So Frustrated With School

[Nic]

I sent a note in to the teacher asking what they will be serving at the kindergarten promotion party. I got the note back today. they will be eating pizza, ice cream cups, and pretzels. My son is dairy free as well as gluten free. I just don't understand why they couldn't have included something he can eat just this one time since it is his promotion too. Why not ice pops instead of ice cream or pop corn instead of pretzels. I just feel so bad he is always the odd man out. And I have to say I am a kindergarten teacher and I would not serve anything in my room that everyone could not eat. Well, just venting. Anyone know of any cheese substitute for pizza?

Nicole

[Fiddle-Faddle]

Whole Foods sells some casein-free, dairy-free cheese substitutes. You have to read the labels carefully, though, because they also sell "Veggie-Shreds," that are lactose-free but contain casein.

Is it too late for you to gently suggest to the teacher that she might consider serving something that all in the class can eat? And you can point out that she wouldn't serve peanut butter because some kids have severe nut allergies; your child deserves the same consideration.

It's not just a slap in the face for him, it's one for you, too, as you are the one who has to run around preparing substitute meals and snacks for him. I'm sure if she had a child of her own with food allergies, she'd be more considerate about it!

[chrissy]

i am so sorry that this teacher isn't a little more thoughtful!!! i get torn between wishing people would be considerate of my girls and feeling guilty about not wanting to have to "put people out" because of my girls. kassie went to state with the track team and ran the video camera. the coaches were buying pizza for the team one night. the head coach went out and bought kassie a salad so that she could have something to eat that was provided by the team. i was touched by his thoughtfulness.

[ptkds]

I know exactly how you feel. Last night my dd had a Girl Scout "bridging to brownies" thing, and they served Pizza. I talked to the Assistant leader and told her I would bring brownies for all the girls, and my dd's own pizza. Well, they brought some brownies. And somehow my dd still got glutened, probably because they had them all crammed together on a table and I suspect another girl took a drink out of my dd's can of sprite.

And her school teacher was constantly "forgetting" to let me know when there would be a class party so I could bring something for dd. She would start crying after school because she couldn't have a special treat with her friends. I am so glad that she will no longer be in that teachers class! I just hope that her teacher next year will be more understanding and considerate.

ptkds

[kbtoyssni]

Does the teacher know that her serving all gluten food is upsetting to you? Unless you've told her that you'd like your son to be accomadated she may not realize, especially if you always send food. It's not too hard to include something gluten-free, but she might need some help in realizing that you'd like her to do that and maybe some tips on what gluten-free foods to substitute. We've all gotten really good at thinking outside the box for what "normal" foods are gluten-free, but I can imagine the prospects of organizing a semi-gluten-free kindergarten party for someone who doesn't do gluten-free on a daily basis coud be overwhelming.

[Nic]

Does the teacher know that her serving all gluten food is upsetting to you? Unless you've told her that you'd like your son to be accomadated she may not realize, especially if you always send food. It's not too hard to include something gluten-free, but she might need some help in realizing that you'd like her to do that and maybe some tips on what gluten-free foods to substitute. We've all gotten really good at thinking outside the box for what "normal" foods are gluten-free, but I can imagine the prospects of organizing a semi-gluten-free kindergarten party for someone who doesn't do gluten-free on a daily basis coud be overwhelming.

I have never told her that it upsets me. But she does have a list of acceptable foods for him that I provided at the beginning of the year. She is not the original teacher for this class, the real teacher is on a maternity leave. She was a little more dedicated to being helpful. I chock it up to her being new at it. As I said, I have been teaching for 10 years, and I would absolutely, without being asked, take every child into concideration. As someone said above, you wouldn't serve peanut butter if their was a kid with an allergy in the room, why this? I can surely understand the pizza because it is the easiest thing for them to order in. But ice cream and pretzels too? Those are very easy to substitute.

[Teacher1958]

Hi,

Has your son ever eaten Soy Delicious ice cream? This stuff is amazing! I've tried several flavors that are soy and dairy free (I always check the label on flavors I haven't tried just to make sure). Anyhow, buy a bag of regular ice cream cups and have someone eat them who can have dairy. Wash the cups thoroughly with hot, soapy water. Refill them with the soy ice cream. As for the little lids, which are made of cardboard, I wouldn't trust just washing them, because they might have absorbed some gluten or dairy. Wash them as well as you can, and laminate them, then cut off the plastic. (As you know, kids love to take off those little lids, so if you can, it would be fun to be able to include them.) All you have to do now is just fill up the cups and put the lids on. You may already have one of those tiny flexible coolers that contain a freezable liquids in the sides. You can put the ice cream in there to keep it cold.

