Guest guest Posted May 21, 2011 Report Share Posted May 21, 2011 Now how could a teacher enforce this????? It's the parrents and you have to get to the parents and possibly give them a list of good snacks, BUT it isn;t the 20 cupcakes in the school year that is the problem its the rest of the story, ie maybe after they eat the cupcake they can go out and have relay games or some other high impact activity to wear off some of the cupcake.  Remember we aren't the food police (some days I'd like to be) but I feel the quarterly b-day party takes some the happy out of the Happy Birthday for each individual kids birthday. It needs to be a special day. Subject: School celebrations To: rd-usa Date: Friday, May 20, 2011, 9:13 PM  Hi everyone (again!)... Our committee is also trying to get away from EVERY child bringing in cupcakes for their birthday. Currently is is almost weekly that somone celebrates their day by bringing a sugar-laden item to class. While occassional sweets can be acceptable, of course, it is really getting out of hand. Our school policy states that a healthy snack can come to school.....but as the school year progresses this goes out the window, both with parents and with teachers lack of enforcing it. So we thought that maybe having a quarterly birthday celebration " pot-luck-lunch " style might work....but we need to develop a sign-up sheet of sorts so that not all kids bring.....cupcakes. ;-) Does anyone use this method in their school? Do you have a form to share? Or something else, perhaps? Thanks, again! J. Sheerin, RD Traverse City, MI Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 21, 2011 Report Share Posted May 21, 2011 I have another opinion...since when is it bad to eliminate all " junk food " in the schools. I have heard many parents who feel they lose control of their kids diet when they go to school. Between the school lunch, parties for birthdays PLUS holidays, selling " junk food " through school fundraisers and carnivals, etc. The parents who c/o not being able to bring in sweets, usually give their kids a birthday party with junk food and eat poorly at home. Why is it unAmerican to eliminate the sweets at schools (gov't run entity). There is too much c/o about private companies like Mcs, etc. and then we allow all this junk food at schools. Let's start at the schools, SNAP, etc. and then worry about Mcs. > > > Now how could a teacher enforce this????? It's the parrents and you have to > get to the parents and possibly give them a list of good snacks, BUT it > isn;t the 20 cupcakes in the school year that is the problem its the rest of > the story, ie maybe after they eat the cupcake they can go out and have > relay games or some other high impact activity to wear off some of the > cupcake. Remember we aren't the food police (some days I'd like to be) but > I feel the quarterly b-day party takes some the happy out of the Happy > Birthday for each individual kids birthday. It needs to be a special day. > > > > > Subject: School celebrations > To: rd-usa > Date: Friday, May 20, 2011, 9:13 PM > > > > > Hi everyone (again!)... > > Our committee is also trying to get away from EVERY child bringing in > cupcakes for their birthday. Currently is is almost weekly that somone > celebrates their day by bringing a sugar-laden item to class. While > occassional sweets can be acceptable, of course, it is really getting out of > hand. Our school policy states that a healthy snack can come to > school.....but as the school year progresses this goes out the window, both > with parents and with teachers lack of enforcing it. So we thought that > maybe having a quarterly birthday celebration " pot-luck-lunch " style might > work....but we need to develop a sign-up sheet of sorts so that not all kids > bring.....cupcakes. ;-) > > Does anyone use this method in their school? Do you have a form to share? > Or something else, perhaps? Thanks, again! > > J. Sheerin, RD > > Traverse City, MI > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 21, 2011 Report Share Posted May 21, 2011 I may be going against the general consensus here, but I find it extremely frustrating that so much emphasis is being placed on school " birthday " or " party " treats while there is absolutely no emphasis being placed on what these children are doing at home. I have 3 children, my oldest being 12....so I am quite familiar with what goes on in their friends' homes. And I can tell you that many of my children's friends have no rules at home about what they may or may not eat. Junk food abounds...without limitations. So I find it hard to understand how limiting cookies or cupcakes as a birthday treat in school is going to fix the real problem: which is fast food and junk food from the moment they leave school. I live in Cleveland, so for a moment I thought that maybe it was just because of where I live that parents aren't controlling their children's diets at home. But then when you look at how many overweight/obese children there are in this country, it becomes very clear that no rules regarding diet at home is a problem