Birthdays are a special time and they will be celebrated in a special way! Each child will receive a birthday crown, we will read a special birthday book, and our class will sing to them! Per the policy of the Santee School District, food may not be brought to school to share. The only exception is usually the last day of each month when special (and preferably healthy treats) may be brought in to share with the entire class. This is called a Non-compliant Food Day and the list of days can be found at www.santeesd.net. If you want to send something special for your child to share with each classmate on his or her birthday I ask that you donate a book to our classroom library, send a non-food item, such as a small toy or pencil, or handmade gifts. If you wish to share a food item on a non-compliant day, it is important that you notify me one week in advance so that it can be put on the calendar and any allergies or food sensitivities can be addressed. I KINDLY ASK THAT ANY BIRTHDAY INVITATIONS DELIVERED TO CLASS ARE INTENDED TO INCLUDE ALL STUDENTS SO THAT NO ONE FEELS LEFT OUT. Again, please consider a healthy treat. Treats may not be homemade. Per district policy, they MUST be pre-packaged and include a list of ingredients. Please let me know if you do not want your kiddo to celebrate and we will find an acceptable accommodation. Examples of healthy treats are:
ANY FOOD THAT IS BROUGHT IN MAY ONLY BE BROUGHT IN ON NON-COMPLIANT FOOD DAYS AND MUST BE STORE BOUGHT AND PRE-PACKAGED IN ORDER TO PROTECT THOSE WITH FOOD BORN ALLERGIES. IF YOU WISH TO JOIN YOUR CHILD FOR LUNCHTIME, YOU MAY BRING ONLY YOUR CHILD A LUNCH. PLEASE NO SHARING OR PROVIDING FOR OTHER STUDENTS.
Snacks and Lunches
All school lunches are complimentary for each child this year. Breakfast link for menus: https://www.schoolnutritionandfitness.com/webmenus2/#/view?id=62fbc7e83f58ecf42fb055cf&siteCode=2472
Please send your student with a healthy snack everyday. Please observe the same thoughtfulness outlined above when packing daily snacks and lunches. Students who purchase lunch will have a lunch card that they will present to the cafeteria. I will walk them through the lunch line during the first few weeks of school to help them learn how. PLEASE LABEL ALL SNACKS AND LUNCH BOXES/BAGS. Lunches and snacks may be stored in drawstring bags or next to student desks. Additional ideas for healthy lunches from home include:
Wholegrain or gluten-free sandwiches
Wraps
Trail Mix
Yogurt
Cut vegetables
Granola bar
I highly discourage Takis, high sugar snacks and drinks (you would be shocked the ways sugar affects your child’s learning!), and foods and drinks with high fructose corn syrup. I will do my best to model healthy eating habits.
***2023 Non-compliant days - check with your classroom teacher