About the pretzels, I'm guessing that you probably don't have much time before graduation, but if you're near a health food store, look for Barkat pretzels. I think they're good and really enjoy them, but they taste a little different from regular pretzels, so if you're son has ever eaten regular pretzels before, he might not like them, but it's worth a shot. If you can't find them and still have time left, you could check into rush ordering them from- www.glutenfreemall.com.

I don't know what to tell you about the pizza. I think it would have been nice for the school to have included a couple of choices- pizza and hot dogs- but they didn't. You're only option here is probably to make your own and bring it along, then microwave it inside the school.

I hope you can work something out that your son will enjoy. Kindergarten graduation is one of the cutest things I've ever attended. Our son is eighteen now, but I still love to look at the photos of him in his little white gown with this terrible scowl on his face (he was a little brat at that age) and remind him what a little terror he was.

[Cheri A]

Some teachers are better than others about this kind of thing. Unfortunately, if you don't have to deal with it all the time, then it is easy to "forget". My dd's teacher has been pretty good about letting us know what food is going to be served. We pretty much stress "separate but equal" to Carleigh. I would *prefer* to provide her food and know it's safe than to chance her getting sick.

There have been a few times that she has come home sad because the teacher forgot to tell us and she wasn't able to eat something though.

On the last day of school they are having a DQ cake for the summer birthdays. Carleigh will be having lemon ice and is happy with that.

[2Boys4Me]

Yesterday at school I was speaking with another mom who had been at the kindergarten orientation night. She mentioned that out of 25 kids who showed up, 4 or 5 had peanut allergies. A few of us were talking about it because our school "discourages" peanut products. That is, if your class has a peanut allergic child the school requests you not send peanut butter sandwiches, etc. If your class doesn't have an allergic child then they don't really care if you bring it. There was talk about epi-pens and whether they are in the child's desk, at his/her coat hook (in the hall) or on the child's body at all times. It was mentioned that one of the parents was very upset at the thought peanuts were occasionally allowed. I shrugged and said, "All the kids in Ty's class eat bread." The school cannot be all things to all people.

My son was diagnosed about 3 weeks before grade one, so he was not quite six. The first thing we did was arrange for the teacher to keep mini Aero bars, Envirokids rice krispie bars, Rockets (like U.S. smarties) and SunRype Fruit to Go in her desk so in case of emergency Ty could have something. I have NEVER in the year and half since diagnosed been notified of outside food coming for a treat. I was told about the day they built gingerbread houses, so I provided supplies for Ty (including M&Ms which may contain peanuts) and he and the gluten-light girl sat away from everyone else to build their houses. Every Chinese New Year he comes home with some treat or another (uneaten), and mentions that he took something from his teachers desk.

There is also a non Celiac gluten intolerant teacher at school and whenever the staff has a birthday party or something, she's left to supply her own. I don't mean to be harsh, but he's going to have to learn to live with it and as hard as it is for we, the parents, to see our children left out, other than sending an alternative (or teaching the kids to lay a major guilt trip on the others) there's not much we can do.

[sillyactsue]

I sent a note in to the teacher asking what they will be serving at the kindergarten promotion party. I got the note back today. they will be eating pizza, ice cream cups, and pretzels. My son is dairy free as well as gluten free. I just don't understand why they couldn't have included something he can eat just this one time since it is his promotion too. Why not ice pops instead of ice cream or pop corn instead of pretzels. I just feel so bad he is always the odd man out. And I have to say I am a kindergarten teacher and I would not serve anything in my room that everyone could not eat. Well, just venting. Anyone know of any cheese substitute for pizza?

Nicole

Shayesmom sent me this recipe to make cheese for pizza. Hope it helps.

Gloria

Sliceable Cashew Cheese From Five Loaves Deli & Bakery by Neva Brackett

2 cups cashew nuts

3/8 cup emes kosher gel (I

[Nic]

Yesterday at school I was speaking with another mom who had been at the kindergarten orientation night. She mentioned that out of 25 kids who showed up, 4 or 5 had peanut allergies. A few of us were talking about it because our school "discourages" peanut products. That is, if your class has a peanut allergic child the school requests you not send peanut butter sandwiches, etc. If your class doesn't have an allergic child then they don't really care if you bring it. There was talk about epi-pens and whether they are in the child's desk, at his/her coat hook (in the hall) or on the child's body at all times. It was mentioned that one of the parents was very upset at the thought peanuts were occasionally allowed. I shrugged and said, "All the kids in Ty's class eat bread." The school cannot be all things to all people.

