Policy on Life-threatening Allergens

We have several students with serious allergies; the most severe being multiple cases of life-threatening peanut allergies. Oakdale Christian School continues to implement the following policy on life-threatening allergens.  The Oakdale community is encouraged to receive the policy with an open heart and the following intent:

• Recognition of the gravity of the situations these children must face
• Protection for these children by establishing reasonable levels of comfort and inclusion at school
• Assurance for parents by proving that the school will be a good steward of their child(ren)
• Maintenance of freedom for the school body while demonstrating appropriate care and concern as a Christian family

This policy includes peanuts, other foods and products such as latex known to produce life-threatening allergic reactions.

• Parents of an affected child are required to provide notice to the Principal, adequate information about the child’s condition, and an emergency response plan.
• All Oakdale families should avoid sending any clearly identifiable peanut products to school with students.
• The school will encourage all families to read and follow suggested food/lunch/snack items on the safe foods list available in the office and on the website.
• The school (in partnership with parents, health officials, and other agencies) will participate in ongoing school community education programs.
• The school will minimize allergens to the highest degree possible at the classroom level.
• The school will minimize allergens to the highest degree possible in common school areas (lunchroom, playground, media center/library, art, music and the gymnasium).
• The school will encourage other parents with children in the classroom to assist in avoidance – especially during special classroom activities and celebrations – but will not require other classrooms to adhere to the same level of compliance.
• Stricter levels of compliance will be enforced in younger classrooms including preschool, kindergarten and 1st/2nd grade (considering students developmental understanding).
• The school will provide separate eating accommodations when eating in the lunch room.
• The school will practice and encourage hand washing and cleaning of surfaces after meals in the lunch room.
• The school will train staff on allergies, sources of allergens, avoidance techniques, identification of an allergic reaction in progress, and emergency response procedures.
• The school will work with parents to help the student grow in his/her ability to self-monitor their environment.
• Allergens such as peanuts and peanut butter will not be planned into any classroom curriculum including field trips, art, science or other non-core subjects outside the classroom.
• Disciplinary action will be taken if a student intimidates or deliberately exposes an allergic child with a known allergen.
• Parents must understand and agree that they send their child to school at their own risk - the school cannot and will not guarantee against accidental exposures and cannot accept liability.

List of Safe and Unsafe Foods

Oakdale Christian School sincerely appreciates your continued prayers and support.  You are welcome to share your comments, thoughts, suggestions, and/or ideas with our principal via email at eburgess@grcs.org or by calling the Main Office. 616 574-5700