Peanut Allergy
The threat of a severe allergic reaction in a young child is more prevalent than ever. Often when we think of someone having an allergy we think of hay fever. Red, itchy, eyes, runny noses, and itchy skin. One rarely envisions a seemingly innocent pleasure of childhood as one of the most lethal allergens facing students today. The culprit - peanut butter.The number of students with life-threatening peanut butter allergies is on the rise. Students with this allergy are extremely sensitive and strict precautions must be made.
If peanut butter or even the tiniest amount of peanut or any type of nut enters the student's body (through the mouth, eyes, or even nose) he experiences very strong reactions. His/her face swells and he/she breaks out in hives, and most significantly their throat swells, impairing breathing. Without immediate treatment the student could die within minutes.
The District 112 policy states that affected classrooms will have a letter sent at the beginning of the school year notifying parents that someone in their child's classroom has a peanut/nut allergy. We ask that you do not send any peanut or nut containing products for your child to eat during snack in the classroom.
Since lunch is eaten in the cafeteria, your child may bring peanut butter, peanut, or nut products for lunch. In the cafeteria there will be a designated peanut-safe table where any classmate without peanut or nut products can sit. If your child sits at this table with a peanut or nut product, s/he will be asked to move to another table. This plan will help to maintain safety in the classroom while allowing non-allergic classmates to enjoy peanut/nut products in a controlled environment.
We realize this request poses an inconvenience for you when packing your child's lunch; however, please keep in mind the empathy and consideration you would want others to show your child if he/she had this condition.
School District #112 would like to express sincere appreciation for your support and understanding of this potentially life-threatening allergy.
For more information regarding peanut butter allergies, please visit the following web sites:
www.consumeraffairs.com/news/watch_that_peanut_butter.htm
Relevant Forms
Food Allergy Action Plan
Prescription Medication Authorization Form
Self-Carry/Self-Administration Form