My son was diagnosed about 3 weeks before grade one, so he was not quite six. The first thing we did was arrange for the teacher to keep mini Aero bars, Envirokids rice krispie bars, Rockets (like U.S. smarties) and SunRype Fruit to Go in her desk so in case of emergency Ty could have something. I have NEVER in the year and half since diagnosed been notified of outside food coming for a treat. I was told about the day they built gingerbread houses, so I provided supplies for Ty (including M&Ms which may contain peanuts) and he and the gluten-light girl sat away from everyone else to build their houses. Every Chinese New Year he comes home with some treat or another (uneaten), and mentions that he took something from his teachers desk.

There is also a non Celiac gluten intolerant teacher at school and whenever the staff has a birthday party or something, she's left to supply her own. I don't mean to be harsh, but he's going to have to learn to live with it and as hard as it is for we, the parents, to see our children left out, other than sending an alternative (or teaching the kids to lay a major guilt trip on the others) there's not much we can do.

I would not expect them to revolve an entire party around my son. I understand that this is a way of life for him, as does he. But it is called being conciderate. If you were having people over for dinner and someone was allergic to seafood would you serve an all seafood menu or would you give that person at least 1 option that was not seafood? Maybe it is just me but I try to think about everyone that will be eating at my functions. As I stated above, I completely understand the pizza but it would have been nice to have some of the snack foods be at least dairy free if not gluten free. Ice pops would be just as appropriate as ice cream. I do not expect the teacher to accomodate him for every party in school as she can not control what other parents bring in but if it is something she is providing for, it would be nice to be a little helpful.

Nicole

[Fiddle-Faddle]

I would not expect them to revolve an entire party around my son. I understand that this is a way of life for him, as does he. But it is called being conciderate. If you were having people over for dinner and someone was allergic to seafood would you serve an all seafood menu or would you give that person at least 1 option that was not seafood? Maybe it is just me but I try to think about everyone that will be eating at my functions. As I stated above, I completely understand the pizza but it would have been nice to have some of the snack foods be at least dairy free if not gluten free. Ice pops would be just as appropriate as ice cream. I do not expect the teacher to accomodate him for every party in school as she can not control what other parents bring in but if it is something she is providing for, it would be nice to be a little helpful.

Nicole

I totally agree with you, Nic!

[Karen B.]

I don't have kids but I keep hearing about all the schools doing away with junk food and emphasizing healthier choices. You might want to point out that for children with diabetes or obesity problems, it would be good to offer healthier snack options like fresh fruit slices, jello cups (sugar-free or regular)or grilled chicken nuggets -- all of these should be easily done by the cafeteria.

Pizza, pretzels and ice cream cups sounds like the high carb, high fat, low fiber stuff I'm hearing about on the news as a reason kids are having weight problems. It's not just that they aren't considering your kid, they aren't considering the effects of this kind of food on the other kids either.

[Teacher1958]

I don't have kids but I keep hearing about all the schools doing away with junk food and emphasizing healthier choices. You might want to point out that for children with diabetes or obesity problems, it would be good to offer healthier snack options like fresh fruit slices, jello cups (sugar-free or regular)or grilled chicken nuggets -- all of these should be easily done by the cafeteria.

Pizza, pretzels and ice cream cups sounds like the high carb, high fat, low fiber stuff I'm hearing about on the news as a reason kids are having weight problems. It's not just that they aren't considering your kid, they aren't considering the effects of this kind of food on the other kids either.

You're not going to believe this one! Teachers have been voicing their opinions about this for years. I don't think there should be any unhealthy options for "extras." However, we always get the same answer: The cafeteria is losing money, and the "snacks" help make up for the lost money. We've finally gotten the cafeteria to only sell one snack per student. In the past, the kids would buy whole handfuls of candy and junk. I think it's disgusting.

[janelyb]

Ice pops or otter pops sound like a better choice than icecream, maybe she never thought of that you should mention it. Or real fruit juice pops are even better. Instead of icecream in our house we eat sorbet, yummy(walmart has a good selection and cheap too).

Amy's brand makes a gluten/dairy free pizza and it is pretty yummy.

