My son is "star of the week" which means he picks a friend to get the milk from the lunchroom every day this week. Well, this is during the time that they are making the PB&J's for the day. They said he couldn't eat in the lunchroom or the lunch, but they send him in that small space with peanut butter. UGH!! Well, I didn't know until he came home yesterday and told me. Now they are going to set the milk out in the hall for him and make sure that person has washed her hands. It hadn't even "crossed their minds".
And next year?? A new group of people to educate on this. It stinks!!
Boomer,
Everyone here would handle/does handle this kind of thing differently. I'll share with you how I generally deal with school.
My son is now in 4th grade. We have a 504 with everything outlined/addressed that we feel is necessary. The school has been absolutely WONDERFUL and then some. However, sometimes things like you mentioned pop up.
Our school has recently gone "treat free." That means no food in the rooms from home or PTA for holidays, birthdays, etc., and no "reward treats" from the teachers to the students in the form of food/candy. Great.
Last week I (and all 4th grade parents) received a note from the 4th grade teachers asking for permission to do a graphing lesson with the students using Fruit Loops, M&Ms, and Smarties. The note did not state that the kids would be allowed to eat the stuff after the lesson, but it's safe to assume they would be, and happily would! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]
My son's teacher spoke with me face-to-face about the upcoming lesson, and asked me how I would like to handle it. I said the Smarties were safe, but the M&Ms were not, and I'd have to check on the Fruit Loops. She asked if I had something to substitute for the M&Ms. I told her we could get Skittles. I found out the Fruit Loops were OK, too.
So, to make this story a bit shorter... We decided that the graphing activity was fine, even with the M&Ms for the other kids. Our son carries wipes with him to the three classrooms (they change throughout the day), and he will be sure to wipe EXTRA CAREFULLY on M&M day. I have also asked the teachers to keep a closer eye on him on that day as well. But, beyond that, that's all we're doing about it.
Sad but true, sometimes our son is put into a "guinea pig" sort of situation, and if the risk is perceived by us to be **minimal,** chances are, we'll give it a try. If he comes out OK, then it was good that he could participate as "normally" as possible.
Next year, he goes to the middle school. Things will be A LOT different there. He will have to look out for himself even more. These little baby steps, in our opinion, are worth it. Rather take them now, than have to take a huge leap next year.
Again, everyone handles things differently. You'll find *your* way.
BTW, I think it was good that your school changed how they handled the situation. It shows they are willing to learn, and to make the necessary changes. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]
[This message has been edited by Lam (edited January 10, 2007).]
Boomer, I know how you feel. I thought I had all bases covered and would constantly see additional things that needed addressed when I was at school as a volunteer. Hang in there! It isn't easy....I continue to challenge my DS to speak up when he feels that something puts him in a bad spot with food allergies.
Lam--
I tend to not back down, (not saying you did), but I would have held my position on the m&m's and suggested kissables or another safe candy....
I feel like there could be confusion with what's okay and not okay in the future. Even though you said the school is treat free.
I would have even asked them to stay within the parameters of no treats and asked them to use an object rather than food.
(erasers, pennies, plastic tokens or something that can be purchased in bulk inexpensively.)
I guess I am particularly wary of the M&Ms because my DS had minor reactions to them before we knew about PA....he also had a contact reaction after a friend ate them and touched him.
We all have to work with what fits for our situation!
Yes, I am glad they handled it the way they did and are allowing him to still get the milk, but leaving it in the hall for him. I was just surprised because for the last week we have been going back and forth about him being in the lunch room for lunch, or eating their lunch, and they send him into the kitchen. But once pointed out, they were very sorry! But like me, they are doing 100 things at once!! I get it.
Quote:Originally posted by Boomer:
[b]
And next year?? A new group of people to educate on this. [/b]
Hey Boomer,
The more you do it, the easier it becomes. Really, I'm not kidding. It sort of becomes old stuff after a while. You learn to use different approaches for different situations. And when they really don't get it I just casually mention the word "dead" as morbid as that is. It seems to get their attention. And it is interesting to watch for the "proverbial lightbulb" to eventually go off in certain peoples head.
Hang in there!
PP
[This message has been edited by perpetually perplexed (edited January 10, 2007).]
If anyone was concerned (or cared [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img] ) about the M&Ms in my son's room(s), it worked out fine today. Yeah!!! I am glad it's over... and that it went OK. Another check in the "normalcy" column. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]