Okay, head exploded [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/mad.gif[/img] Call another PA parent and PA.com member who lives in the same province as I do to make sure that I am not totally insane [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/tongue.gif[/img]
Call the school. Principal was not at his desk. Ask to speak with the Vice Principal. I tell her that I would like to get an IPRC for Jesse and how do I do that? She asks if it is for him academically or health wise. I said health wise regarding his peanut allergy. She says she doesn't know what is involved and will have to get back to me.
The other PA parent I spoke with has told me that I request the IPRC in writing, to the principal. I am just unclear as to what exactly I put in the letter.
I relayed the story of the unsafe products being brought into the classroom and how another child and her Mother had spoken up on Jesse's behalf and I told her what the other Mother said (he shouldn't be allowed in the classroom).
She told me that Jesse's teacher stays in the classroom eating her lunch for 15 minutes, which she does not have to do, because of Jesse's PA. Otherwise, there is no supervision. She gives the lunches a cursory look, again, because checking them outright would be illegal.
She asked me if I knew specifically what products were being brought in, which I didn't. She said that it's especially problematic with cookies because of all of the warning labels.
I explained that even though the cookies have a warning of "may contain" there is the 1 in 5 chance that they do and the 1 in 5 chance of residue thereby being left behind.
I told her that the Principal had told me at the beginning of the school year that a letter could be sent home asking permission to check lunches. She said that even if this was done, they do not have the manpower to do it and since I'm the PA parent, I can't volunteer to be that person power.
She said at a Principals' Meeting sometime this year they were told that Jesse did NOT have a "peanut free" classroom in Grade 1 (and yet, the young girl and her Mother sticking up for Jesse know Jesse from that very same Grade 1 class where lunches were put on a round table and checked by an E.A. each morning). I corrected her. I said that not only did he have a "peanut free" classroom but that his written school plan was adhered to, every point, something that they will not do at this school. And I told her that he also had a "peanut free" classroom last year and his written school plan was also adhered to last year.
She told me that they're not supposed to call a classroom "peanut free" because of liability issues. Liability issues my a**! If my son has a reaction at this school, who do you think I'm calling as soon as I post about it here? My lawyer! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/mad.gif[/img]
She then went on to say that as far as the other children bringing unsafe food into the classroom, it really comes down to who would win the battle for their child's rights. Me, the PA parent, or those who want to send peanut products into the classroom. What? A question of rights? Is the other child bringing these things into the classroom because of a medical condition? Does my son have the *right* to die at school in Ontario?
(touching wood furiously [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/frown.gif[/img] )
I have to ask - what is wrong with these people? What is wrong?
Now, as most everyone knows, I have often had a difficult time in school with Jesse. Last year was the Year from He** which everyone got to read about.
But in Grade 1, in this same school district, I had NO problems. None that I can remember anyway. Nothing significant. Nothing LIFE THREATENING.
I asked her about educating the school community as a whole re food allergies by using the Shoppers' Drug Mart pharmacist and she said that I really have to come to the next Parent Council meeting and discuss things with them. I have been placed on the agenda.
My PA son has the right to die in an Ontario classroom because another child's parent chooses to buy an unsafe cookie. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/mad.gif[/img] [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/frown.gif[/img]
I have a bunch of other legal stuff going on right now (landlord, etc.) and am trying to keep my head above water, although I imagine many can sense me drowning, but I am going to follow-up hopefully this week with The Ontario Human Rights Commission. I know the gentleman I spoke with there at the beginning of the school year, when he dealt with the superintendent used the word BAN and said my son had better be in that school. I never had to file a formal complaint. Perhaps it has come to that?
Oh, and I did ask about the list of "safe" products that Ember had received in her "peanut free" classroom and where that list came from, with the glaring errors. Where? The other PA parent. Just bloody lovely. I continue to look like a raving f/n lunatic because someone has a lax "comfort zone" and was the first PA parent in the school instead of me.
I think that about covers it. Thanks for listening.
Now I understand why I buried my head in the sand for these months. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/frown.gif[/img]
And then, I think, okay, look at erik posting. He managed to survive school without "peanut free" classrooms, maybe Jesse will be okay.
Then think about last year at this time where he had the anaphylactic reaction to residue after leaving the breakfast program I ran.
Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]
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Simply re-raising because I had to go through the whole thread to start to sift through information to put in my Ontario Human Rights Commission Complaint.
I have to say this. It is SO true. PA.com is my journal. It's definitely my PA journal. I have dates of EVERYTHING that has ever happened to Jesse, PA related, everything and anything right here. I am so thankful.
I also have the information provided by other members right here at my fingertips to also add.
Of course, some may say that this is a continuing journal of my life period, but hey, you have to read between the lines! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/tongue.gif[/img]
I just wanted to say I really really appreciate everyone's support and caring, concern and encouragement. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]
Happy Holidays! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]
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Re-raising, 'cus I can't remember how it panned out.
Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]
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There but for the Grace of God, go I.