Parent, This is a copy of a letter sent home each September. Let it serve as a gentle reminder of our policy at Dickerson School. The spirit of the policy is aimed at two areas. First of all, we do NOT want to send children the message that food is a reward. Second of all, regardless of whether or not your child has a child with a food allergy in their classroom THIS YEAR, someday they will. If we are treat-free in every classroom, then the allergic child will never be the cause of a year without “goodies”. Let their rewards be books, games, free-time etc.

Parents should be able to retain the knowledge and choice over their child’s nutritional intake, especially at this young age.

After careful consideration, we have decided to continue our current birthday celebration procedure.

Many children at Dickerson have food allergies and dietary restrictions. Therefore, we kindly ask that NO edible birthday treats be sent to school.

Your child’s birthday will be acknowledged in the classroom. If your child desires to bring something in to share with their classmates, we ask that it be an item such as a novelty pencil, a special book or something they can all enjoy.

Please avoid food completely.

This includes Star-of-the Week and all other opportunities to bring food, UNLESS REQUESTED BY THE TEACHER. In this case she will have already met with the nurse and parents of children most affected.