Rice Crust Spinach Pizza

It is at whole foods or maybe your local health store.

Tofutti brand makes a Gluten-free Casein-free cheese mozerella flavor and it tastes pretty close to the real stuff.

As far as pretzels, there are gluten-free ones I'm sure you'd be able to find a bag at your local healthfood store.

Make sure for next year you talk with the teacher and principal about if they are gonna do treat parties to make sure to atleast pick one that is Gluten-free Casein-free so your child won't feel so different.

[shayesmom]

I would not expect them to revolve an entire party around my son. I understand that this is a way of life for him, as does he. But it is called being conciderate. Nicole

This is so true. My dd is gluten, dairy, egg and soy intolerant. There is rarely an occasion where the school accomodates her and when they do....the results haven't always been positive. At times, it really breaks my heart to see my dd being excluded from activities and events. But at the same time, I realize that she needs to learn how to say no to things and understand and accept her limitations. She needs to understand that people won't always have acceptable alternatives. I do make sure that she has something acceptable and she is learning to plan ahead. And I gave up on providing something "similar" or "comparable" because the foods promoted and served in school are a bunch of processed, nutrient-poor junk! Here they are trying to teach kids basic nutrition and about the food pyramid and the only part of the pyramid that they ever offer is dairy and grains. It's absolutely mind-blowing!

In any case, although the pizza isn't easy to substitute, you can easily substitute the rest. Sorbet or Rice Dreams ice cream would work quite well. Find out what flavor is being served. And there are many gluten-free/cf pretzels out there.

You can make pizza with the cheese recipe posted above. Just hold off on putting on the cheese until the pizza is almost done. You can also make mini-pizzas with this on Nut thin crackers or on the new gluten-free/cf english muffins published in Living Without magazine this season.

In the meantime, I would seriously think about how you can approach the school next year on the topic of food and nutrition. With our pre-school, I opted for the Chinese water torture routine. I completely strayed from providing "comparable" snacks and began sending in fresh fruits, hummus and veggie sticks, fruit cups, etc.. The other kids soon began whining that they didn't have fruit or veggies and dip. The teacher tried to talk to me about sending in comparable items and I told her that since Shaye was never considered in the school snack menu selection, that I felt it was appropriate to let her decide what she wanted to have for snacks...as long as it was nutritious. Within 3 weeks, the teacher informed me that the school would be changing their menu next year to provide more fruits and veggies and foods that would include everyone. Granted, she said it wouldn't be 100% acceptable for Shaye, but that she would be included more often.

The point being....keep on working on this and advocating for your son. Do everything that you can to make this easier on him and whatever you do....do NOT EVER complain about it in front of your son unless it's about how unhealthy the school foods are. Don't make it about HIS diet...but about the food being fed to ALL of the children. In reality, that is the underlying problem. If they followed their own teachings on the food pyramid, there really wouldn't be as many issues for kids with allergies.

Good luck!

[Nic]

I believe they think the pretzels make it a "healthier" party. Earlier in the year I missed a PTA meeting that my sister had gone to. She said they discussed school parties and limiting the junk food. For Christmas they did a breakfast and had things like bagels and muffins, as well as fruit. For Halloween I think they did pretzels and popcorn, but no candy or sweets. I don't know how the ice cream got into this party but I think they are using pretzels as a healthier alternative to chips.

For anyone interested, I made Jacob a gluten free pizza crust this weekend and topped it with sauce and Vegan Gourmet Monteray Jack cheese that I shredded myself. It must have come out ok because there is nothing left of it. Even my non celiac, non dairy free, son ate some. So the pizza is definitly under control. Thanks for all the advice.

Nicole

[2Boys4Me]

I would not expect them to revolve an entire party around my son. I understand that this is a way of life for him, as does he. But it is called being conciderate. Nicole

I agree. I guess I arrived at the conclusion that people are inconsiderate a long time ago. I hope I didn't come off sounding inconsiderate or mean. I've just been there, done that, and sometimes (even with family) it's sort of a "too bad, so sad" mentality. (Thankfully not with Grammas, just certain cousins.)

I think events like this, especially in spring, need watermelon slices. I've never heard of anyone being allergic, kids love it, and it's healthy. Popcorn is always fun, too. Have you approached the teacher yet?