nationwide. Taking away cupcakes and cookies at school is not going to fix the problem. For as infrequently as birthday treats come to school, this won't even make a dent in the problem. Off my soapbox now... Audley, M.S., R.D., L.D. Cleveland, Ohio In a message dated 5/21/2011 11:23:53 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, jessica.nickels@... writes: Most classes have average of 25 kids. So if every kid brought something, which all parents wont, 25 days out of 180 really that bad to get a treat? The kids that get too much sugar already are still going to be getting it at home and the ones who patents care about what they eat will adjust their diet at home to accommodate the treat. My daughter's school does not allow birthday celebrations and I miss getting to make fun cupcakes for her. Sent from iPhone On May 21, 2011, at 9:33 AM, " Sheerin " <_juliesheerin@..._ (mailto:juliesheerin@...) <mailto:_juliesheerin@..._ (mailto:juliesheerin@...) >> wrote: Great opinions...thank you! To clarify, we are encouraging activity but as a " parent committee " we really can't control recess time, when our (far too little) gym days are, etc., so we are just trying to implement more fresh, local foods in the cafeteria and at snack time while trying to educate parents and help decrease the frequency of sweets (not eliminate since this just would not happen for reasons we all understand.) Every classroom now has their own raised garden bed, and we are trying to raise money to purchase a hoop house or greenhouse.....so we seem to have parents who support us in theory.....maybe just not always in practice. Thankfully, every child does get a celebration on " their day " but we have a tradition at our (elementary) school where the parents come in and talk about the child as s/he has grown. " When Annie was 9 months old she crawled....when she was one she had her first plane trip to Florida... " and on and on. This gives the child time to tell personal things about themselves, allows the parents to connect to the other kids in the class, and focuses on celebrating the child as a unique person.....without the need for sugary food during that time. As a committee we are just trying to give parents a healthy snack list so if they insist on bringing something they can (hopefully) choose from the suggested list. Many parents just still have the mindset (and maybe kid pressure) that candy or cake needs to come to school with them and by the end of the year it is cupcake, candy, juicebox city. Just last week one parent even sent Ferro Roche (hazelnut chocolate balls), beef jerkey sticks, and " juice " boxes as the snack....thus our team discussion brought this up as a " need to address " for fall. ----- Original Message ----- From: " Ortiz " <<mailto:nrord1%40gmail.com>_nrord1@..._ (mailto:nrord1@...) <mailto:_nrord1@..._ (mailto:nrord1@...) >> To: <<mailto:rd-usa%40yahoogroups.com>_rd-usa _ (mailto:rd-usa ) <mailto:_rd-usa _ (mailto:rd-usa ) >> Sent: Saturday, May 21, 2011 9:03 AM Subject: Re: School celebrations > Healthy eating and exercise = perfect combination!! > > On Sat, May 21, 2011 at 8:39 AM, Gail Beck <<mailto:gailbeckrd%40yahoo.com>_gailbeckrd@..._ (mailto:gailbeckrd@...) <mailto:_gailbeckrd@..._ (mailto:gailbeckrd@...) >> wrote: > >> >> >> I think U missed the point, we need to have kids feel that they are >> individuals and that birthdays are a celebration of life, and that if we >> do >> supply/allow the cupcakes/celebration that we also need to get them off >> of >> their butts and get activity, and that activity can be fun. My kids >> loved >> the bday/celebrations, we NEVER had cupcakes at home, so it was a treat, >> And that is the way it should be. Basically all my kids were in sports, >> started when they were little with Tball and ended when they were in the >> state sports meets. We have to get them active because the food is >> prolific and will always be around. junk or no junk---- >> >> >> > >> > From: Sheerin <<mailto:juliesheerin%40chartermi.net>_juliesheerin@..._ (mailto:juliesheerin@...) <mailto:_juliesheerin@..._ (mailto:juliesheerin@...) >> >> > Subject: School celebrations >> > To: <mailto:rd-usa%40yahoogroups.com> _rd-usa _ (mailto:rd-usa ) <mailto:_rd-usa _ (mailto:rd-usa ) > >> > Date: Friday, May 20, 2011, 9:13 PM >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > Hi everyone (again!)