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Peanut Allergy Policy

SOUTH SAN ANTONIO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

PEANUT ALLERGY POLICY

 

peanut

GENERAL

Currently, there are no state guidelines to mandate how food allergies are handled at school.  The South San Antonio ISD is implementing the following policy to protect our students who have life-threatening peanut or tree nut allergies and to create added safety for students with allergies.

Each child identified with a diagnosed peanut allergy will have an emergency plan that will be written by the school nurse.  This plan will include care necessary should a reaction occur.  This may include access of an Epi-Pen.

The school nurse will coordinate proper storage of medications, and availability of emergency kit which will contain the physician’s standing order for epinephrine along with an emergency plan specific to that child.

School staff members that are in contact with the child will be given education material via the school nurse to ensure understanding of the food allergy, recognize symptoms, and emergency protocol.

FIELD TRIPS

Eating on the bus is prohibited.  Exceptions should be only to accommodate special needs under Federal or district policy.

Principal Designee must carry the physician ordered Epi- Pen for the child who has a peanut allergy.

CAFETERIA

All peanut food items and items containing tree nuts (walnuts, pecans, etc.) have been eliminated from school menus in South San schools effective August 2011.

The school nurse must report any physician diagnosed food allergies to school cafeteria manager.  Cafeteria manager will be given a food allergy chart from the nurse’s office.  One table in the cafeteria may be designated as a “peanut eating zone”.

A “no sharing and no trading” food policy at lunch and snack time will be encouraged.

CLASSROOM PARTIES and FUNCTIONS

SSAISD encourages the avoidance of peanut/tree nut products being allowed in classrooms or any school-related function including before and after school events, student incentives, etc. (note: accidental ingestion from baked goods and candies  given out as classroom treats can cause anaphylactic reactions.  Some brands of jelly beans have peanut flour in them).

EMPLOYEE TRAINING

A training session will be provided to include a core team.  Parents should be partners in the training process whenever possible.  Staff will be educated on signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction and emergency procedures to follow in the event of a reaction.

NOTE*

All threats or harassment of students with food allergies will be taken seriously and will be dealt with in accordance with the District bullying policy.

This administrative policy will be modified to include any child with allergies who needs special care to ensure their safety in the school setting.  South Sans schools will also work on a student-by-student basis.