-
Nut-Free Zone Classrooms at West Tisbury School
The West Tisbury school is committed to offering a safe educational environment for all students, including those with food allergies. Cooperative efforts between students, parents, physicians, and school staff members can help to minimize risk.
When the school learns that a child with a life-threatening food allergy is enrolling, the school nurse, administrators, and classroom teachers will work with the parents to determine the precautions and procedures needed to support the student’s safety and well-being.
Frequently asked questions
What are the different ways students with nut allergies are at risk?
Children with allergies to peanuts and/or tree nuts can have an allergic reaction through contact, airborne, and/or ingestion. A reaction can occur by touching a nut (contact), having the allergen enter through inhalation (airborne), and/or by eating a food item that contains nuts, even trace amounts (ingestion). Some children with nut allergies can have allergic reactions through ingestion only, while others may experience a reaction by contact, airborne, and/or ingestion.
What does an allergic reaction to peanuts/tree nuts look like?
Allergic reactions can range from mild to life-threatening (anaphylaxis), and vary from child to child. Mild reactions can include a skin reaction, such as hives, redness or swelling, stomach upset, wheezing, itchy mouth, lips, or tongue. A life-threatening allergic reaction can result in respiratory distress, shock, and loss of consciousness. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening reaction with rapid onset, and could result in death without medical intervention.
What determines whether a classroom will be designated as a “Nut-Free Zone”?
The West Tisbury School nurse works with parents to determine the child’s allergy severity, and their risk of exposure. The decision to designate a classroom as a “Nut-Free Zone” will be based on the following:
-The student’s allergic reaction severity
-How the student’s allergic reaction is triggered (ingestion, airborne, or contact)
-The allergic reaction history of the student
-The age of the student
What does it mean when a classroom is designated as “Nut-Free”?
During snack, students are only allowed to eat food from home that does not contain nuts. If a student brings in a nut-containing food, they may save it to enjoy in the cafeteria at a “Nut-Safe” table during lunch. It should be noted that all food prepared in the West Tisbury School cafeteria is nut-free.
Food items with labels that state “May contain peanuts or tree nuts” are NOT SAFE to be eaten in a “Nut-Free Zone” classroom.
Food items with labels that state “Processed in a facility that also processes nuts” are also
NOT SAFE to be eaten in a “Nut-Free Zone” classroom.
How can I explain to my child that nuts aren’t allowed in the classroom, especially when all they seem to eat is peanut butter?
Empathy and compassion are the key elements. You can help your child to understand that while some allergies can be a nuisance, like seasonal allergies that result in stuffy noses and sneezing, some severe food allergies can have very dangerous, and even life-threatening reactions. Explain to your child that by not bringing nut-containing products into their classroom, they are helping to protect students with nut allergies. Your child may even feel proud that they are doing their part to keep another student safe.
Why aren’t any middle school classrooms considered “Nut-Free Zones?”
Pediatric allergists generally suggest that as students with severe allergies enter middle school, they are much more independent and capable of managing their allergy for themselves.
Resources
Food Allergy Research and Education
Snack Safely
https://snacksafely.com/safe-snack-guide/
