Here it is: RUSD (Racine Unified School District) Wellness Policy
- Birthday treats are only acceptable if they meet RUSD Wellness Policy guidelines. Treats must be prepackaged or store-bought. Treats must be healthy (cupcakes, cookies, candy have low nutritional value and, therefore, not permitted)
- Homemade items are not permissible at any time.
- Prepackaged, "unhealthy" treats can be brought on 4 "exemption days" designated by the principal. Those days are Halloween Party day, Holiday Party Day-before winter break, Valentines Day, and the Last Day of School.
- This is a district wide policy adopted by the school board. Should you need clarification or wish to express a concern, please contact the Administrative Service Center (central office).
What?? Where to start? So, I would contend that any treat that I choose to make because I want to do something special for my child on their birthday would have a healthier content than most of the pre-packaged crap at the store. Now, I know the kids are super excited to give pencils or stickers out as their birthday treat (note underlying sarcasm), but I think we should be allowed a special snack. Our school doesn't have over-large classroom sizes (24 kids), but other schools in the district may. So if there are too many birthdays, where there would be sugary snacks everyday, then maybe designate one day during the month and the parents of the kids with birthdays that month can share the snack duty that day.
As to the 4 exception days, I'm sure that the high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils and corn syrup solids are much better for the kids than something that I make in my kitchen.
Maybe the focus of the wellness policy should involve the district reflecting on itself and it's hot lunch program that regularly has foods dripping with grease, and not the parents that care enough to do something special for their kids.
End Rant
here, here! the daily hot lunch program is gross. THAT should be revised.
ReplyDeleteI would rather be the only one feeding my kids. It's my personal nightmare to have several food related allergies. If we took the time to understand that there are so many birthdays and various holidays ie. excuses to stuff our faces with junk we would take pause. In our own offices and work environments we can limit ourselves at our own discretion. Our kids really do not need the added crapola that is the coveted faire. I would rather add a note or special treat in my children's box and not worry that it is offensive. A song or option to be line leader for the day should be enough enough.
ReplyDeleteAs a mother with a child dealing with severe allergies, whether or not the food comes from a home or store - it is still a worry and I have to provide an alternative either way. I think the real issue here is the insistence of buying store bought vs. homemade - and store bought is not only more expensive (who can afford 30 bakery cupcakes?) but also laden with chemicals not found in "from scratch" treats.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the kids do not need to be eating cupcakes every other day to celebrate a birthday, but once or twice a month should not be a big deal. Maybe collective birthday celebrations for the month would be a better alternative. I know my children love the personal recognition that a classroom birthday provides.
I think RUSD's time spent would have been better served trying to make the daily lunch options healthier - they have much bigger fish to fry.
As a mother with a child dealing with severe allergies, whether or not the food comes from a home or store - it is still a worry and I have to provide an alternative either way. I think the real issue here is the insistence of buying store bought vs. homemade - and store bought is not only more expensive (who can afford 30 bakery cupcakes?) but also laden with chemicals not found in "from scratch" treats.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the kids do not need to be eating cupcakes every other day to celebrate a birthday, but once or twice a month should not be a big deal. Maybe collective birthday celebrations for the month would be a better alternative. I know my children love the personal recognition that a classroom birthday provides.
I think RUSD's time spent would have been better served trying to make the daily lunch options healthier - they have much bigger fish to fry.