Comments on: Here’s the rest of the story…. http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/05/07/heres-the-rest-of-the-story/ A food allergy food blog and resource for moms (and dads) Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:46:08 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: kellyrudnicki http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/05/07/heres-the-rest-of-the-story/comment-page-1/#comment-6819 kellyrudnicki Thu, 14 Jan 2010 20:22:27 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=383#comment-6819 Thanks so much for sharing your story! Thanks so much for sharing your story!

]]> By: tammy w jones http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/05/07/heres-the-rest-of-the-story/comment-page-1/#comment-6755 tammy w jones Wed, 13 Jan 2010 01:30:26 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=383#comment-6755 Hi my name is Tammy Jones and I live in Snow Hill N.C. I have an 11 year old daughter that has literally been though hell and back because of her food allergies. Rachel is allergic to peanuts, eggs , soy, malt, seafood,coconut, carmel and more. School has always been a tramatic experience for Rachel. The school that she started in was a peanut butter free school yet they still let children take it in their lunch boxs and also had it at school events such as field day and etc. The children going to school with Rachel were always looking out for her and her safety but as for the adults Rachel was more of a burden and was treated so badly. She was made to be an outsider by the way the teachers treated her, she struggled with bad grades, they took her out of the classroom for extra help which really ended up segregating her from other students. Rachel always seemed frustrated in her work and school anxiety had overtook her life in school, she cried just about everyday. Rachel went through something every year starting in kindgerton from being made to leave the room when making peanut butter birdhouse(at a peanut butter free school) they sent her back to the classroom afterwards and she had to be rushed to the hospital. Third grade she was punished in the lunchroom because a child had brought peanut butter for lunch and Rachel was sent to the suspension table for lunch to eat. The teachers were destroying her, if she asked a question they wouldnt help her. They even had me test her for ADD for a year just anything to bring her self asteem down they did it . They wouldnt let her be in chorus one year I guess because she might be to much of a bother on trips. For years I thought about moving her to another school but I worked 5 minutes away and so was the hospital and on several occassions she had to be rushed to the hospital from school. It was very hard on me working because i was so stressed out and they were calling me from school alot. I was working for a dentist( who put the icing on the cake so to speak) he told me he a a problem with Rachel because of her food allergies and me having to go to school so much and i was told by him that i could not have anymore phone calls from school, can you imagine your child going into a allergic reaction and not being able to help her, anyway he was crazy and i quit my job. The last straw came this year in August when Rachel was going to go the the next level school in this district and i had met with the principle twice through the summer to get them ready for Rachel and her allergies, well the first day of school came and i took her into school because i had to take her epipen, inhaler, and benadryl in to give to her teacher, when i was told i could not leave her meds at school with her or she would have to leave. The reason why i was told that proper paperwork had not been filled out, and i had meetings thought the summer not a word was ever said about paperwork .I was always use to the paperwork being sent home the first week of school. I took Rachel and put her in the car i didnt know where to go or what to do i felt helpless and i felt so bad for her i mean she has been through so much over her allergies and now she was turned away the first day of school.i was so upset but Rachel just said mama i dont ever want to go back to this school system again. I had just lost my job because the pharmacy i worked at closed and so with no attachments to the town i worked in and she went to school in. i called the school near my home and they welcomed us with open arms. This school district had never had any child allergic to peanut butter or allergies like Rachels but i asked them to please take my daughter and treat her like a normal human not like she had the plague. By that afternoon at 3pm we were meeting with all the school staff to talk Rachel included. They was been a GOD SENT , Rachel is like a different child she loves school she cant wait to go everyday , she is making the A honor rolls and student of the week. I THANK GOD EVERYDAY for these wonderful people and the only thing that they done was treated her normal and help look after her, for the first time i feel like she is safe. The school nurse was great she educated every classroom which made the students very excited to meet Rachel and eager to learn more. The cafateria staff gave me lables to read. I am writing this because for years i put up with so much junk at school i guess i thought in a way it was the way her life was going to be but GOD turned it all around. My child is now full of confidence and happiness no more anxiety and frustration just because people are educated about food allergies Hi my name is Tammy Jones and I live in Snow Hill N.C. I have an 11 year old daughter that has literally been though hell and back because of her food allergies. Rachel is allergic to peanuts, eggs , soy, malt, seafood,coconut, carmel and more. School has always been a tramatic experience for Rachel. The school that she started in was a peanut butter free school yet they still let children take it in their lunch boxs and also had it at school events such as field day and etc. The children going to school with Rachel were always looking out for her and her safety but as for the adults Rachel was more of a burden and was treated so badly. She was made to be an outsider by the way the teachers treated her, she struggled with bad grades, they took her out of the classroom for extra help which really ended up segregating her from other students. Rachel always seemed frustrated in her work and school anxiety had overtook her life in school, she cried just about everyday. Rachel went through something every year starting in kindgerton from being made to leave the room when making peanut butter birdhouse(at a peanut butter free school) they sent her back to the classroom afterwards and she had to be rushed to the hospital. Third grade she was punished in the lunchroom because a child had brought peanut butter for lunch and Rachel was sent to the suspension table for lunch to eat. The teachers were destroying her, if she asked a question they wouldnt help her. They even had me test her for ADD for a year just anything to bring her self asteem down they did it . They wouldnt let her be in chorus one year I guess because she might be to much of a bother on trips. For years I thought about moving her to another school but I worked 5 minutes away and so was the hospital and on several occassions she had to be rushed to the hospital from school. It was very hard on me working because i was so stressed out and they were calling me from school alot. I was working for a dentist( who put the icing on the cake so to speak) he told me he a a problem with Rachel because of her food allergies and me having to go to school so much and i was told by him that i could not have anymore phone calls from school, can you imagine your child going into a allergic reaction and not being able to help her, anyway he was crazy and i quit my job. The last straw came this year in August when Rachel was going to go the the next level school in this district and i had met with the principle twice through the summer to get them ready for Rachel and her allergies, well the first day of school came and i took her into school because i had to take her epipen, inhaler, and benadryl in to give to her teacher, when i was told i could not leave her meds at school with her or she would have to leave. The reason why i was told that proper paperwork had not been filled out, and i had meetings thought the summer not a word was ever said about paperwork .I was always use to the paperwork being sent home the first week of school. I took Rachel and put her in the car i didnt know where to go or what to do i felt helpless and i felt so bad for her i mean she has been through so much over her allergies and now she was turned away the first day of school.i was so upset but Rachel just said mama i dont ever want to go back to this school system again. I had just lost my job because the pharmacy i worked at closed and so with no attachments to the town i worked in and she went to school in. i called the school near my home and they welcomed us with open arms. This school district had never had any child allergic to peanut butter or allergies like Rachels but i asked them to please take my daughter and treat her like a normal human not like she had the plague. By that afternoon at 3pm we were meeting with all the school staff to talk Rachel included. They was been a GOD SENT , Rachel is like a different child she loves school she cant wait to go everyday , she is making the A honor rolls and student of the week. I THANK GOD EVERYDAY for these wonderful people and the only thing that they done was treated her normal and help look after her, for the first time i feel like she is safe. The school nurse was great she educated every classroom which made the students very excited to meet Rachel and eager to learn more. The cafateria staff gave me lables to read. I am writing this because for years i put up with so much junk at school i guess i thought in a way it was the way her life was going to be but GOD turned it all around. My child is now full of confidence and happiness no more anxiety and frustration just because people are educated about food allergies