... >> > >> > Our committee is also trying to get away from EVERY child bringing in >> > cupcakes for their birthday. Currently is is almost weekly that somone >> > celebrates their day by bringing a sugar-laden item to class. While >> > occassional sweets can be acceptable, of course, it is really getting >> > out >> of >> > hand. Our school policy states that a healthy snack can come to >> > school.....but as the school year progresses this goes out the window, >> both >> > with parents and with teachers lack of enforcing it. So we thought that >> > maybe having a quarterly birthday celebration " pot-luck-lunch " style >> might >> > work....but we need to develop a sign-up sheet of sorts so that not all >> kids >> > bring.....cupcakes. ;-) >> > >> > Does anyone use this method in their school? Do you have a form to >> > share? >> > Or something else, perhaps? Thanks, again! >> > >> > J. Sheerin, RD >> > >> > Traverse City, MI >> > >> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 21, 2011 Report Share Posted May 21, 2011 I may be going against the general consensus here, but I find it extremely frustrating that so much emphasis is being placed on school " birthday " or " party " treats while there is absolutely no emphasis being placed on what these children are doing at home. I have 3 children, my oldest being 12....so I am quite familiar with what goes on in their friends' homes. And I can tell you that many of my children's friends have no rules at home about what they may or may not eat. Junk food abounds...without limitations. So I find it hard to understand how limiting cookies or cupcakes as a birthday treat in school is going to fix the real problem: which is fast food and junk food from the moment they leave school. I live in Cleveland, so for a moment I thought that maybe it was just because of where I live that parents aren't controlling their children's diets at home. But then when you look at how many overweight/obese children there are in this country, it becomes very clear that no rules regarding diet at home is a problem nationwide. Taking away cupcakes and cookies at school is not going to fix the problem. For as infrequently as birthday treats come to school, this won't even make a dent in the problem. Off my soapbox now... Audley, M.S., R.D., L.D. Cleveland, Ohio In a message dated 5/21/2011 11:23:53 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, jessica.nickels@... writes: Most classes have average of 25 kids. So if every kid brought something, which all parents wont, 25 days out of 180 really that bad to get a treat? The kids that get too much sugar already are still going to be getting it at home and the ones who patents care about what they eat will adjust their diet at home to accommodate the treat. My daughter's school does not allow birthday celebrations and I miss getting to make fun cupcakes for her. Sent from iPhone On May 21, 2011, at 9:33 AM, " Sheerin " <_juliesheerin@..._ (mailto:juliesheerin@...) <mailto:_juliesheerin@..._ (mailto:juliesheerin@...) >> wrote: Great opinions...thank you! To clarify, we are encouraging activity but as a " parent committee " we really can't control recess time, when our (far too little) gym days are, etc., so we are just trying to implement more fresh, local foods in the cafeteria and at snack time while trying to educate parents and help decrease the frequency of sweets (not eliminate since this just would not happen for reasons we all understand.) Every classroom now has their own raised garden bed, and we are trying to raise money to purchase a hoop house or greenhouse.....so we seem to have parents who support us in theory.....maybe just not always in practice. Thankfully, every child does get a celebration on " their day " but we have a tradition at our (elementary) school where the parents come in and talk about the child as s/he has grown. " When Annie was 9 months old she crawled....when she was one she had her first plane trip to Florida... " and on and on. This gives the child time to tell personal things about themselves, allows the parents to connect to the other kids in the class, and focuses on celebrating the child as a unique person.....without the need for sugary food during that time. As a committee we are just trying to give parents a healthy snack list so if they insist on bringing something they can (hopefully) choose from the suggested list. Many parents just still have the mindset (and maybe kid pressure) that candy or cake needs to come to school with them and by the end of the year it is cupcake, candy, juicebox city. Just last week one parent even sent Ferro Roche (hazelnut chocolate balls), beef jerkey sticks, and " juice " boxes as the snack....thus our team discussion brought this up as a " need to address " for fall. ----- Original Message ----- From: " Ortiz " <<mailto:nrord1%40gmail.com>_nrord1@..._ (mailto:nrord1@...) <mailto:_nrord1@..._ (mailto:nrord1@...) >> To: <<mailto:rd-usa%40yahoogroups.com>_rd-usa _ (mailto:rd-usa ) <mailto:_rd-usa _ (mailto:rd-usa ) >> Sent: Saturday, May 21, 2011 9:03 AM Subject: Re: School celebrations > Healthy eating and exercise = perfect combination!! > > On Sat, May 21, 2011 at 8:39 AM, Gail Beck <<mailto:gailbeckrd%40yahoo.com>_gailbeckrd@..._ (mailto:gailbeckrd@...) <mailto:_gailbeckrd@..._ (mailto:gailbeckrd@...) >> wrote: > >> >> >> I think U missed the point, we need to have kids feel that they are >> individuals and that birthdays are a celebration of life, and that if we >> do >> supply/allow the cupcakes/celebration that we also need to get them off >> of >> their butts and get activity, and that activity can be fun. My kids >> loved >> the bday/celebrations, we NEVER had cupcakes at home, so it was a treat, >> And that is the way it should be. Basically all my kids were in sports, >> started when they were little with Tball and ended when they were in the >> state sports meets. We have to get them active because the food is >> prolific and will always be around. junk or no junk---- >> >> >> > >> > From: Sheerin <<mailto:juliesheerin%40chartermi.net>_juliesheerin@..._ (mailto:juliesheerin@...) <mailto:_juliesheerin@..._ (mailto:juliesheerin@...) >> >> > Subject: School celebrations >> > To: <mailto:rd-usa%40yahoogroups.com> _rd-usa _ (mailto:rd-usa ) <mailto:_rd-usa _ (mailto:rd-usa ) > >> > Date: Friday, May 20, 2011, 9:13 PM >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > Hi everyone (again!)