BIRTHDAY
CELEBRATIONS AND NON-SCHOOL RELATED PARTIES
The way student birthdays and non-school
related parties are celebrated at school has changed dramatically over the
years. Following the passage of the
Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, Round Top made a decision not to allow
parents and visitors to bring any snacks or other food-related “treats” for the
class for birthday celebrations.
Instead, we suggest activities such as reading to a class, playing an
organized game at recess, or providing a pencil for each student (or other
similar suggestions). This decision was
not made lightly and was based in part on a number of important factors: (1) food allergies, (2) individual student
and family preferences for eating snacks/sweets, (3) the very broad
interpretation of what constitutes a “healthy snack” and (4) the additional
time required to “celebrate” during a limited lunchtime period.
Additionally, no balloons, flowers, toys, or other
gifts can be presented/given at school.
Please note that you can bring an outside meal or treat for your own
child. Guidelines on non-school parties help to ensure that birthday and other
celebration remain fun and do not inadvertently result in hurt feelings. With
this in mind, parents are required to send part invitations directly to
individual children’s homes rather than distributing them in school. An
exception can be made to this policy when the entire class is invited.