]]> By: kellyrudnicki http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/05/07/heres-the-rest-of-the-story/comment-page-1/#comment-2485 kellyrudnicki Sun, 07 Jun 2009 17:53:24 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=383#comment-2485 Thanks so much Joy for your post! You are so right; when the school sets the tone the parents will follow. I have an update to this story that I will post soon.... Thanks so much Joy for your post! You are so right; when the school sets the tone the parents will follow. I have an update to this story that I will post soon….

]]> By: Joy Parker http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/05/07/heres-the-rest-of-the-story/comment-page-1/#comment-2467 Joy Parker Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:15:07 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=383#comment-2467 Kelly, I am totally for a NO "food" BIRTHDAY celebration. The school that my daughter is at is currently trying to get that done. Her teacher already recommends that we dont send treats. I had made bags with yoyo's, stickers, erasers and silly pencil topers, the kids were so excited that they did'nt even mention treats. My daughters birthday is right when school starts so it set the tone, a handfull of other parents followed. I have made the sinckers dos and they were a hit at a party that I brought them to. I cant wait to try the pumpkin cake. Thanks for all your hard work. I am looking forward to your cook book. Joy Kelly,
I am totally for a NO “food” BIRTHDAY celebration. The school that my daughter is at is currently trying to get that done. Her teacher already recommends that we dont send treats. I had made bags with yoyo’s, stickers, erasers and silly pencil topers, the kids were so excited that they did’nt even mention treats. My daughters birthday is right when school starts so it set the tone, a handfull of other parents followed. I have made the sinckers dos and they were a hit at a party that I brought them to. I cant wait to try the pumpkin cake. Thanks for all your hard work. I am looking forward to your cook book.
Joy

]]> By: Jenny http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/05/07/heres-the-rest-of-the-story/comment-page-1/#comment-1777 Jenny Sat, 16 May 2009 22:08:42 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=383#comment-1777 I personally check out the Fun Lunch restaurant prior to the day and have been fortunate that my daughter could eat the simple food available. Since we only deal with a nut allergy, we may have a few more options. My principal did the right thing by banning edible B-day treats and I think I'll let her know how much we appreciate it now that the year is winding down. It will give her some validation the next time she has to listen to one of the "annoyed" parents like the one who just posted before me! :) Great job on your school advocacy--just think of all the future kids/parents who will benefit from your efforts. I personally check out the Fun Lunch restaurant prior to the day and have been fortunate that my daughter could eat the simple food available. Since we only deal with a nut allergy, we may have a few more options.

