Life -Threatening Allergies
The Burlington Area School District has implemented measures to help decrease potential exposure for students who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening allergy. Food allergies are prevalent in the classroom setting, with 1 in 13 students having at least one food allergy requiring life-saving medication. Therefore, BASD will implement the following safety guidelines:
- Classroom posting & parent email will be placed in the elementary and intermediate grade levels, for rooms that cannot have certain food(s) within them.
- Homemade treats for classroom distribution are strongly discouraged due to potential cross contamination of allergens and food preparation safety techniques. BASD reserves the right to withhold distribution of homemade treats for safety and/or health reasons.
- Individually sealed snacks with ingredients listed are preferred and convenient, especially when the student wishes to take the treat home.
- Classroom celebrations are encouraged to be food-free events.
- Food-based rewards are discouraged. Non-edible trinkets, awards or special activity is preferred.
- An allergy awareness table will be noted in the cafeteria and supervised. This table will be cleaned in accordance with allergen safety techniques.
- Student epinephrine devices will be taken to the lunch room in the elementary and intermediate grade levels for immediate access in the event an allergic reaction would occur. Students in middle school or the high school have the option (with doctor consent required) of carrying their epinephrine device on them at all times or keeping it in the health office.
The Burlington Area School District, in accordance with section 118.2925 of the Wisconsin state law, has stock Epinephrine in all schools. This emergency medication is to be used for a student or staff member experiencing anaphylaxis. Staff receive training regularly. Link to Administration of Medication administrative guideline.
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