Allergy Awareness

One of AACPS’ driving values is to ensure that all members of our learning community feel welcome in our schools. Folger McKinsey’s Allergy Awareness program take this value to heart by ensuring that there are allergy-friendly items at all school functions, so that all students are included and can feel as if their needs are being met and they are understood and welcomed at the school. At our school, the Allergy Awareness Advocate along with the Allergy Awareness Committee serves as a resource for new parents and students entering the school with food allergies. We know that it can be very stressful for parents to put a child who has a food allergy into a kindergarten classroom where they could be exposed to their allergen in many places. The committee answers questions and provides resources and training to staff and parents. New room parents are given safe food lists and are trained on the importance of providing foods that can be enjoyed by the entire class. On party days the Allergy Awareness Committee provides safe foods, free to students and staff, for any students with food allergies. Safe food lists are also provided to all volunteers running concession stands. This ensures that all school activities support our allergy awareness policies, and they have options available that are gluten-free, nut-free, etc. The Allergy Awareness team also meets with the school nurse, cafeteria manager, principal, PTO president and a food service specialist from AACPS. The commitment of this team has made a true difference to the families and students at the school. Julie Butler, a Folger parent who has a child with a food allergy shared, “Having a child with a life-threatening food allergy is scary and letting them go off to kindergarten and trusting they are in a safe environment is very hard. At Folger McKinsey, the Allergy Awareness group helps bridge the gap between the parents, health room staff, and school staff to create a safe environment for all students. I know my child is safe and in good hands each and every day, due to the education and communication between the parents and staff. At every class party or any event with food I know, there are always allergy-safe options. This is very comforting as a parent and it allows my child to always feel included! I am very grateful and blessed to have such a warm and caring school that truly believes in making sure every child is included!” All means all and this group truly wants to make sure all students are safe and feel included and welcome in their school.