My principal did the right thing by banning edible B-day treats and I think I’ll let her know how much we appreciate it now that the year is winding down. It will give her some validation the next time she has to listen to one of the “annoyed” parents like the one who just posted before me! :)

Great job on your school advocacy–just think of all the future kids/parents who will benefit from your efforts.

]]> By: kellyrudnicki http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/05/07/heres-the-rest-of-the-story/comment-page-1/#comment-1698 kellyrudnicki Fri, 15 May 2009 00:54:38 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=383#comment-1698 Wow Jenny, that's extreme? LOL. What do you do for Fun Lunch? I couldn't agree with you more; we have the same issues, diabetic kids, kids with celiac disease, etc. so I'm as stumped as you. Wow Jenny, that’s extreme? LOL. What do you do for Fun Lunch? I couldn’t agree with you more; we have the same issues, diabetic kids, kids with celiac disease, etc. so I’m as stumped as you.

]]> By: Jenny http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/05/07/heres-the-rest-of-the-story/comment-page-1/#comment-1686 Jenny Thu, 14 May 2009 18:51:37 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=383#comment-1686 Our school has a no b-day treat policy but they do allow food for school celebrations. They also have a "Fun Lunch" (food brought in from an outside restaurant) for each grade. I'm continually stumped on why we need to serve food constantly in the classroom and while I'm involved in bringing allergy-free treats, etc. it is one added stress that I really wish I didn't have. I know that our school has not only allergic kids but diabetic kids as well and all the sweets/edible treats offered are, to me, not necessary. However, our principal is considered extreme by many simply because she bans b-day treats--so that ought to tell you something about what I'm up against. Our school has a no b-day treat policy but they do allow food for school celebrations. They also have a “Fun Lunch” (food brought in from an outside restaurant) for each grade.

I’m continually stumped on why we need to serve food constantly in the classroom and while I’m involved in bringing allergy-free treats, etc. it is one added stress that I really wish I didn’t have. I know that our school has not only allergic kids but diabetic kids as well and all the sweets/edible treats offered are, to me, not necessary.

However, our principal is considered extreme by many simply because she bans b-day treats–so that ought to tell you something about what I’m up against.

]]> By: kellyrudnicki http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/05/07/heres-the-rest-of-the-story/comment-page-1/#comment-1637 kellyrudnicki Wed, 13 May 2009 14:19:16 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=383#comment-1637 TA, I am sorry you feel that way. Why would you be annoyed? What I have always proposed at my son's schools is a No Birthday Treat/Food Policy, not a food ban schoolwide. Of course that is unrealistic, and I do see the benefit of having certain type of food activities add to the educational impact in the classroom. For example, my 3rd grader just celebrated Heritage Day in her class, and all the children brought in foods relating to their family's heritage. It was a wonderful example of how food can help bring together families, friends and teachers. However, when it comes to celebrating birthdays in school I think a book, or a non food item such as pencils, stickers, comics, etc. would take the emphasis away from food during the school day, eliminates sugar at 2pm (who needs it?), doesn't exclude other children from participating (ie children with food allergies, and by the way this does affect the emotional impact of such children) and keeps unsafe and unneccessary food out of the classroom. My son's teacher is AWESOME and adopted his own Non Food Birthday Treat Rule without me even asking. He sent home the letter detailing allergies in the classroom at the begining of the year, and I feel so grateful. What I am proposing is that the rule applies school wide, so there are no gray areas. TA, I am sorry you feel that way. Why would you be annoyed? What I have always proposed at my son’s schools is a No Birthday Treat/Food Policy, not a food ban schoolwide. Of course that is unrealistic, and I do see the benefit of having certain type of food activities add to the educational impact in the classroom. For example, my 3rd grader just celebrated Heritage Day in her class, and all the children brought in foods relating to their family’s heritage. It was a wonderful example of how food can help bring together families, friends and teachers. However, when it comes to celebrating birthdays in school I think a book, or a non food item such as pencils, stickers, comics, etc. would take the emphasis away from food during the school day, eliminates sugar at 2pm (who needs it?), doesn’t exclude other children from participating (ie children with food allergies, and by the way this does affect the emotional impact of such children) and keeps unsafe and unneccessary food out of the classroom. My son’s teacher is AWESOME and adopted his own Non Food Birthday Treat Rule without me even asking. He sent home the letter detailing allergies in the classroom at the begining of the year, and I feel so grateful. What I am proposing is that the rule applies school wide, so there are no gray areas.

