PLSD snack policy
Here is an email that was sent from Harmon Middle School today concerning Mantia's snack policy. It seems reasonable to me.
PICKERINGTON LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Parent Update
To: K-6 Parents
From: Karen Mantia, Ed.D., Superintendent
Date: August 31, 2007
Re: Healthy Food Options for Classroom Snacks and Celebrations
This school year, the Pickerington Local School District is making a concerted effort to focus on strategies that encourage a healthy and nutritious school environment. As a responsible school district, we are examining the type of food items for consumption in our classrooms for snacks and special occasions.
Traditionally, these celebrations have included items high in sugar such as cakes, brownies, fudge and candy. Pickerington Local Schools values these celebrations and wants them to continue. However, we encourage parents to consider a healthier alternative food item or even a non-food item such as pencils, bookmarks or stickers for these special occasions.
If you would like to provide a snack or special celebration item for your child or their classmates, please first contact your child's teacher. Celebrations and snacks are important, but must be structured into the school day at the appropriate time. Once this communication has taken place, we encourage you to choose a healthier food option from the list on the back of this page.
These are items that local medical experts have suggested the district encourage until a more extensive wellness policy may be addressed. Please keep in mind that the district has hundreds of students with specific medical concerns including medications, food allergies and diabetes that may require additional alternatives. Communication with your child's teacher about these issues should allow for all students to participate in celebrations and classroom activities in a safe and healthy manner.
The next step in this process is for the district to bring together school professionals, nutritionists, medical specialists and parents to provide a complete and comprehensive committee to focus on student health issues. Once the committee meets and provides appropriate guidelines for all types of wellness issues, the list of suggested snack and treat items may increase to allow greater parent flexibility.
In addition, hand-sanitizing wipes will be placed throughout the school buildings. These safety precautions will further promote a healthy school environment.
Lastly, if there is a special medical condition that needs our attention, please do not hesitate to call.
On behalf of the Pickerington Local School District, I appreciate your support as we work together to create a more healthful learning environment for our students. If you need any additional information related to this issue, please contact your child's school.
List of Recommended Healthy Food Items for Consumption in the Classroom
animal, Goldfish or graham crackers
applesauce or fruit cups
fresh fruits or veggies
dried fruit or raisins
fruit snacks or fruit roll ups
bagels or Baglers
string cheese
beef jerky
pudding
Rice Krispy treats
muffin squares
Here is an email that was sent from Harmon Middle School today concerning Mantia's snack policy. It seems reasonable to me.
PICKERINGTON LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Parent Update
To: K-6 Parents
From: Karen Mantia, Ed.D., Superintendent
Date: August 31, 2007
Re: Healthy Food Options for Classroom Snacks and Celebrations
This school year, the Pickerington Local School District is making a concerted effort to focus on strategies that encourage a healthy and nutritious school environment. As a responsible school district, we are examining the type of food items for consumption in our classrooms for snacks and special occasions.
Traditionally, these celebrations have included items high in sugar such as cakes, brownies, fudge and candy. Pickerington Local Schools values these celebrations and wants them to continue. However, we encourage parents to consider a healthier alternative food item or even a non-food item such as pencils, bookmarks or stickers for these special occasions.
If you would like to provide a snack or special celebration item for your child or their classmates, please first contact your child's teacher. Celebrations and snacks are important, but must be structured into the school day at the appropriate time. Once this communication has taken place, we encourage you to choose a healthier food option from the list on the back of this page.
These are items that local medical experts have suggested the district encourage until a more extensive wellness policy may be addressed. Please keep in mind that the district has hundreds of students with specific medical concerns including medications, food allergies and diabetes that may require additional alternatives. Communication with your child's teacher about these issues should allow for all students to participate in celebrations and classroom activities in a safe and healthy manner.
The next step in this process is for the district to bring together school professionals, nutritionists, medical specialists and parents to provide a complete and comprehensive committee to focus on student health issues. Once the committee meets and provides appropriate guidelines for all types of wellness issues, the list of suggested snack and treat items may increase to allow greater parent flexibility.
In addition, hand-sanitizing wipes will be placed throughout the school buildings. These safety precautions will further promote a healthy school environment.
Lastly, if there is a special medical condition that needs our attention, please do not hesitate to call.
On behalf of the Pickerington Local School District, I appreciate your support as we work together to create a more healthful learning environment for our students. If you need any additional information related to this issue, please contact your child's school.
List of Recommended Healthy Food Items for Consumption in the Classroom
animal, Goldfish or graham crackers
applesauce or fruit cups
fresh fruits or veggies
dried fruit or raisins
fruit snacks or fruit roll ups
bagels or Baglers
string cheese
beef jerky
pudding
Rice Krispy treats
muffin squares
