PreK-5 Allergy Letter (26/27)

August 2026

We believe every child deserves to feel safe, included, and celebrated. This is especially important when it comes to students with food allergies. For some children, exposure to even a small amount of an allergen can cause a serious or potentially life-threatening reaction. With a growing number of food allergies and dietary restrictions among our students, and with the health and wellness of our students as a priority, we are writing to share important information with you.

Our primary & elementary schools will not allow edible treats or food items for in-school birthday celebrations to help keep celebrations safe and inclusive for all students. This includes all homemade and store-bought food items. Our goal is to ensure that all children can participate in classroom celebrations safely and comfortably.

We understand that birthdays are special. These are exciting days for our students, and we want to continue making each child feel celebrated by his or her school family. If you would like your child to share something with classmates in honor of his or her birthday, you are welcome to send in a small non-food item instead. Some ideas might include stickers, pencils, erasers, bookmarks, bubbles, crayons, coloring pages, or other small items.

Please know that sending something in is completely optional. Our teachers and staff will continue to recognize birthdays and make these days special for our students—with or without a birthday item from home.

Thank you for your understanding and partnership as we make this change. By working together, we will ensure every student feels safe, included, and celebrated on these special days.

With appreciation and care,

Jennifer Springer, Allendale Elementary Principal

Kim McCartan, Clinton Primary Principal

Angela Ferri, Northwood Elementary Principal

Kristen Frawley, Ed.D., West Elementary Principal

Holly Quinn, Ed.D., Winchester-Potters Interim Principal

Lisa Krueger, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools

We are an educational community that encourages kindness, inspires confidence, and instills the belief that together we can achieve anything.