]]> By: TA http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/05/07/heres-the-rest-of-the-story/comment-page-1/#comment-1636 TA Wed, 13 May 2009 13:58:15 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=383#comment-1636 I have three kids in school and I would really be annoyed with a parent who managed to get a No Food policy passed. Our teachers are, I guess, better at paying attention to allergies than yours. A No Food policy would be unnecessary. I have three kids in school and I would really be annoyed with a parent who managed to get a No Food policy passed. Our teachers are, I guess, better at paying attention to allergies than yours. A No Food policy would be unnecessary.

]]> By: Lorraine http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/05/07/heres-the-rest-of-the-story/comment-page-1/#comment-1520 Lorraine Sun, 10 May 2009 18:17:01 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=383#comment-1520 Oops...my quotes from your letter did not appear. Specifically I was referring to the no impact on education is food is out of the classroom and all of the other issues, such as obesity, that are affecting by having so much food at school. Oops…my quotes from your letter did not appear. Specifically I was referring to the no impact on education is food is out of the classroom and all of the other issues, such as obesity, that are affecting by having so much food at school.

]]> By: Lorraine http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/05/07/heres-the-rest-of-the-story/comment-page-1/#comment-1519 Lorraine Sun, 10 May 2009 18:15:21 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=383#comment-1519 <> EXACTLY! Great point. <> This is so true. I have heard more and more parents at our school complain about special lunch and treat days as well as all of the birthday celebrations, holiday parties, rewards, et al in the classroom that involve food. Enough is enough, allergies or no. <>

EXACTLY! Great point.

<>

This is so true. I have heard more and more parents at our school complain about special lunch and treat days as well as all of the birthday celebrations, holiday parties, rewards, et al in the classroom that involve food. Enough is enough, allergies or no.

]]> By: Nowheymama http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/05/07/heres-the-rest-of-the-story/comment-page-1/#comment-1418 Nowheymama Fri, 08 May 2009 00:51:03 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=383#comment-1418 You go, Mama! You go, Mama!

]]> By: Jennifer B http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/05/07/heres-the-rest-of-the-story/comment-page-1/#comment-1417 Jennifer B Fri, 08 May 2009 00:34:45 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=383#comment-1417 Oh, Kelly. I am sorry you have to deal with this. I have heard horror stories about such school confrontations. My son starts Kindergarten in September. Can't help but feel apprehensive, following in the footsteps of other brave moms like you. If you need to pick the brains of those who've gone before you and are looking for some good allergy mom brains to pick, I highly recommend visiting the schools thread on www.foodallergysupport.org. I think those moms have seen almost everything they can throw at us! Good luck and keep us posted. Oh, Kelly. I am sorry you have to deal with this. I have heard horror stories about such school confrontations. My son starts Kindergarten in September. Can’t help but feel apprehensive, following in the footsteps of other brave moms like you. If you need to pick the brains of those who’ve gone before you and are looking for some good allergy mom brains to pick, I highly recommend visiting the schools thread on http://www.foodallergysupport.org. I think those moms have seen almost everything they can throw at us! Good luck and keep us posted.

]]> By: Lissa http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/05/07/heres-the-rest-of-the-story/comment-page-1/#comment-1411 Lissa Thu, 07 May 2009 20:24:20 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=383#comment-1411 Oh, boy, Kelly! I am so grateful to you and the other proactive parents of food allergic kids who are paving the way and making progress every year in the school systems. I am not looking forward to the first day I have to drop Caroline off at "real" school, and that day seems nearer every time I read one of these stories. It seems to me that the backlash on the No Treat policy is spearheaded by two distinct groups: the ignorant who simply don't understand or see the true danger inherent to our kids and the belligerent who are entrenched in their belief that we are simply a minority of overanxious drama-mamas who invent problems to somehow seek attention for ourselves. One can be counteracted through discussion and education. The other? Well, I haven't found the solution for those yet. I sincerely hope you are encountering just ignorance in this instance. Best of luck. Oh, boy, Kelly! I am so grateful to you and the other proactive parents of food allergic kids who are paving the way and making progress every year in the school systems. I am not looking forward to the first day I have to drop Caroline off at “real” school, and that day seems nearer every time I read one of these stories.

It seems to me that the backlash on the No Treat policy is spearheaded by two distinct groups: the ignorant who simply don’t understand or see the true danger inherent to our kids and the belligerent who are entrenched in their belief that we are simply a minority of overanxious drama-mamas who invent problems to somehow seek attention for ourselves. One can be counteracted through discussion and education. The other? Well, I haven’t found the solution for those yet. I sincerely hope you are encountering just ignorance in this instance.

Best of luck.

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