Pickerington Area Taxpayers Alliance

If you haven't heard, Mantia says no snacks in school, no treats in classes...districtwide.

IS SHE FRIGGIN KIDDING?

By Mr. Wizard

Maybe ... maybe not

I, too, had heard that some of the principals had made this announcement during back-to-school nights. Not all ... just some. However, I'm now hearing that the ''policy'' (whatever that is) was not properly interpreted.

Clearly the District needs to provide some clarification on this topic.

But let me ask this ... can the District (buildings, teachers) accomodate children with food allergies AND still allow snacks, birthday parties, and pizza parties?

Having just spent 5 years volunteering within the elementary school setting, it's been my observation that even the 5-year-olds are more than aware of what they can and cannot consume.

And here's another situation ... the schools have traditionally allowed kids who have a late lunch hour the option of bringing in a snack to tide them over. This clearly aids the learning process as it eliminates potential hunger pains.

So if the District eliminates snacks ... how will this affect my child's ability to learn?

Just askin' ...

By Proud Pick Parent

snack

I heard that edible birthday treats will no longer be allowed (stickers, pencils, etc. are still OK). I didn't hear that individuals won't be able to bring in their own snacks due to late lunches, etc.

As a parent of kid with allergies, I think the district is considering safety with this new policy (and I haven't seen the exact policy). I'd hate to see a child die because a birthday treat contained nuts, pure almond extract, etc. There are some things that aren't obvious to kids (is it nuts or chocolate chips?) and even if the parents write out the ingredients, there could still be concerns.

Until I had kids with food allergies, I never realized how difficult it was to manage and how dangerous exposure can be.

If so, then what about

If the food alergy thing is the key, then why does the district still serve peanut butter as the ''sack lunch?''

By Mr. Wizard