[Teacher1958]

This is so true. My dd is gluten, dairy, egg and soy intolerant. There is rarely an occasion where the school accomodates her and when they do....the results haven't always been positive. At times, it really breaks my heart to see my dd being excluded from activities and events. But at the same time, I realize that she needs to learn how to say no to things and understand and accept her limitations. She needs to understand that people won't always have acceptable alternatives. I do make sure that she has something acceptable and she is learning to plan ahead. And I gave up on providing something "similar" or "comparable" because the foods promoted and served in school are a bunch of processed, nutrient-poor junk! Here they are trying to teach kids basic nutrition and about the food pyramid and the only part of the pyramid that they ever offer is dairy and grains. It's absolutely mind-blowing!

In any case, although the pizza isn't easy to substitute, you can easily substitute the rest. Sorbet or Rice Dreams ice cream would work quite well. Find out what flavor is being served. And there are many gluten-free/cf pretzels out there.

You can make pizza with the cheese recipe posted above. Just hold off on putting on the cheese until the pizza is almost done. You can also make mini-pizzas with this on Nut thin crackers or on the new gluten-free/cf english muffins published in Living Without magazine this season.

In the meantime, I would seriously think about how you can approach the school next year on the topic of food and nutrition. With our pre-school, I opted for the Chinese water torture routine. I completely strayed from providing "comparable" snacks and began sending in fresh fruits, hummus and veggie sticks, fruit cups, etc.. The other kids soon began whining that they didn't have fruit or veggies and dip. The teacher tried to talk to me about sending in comparable items and I told her that since Shaye was never considered in the school snack menu selection, that I felt it was appropriate to let her decide what she wanted to have for snacks...as long as it was nutritious. Within 3 weeks, the teacher informed me that the school would be changing their menu next year to provide more fruits and veggies and foods that would include everyone. Granted, she said it wouldn't be 100% acceptable for Shaye, but that she would be included more often.

The point being....keep on working on this and advocating for your son. Do everything that you can to make this easier on him and whatever you do....do NOT EVER complain about it in front of your son unless it's about how unhealthy the school foods are. Don't make it about HIS diet...but about the food being fed to ALL of the children. In reality, that is the underlying problem. If they followed their own teachings on the food pyramid, there really wouldn't be as many issues for kids with allergies.

Good luck!

As a teacher, I agree totally!

[Nic]

I agree. I guess I arrived at the conclusion that people are inconsiderate a long time ago. I hope I didn't come off sounding inconsiderate or mean. I've just been there, done that, and sometimes (even with family) it's sort of a "too bad, so sad" mentality. (Thankfully not with Grammas, just certain cousins.)

I think events like this, especially in spring, need watermelon slices. I've never heard of anyone being allergic, kids love it, and it's healthy. Popcorn is always fun, too. Have you approached the teacher yet?

Hi, don't worry, you didn't sound inconsiderate. We just have all been there and it doesn't change how frustrating it is. The watermelon is a good idea. I e mailed the teacher last night, being a working mom, sometimes it is the only way to communicate with her quickly. Thanks for all the ideas.

Nicole

[Karen B.]

I ----snip---

I think events like this, especially in spring, need watermelon slices. I've never heard of anyone being allergic, kids love it, and it's healthy. Popcorn is always fun, too. Have you approached the teacher yet?

And with watermelon slices comes the next competitive event -- seed spitting. If the teachers have enough grace to accept the inevitable, it can be a lot of fun for the kids.

[gfgypsyqueen]

IMO a lot of the problems I have at my kids school comes directly from the teachers or the nurse. This past year the teacher was awsome!! Couldn't have asked for anything better. As for the nurse, anyone would have been better .

There has been enough miscommunication, lack of advanced warning, etc that I am looking into a 504. I don't know enough about it yet, but I do know that a celiac child can be declared a 504. From what I understand, this document basically outlines what the parents are responsible for, what the teachers are responsible for, the nurse, cafeteria, etc. HOw will the tables in the lunch room be cleaned, field trips, etc. The 504 classification moves the liability to the school, and no school wants to screw something up when they can be held liable.

Every holiday or recital, I meet with the teacher and talk about the upcoming party, what types of food that will be having. My child has the peanut allergy, and the teacher and I agreed that no nuts will be in the room. (The school doesn't even serve nuts at lunch!) As a general rule, I supply all of the baked goods for the parties. The baked goods are the hardest to buy peanut free. So the teacher tells me what she wants and I make it. Then the teacher sends home a notice about the party and a list of exact foods and a reminder about the nut allergy. So instead of parents bringing in anything, the teacher states she needs graham crackers, marshmellows, chocolate bars, drink boxes, etc. I supply my child her own chocolate that is nut free. For halloween, my child goes trick or treating through the school with everyone else, but I send a bag full of peanut safe candy she can eat. After the trick or treating, the teacher empties her candy into a bag and sends it home for me to check, and my child has safe snacks to eat that day like everyone else.

