty things? Can anyone give me supporting evidence that PTA events do/don't fall under the jurisdiction of 504? School has mentioned that they don't think PTA events are covered.
2. Can I request that the students not pack pb&j sandwiches when on a field trip, or is it more reasonable to ask that my child be given a peanut free zone to eat in, and that hand washing/wipes be given out after eating?
3. What's the best way to handle the playground situation? Have students wash hands/use wipes before entering playground? DD's playground will be shared with only 1-2 other grades, and they do use it after snack/lunch time.[/b]
for #1...I would love to have some support from the PTO...but the way I think I'd have the best support and outcome, is being involved on every committe I can. If they have an ice cream social, being on the committee and having a voice int he planning, will give me a better outcome. If I am actually helping plan it, I can ask that no peanuts be used and hopefully get support of the others on the committee. I would also suggest they offer a soy-icecream or rice-icecream for those who can't have milk....I'd run it myself it needed. But I think if you are part of the solution it's accepted better then being part of the problem(IMO).
#2...my son is going on a field trip this Thurs and this exact thought has crossed my mind. I wish they would suggest to other parents to pack something other then pb. But then pb is everywhere, if other schools are there, it's going to be there. So then I guess I should focus on the pf area that he would be eating at...this has confused me personally. It would be wonderful to go on a field trip and have it peanut free, but in that same breath, it seems impossible at the same time. So my answer(for my child) is to attend ALL field trips, sit with him during lunch so *I* know he's safe, and to bring him home myself(not allow him to ride the bus back home, to avoid exposure risk from dirty hands on the ride home)....
#3 as for the playground. Our kids that eat cold lunches or pb have to wash their hands before going out to play. I think that helps, but neighborhood kids use the playground after school and on weekends, so I think the best solution would be all kids wash before heading out, and my son wash once coming back into class. I would love the whole class to, but I don't think my school would do it.
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Chanda(mother of 4)
Sidney-8 (beef and chocolate, grasses, molds, weeds, guinea pig & asthma)
Jake-6 (peanut, all tree nuts, eggs, trees, grasses, weeds, molds, cats, dogs, guinea pig & eczema & asthma)
Carson-3 1/2 (milk, soy, egg, beef and pork, cats, dog, guinea pig and EE)
Savannah-1 (milk and egg)
[This message has been edited by chanda4 (edited May 21, 2007).]

Yes all school sponsored events must be safe and the same as it is for all general students.Talk to OCR. Our school thinks it only pertains to academics but that is not true. My understanding is anything the general students can do our children have to be able to do them as well.There is a list of examples under section 504(health services,transporation, groups, or clubs etc.)
Your child cannot be excluded. So if having nuts at the event would be a unsafe situation then yes they have to accommodate. The gray area is how far do they have to accommodate. I suppose they could make a nut free area, but in my mind it's too risky. How would they be able to control this. I have had wonderful support with the parents in the PTO. They can really be a big help because they are usually the ones who put on these events. If the PTO is asking for food items to be sent in they will usually put on there flyer a reminder of no nuts due to several students with life threatening allergies or they would request specific items (I would discuss this with them and give them specific items) One year we had a cake walk now changed to sweets and treats walk, and some items came in with nuts that were turned away. Another year the nut items had a note on them not to open in the school adn we found that didn't work so the latest way is items must be store bought items unopened with ingredient listing and all winning items are to be picked up upon leaving. It worked out wonderful. Everyone was happy.
When my daughter goes on a field trip all of the lunches are put in a sealed bag my daughter's is in separate bag. When it's time for lunch we do it the same way we do in the cafeteria. Nut free area on table, napkin or place mat on table for my daughter to place her lunch on.
In school all of the kids who play on the same playscape wash their hands after lunch before going outside.
I would make a call so that you feel confident you are asking what your child is entitled to. I hope this helps.
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mother of 2 children.
8yr old son
11yr old daughter(Ana to Peanut and tree nuts.) sesame seed, animal dander, dust mites, grass,and trees Has eczema. Has outgrown shellfish