My child also has a safe snack box in the classroom and the teacher tells me when it is getting low.

I think/hope that your childs teacher would be open to the same set up. Call anytime they have a question, even if it is at night or in the morning. Any warning is better than no warning of a party. Talk to the teacher a month before the holiday to start getting ideas together about what foods to use. Bring ideas with you. I give out info cards about my child and her allergies to all of the teachers and lunch room.

If possible, be the class mom, or volunteer in the class.

Educate the teacher as much as possible about celiacs. IMO, peanut allergy moms are known to be militant and demanding. I see no reason why Celiac moms should be any different. Your child doesn't require an epi-pen or a trip to the hospital when someone screws up, but a celiac child will be sick, not test well, behavior problems, and it takes a while to heal, etc. It is in the teachers best interest to see that the child is safe in the school all year!

If the teacher is unwilling to help and be active in your child's safety, demand a new teacher and look into the 504!

[Teacher1958]

IMO a lot of the problems I have at my kids school comes directly from the teachers or the nurse. This past year the teacher was awsome!! Couldn't have asked for anything better. As for the nurse, anyone would have been better .

There has been enough miscommunication, lack of advanced warning, etc that I am looking into a 504. I don't know enough about it yet, but I do know that a celiac child can be declared a 504. From what I understand, this document basically outlines what the parents are responsible for, what the teachers are responsible for, the nurse, cafeteria, etc. HOw will the tables in the lunch room be cleaned, field trips, etc. The 504 classification moves the liability to the school, and no school wants to screw something up when they can be held liable.

Every holiday or recital, I meet with the teacher and talk about the upcoming party, what types of food that will be having. My child has the peanut allergy, and the teacher and I agreed that no nuts will be in the room. (The school doesn't even serve nuts at lunch!) As a general rule, I supply all of the baked goods for the parties. The baked goods are the hardest to buy peanut free. So the teacher tells me what she wants and I make it. Then the teacher sends home a notice about the party and a list of exact foods and a reminder about the nut allergy. So instead of parents bringing in anything, the teacher states she needs graham crackers, marshmellows, chocolate bars, drink boxes, etc. I supply my child her own chocolate that is nut free. For halloween, my child goes trick or treating through the school with everyone else, but I send a bag full of peanut safe candy she can eat. After the trick or treating, the teacher empties her candy into a bag and sends it home for me to check, and my child has safe snacks to eat that day like everyone else.

My child also has a safe snack box in the classroom and the teacher tells me when it is getting low.

I think/hope that your childs teacher would be open to the same set up. Call anytime they have a question, even if it is at night or in the morning. Any warning is better than no warning of a party. Talk to the teacher a month before the holiday to start getting ideas together about what foods to use. Bring ideas with you. I give out info cards about my child and her allergies to all of the teachers and lunch room.

If possible, be the class mom, or volunteer in the class.

Educate the teacher as much as possible about celiacs. IMO, peanut allergy moms are known to be militant and demanding. I see no reason why Celiac moms should be any different. Your child doesn't require an epi-pen or a trip to the hospital when someone screws up, but a celiac child will be sick, not test well, behavior problems, and it takes a while to heal, etc. It is in the teachers best interest to see that the child is safe in the school all year!

If the teacher is unwilling to help and be active in your child's safety, demand a new teacher and look into the 504!

I think your plan is excellent! I will keep it in mind for my future second grade classes!

Today all of the second grade teachers in our building divided up the kids for next year. There are five of us. I probably wouldn't have noticed in the past, before I found out I had a gluten problem, but it was kind of neat to observe how each of us would call out that we wanted a particular child based on our personal experiences and the description of the child. One of us has a diabetic husband, so she always takes the diabetic kids; another teacher has a son with breathing problems/asthma, so she takes the kids who have asthma; a third teacher is very outgoing and gregarious, so she likes to take the kids who are described as 'loud;' there's a boy coming up with a genetic disorder and I had his sibling with the same condition, so I took him. I mentioned to my co-teachers that I would take the kids with celiac disease if that ever comes up, but so far, it hasn't.