... >> > >> > Our committee is also trying to get away from EVERY child bringing in >> > cupcakes for their birthday. Currently is is almost weekly that somone >> > celebrates their day by bringing a sugar-laden item to class. While >> > occassional sweets can be acceptable, of course, it is really getting >> > out >> of >> > hand. Our school policy states that a healthy snack can come to >> > school.....but as the school year progresses this goes out the window, >> both >> > with parents and with teachers lack of enforcing it. So we thought that >> > maybe having a quarterly birthday celebration " pot-luck-lunch " style >> might >> > work....but we need to develop a sign-up sheet of sorts so that not all >> kids >> > bring.....cupcakes. ;-) >> > >> > Does anyone use this method in their school? Do you have a form to >> > share? >> > Or something else, perhaps? Thanks, again! >> > >> > J. Sheerin, RD >> > >> > Traverse City, MI >> > >> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 21, 2011 Report Share Posted May 21, 2011 I think U missed the point, we need to have kids feel that they are individuals and that birthdays are a celebration of life, and that if we do supply/allow the cupcakes/celebration that we also need to get them off of their butts and get activity, and that activity can be fun. My kids loved the bday/celebrations, we NEVER had cupcakes at home, so it was a treat, And that is the way it should be. Basically all my kids were in sports, started when they were little with Tball and ended when they were in the state sports meets. We have to get them active because the food is prolific and will always be around. junk or no junk---- > > > Subject: School celebrations > To: rd-usa > Date: Friday, May 20, 2011, 9:13 PM > > > > > Hi everyone (again!)... > > Our committee is also trying to get away from EVERY child bringing in > cupcakes for their birthday. Currently is is almost weekly that somone > celebrates their day by bringing a sugar-laden item to class. While > occassional sweets can be acceptable, of course, it is really getting out of > hand. Our school policy states that a healthy snack can come to > school.....but as the school year progresses this goes out the window, both > with parents and with teachers lack of enforcing it. So we thought that > maybe having a quarterly birthday celebration " pot-luck-lunch " style might > work....but we need to develop a sign-up sheet of sorts so that not all kids > bring.....cupcakes. ;-) > > Does anyone use this method in their school? Do you have a form to share? > Or something else, perhaps? Thanks, again! > > J. Sheerin, RD > > Traverse City, MI > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 21, 2011 Report Share Posted May 21, 2011 Healthy eating and exercise = perfect combination!! > > > I think U missed the point, we need to have kids feel that they are > individuals and that birthdays are a celebration of life, and that if we do > supply/allow the cupcakes/celebration that we also need to get them off of > their butts and get activity, and that activity can be fun. My kids loved > the bday/celebrations, we NEVER had cupcakes at home, so it was a treat, > And that is the way it should be. Basically all my kids were in sports, > started when they were little with Tball and ended when they were in the > state sports meets. We have to get them active because the food is > prolific and will always be around. junk or no junk---- > > > > > > > > Subject: School celebrations > > To: rd-usa > > Date: Friday, May 20, 2011, 9:13 PM > > > > > > > > > > Hi everyone (again!)... > > > > Our committee is also trying to get away from EVERY child bringing in > > cupcakes for their birthday. Currently is is almost weekly that somone > > celebrates their day by bringing a sugar-laden item to class. While > > occassional sweets can be acceptable, of course, it is really getting out > of > > hand. Our school policy states that a healthy snack can come to > > school.....but as the school year progresses this goes out the window, > both > > with parents and with teachers lack of enforcing it. So we thought that > > maybe having a quarterly birthday celebration " pot-luck-lunch " style > might > > work....but we need to develop a sign-up sheet of sorts so that not all > kids > > bring.....cupcakes. ;-) > > > > Does anyone use this method in their school? Do you have a form to share? > > Or something else, perhaps? Thanks, again! > > > > J. Sheerin, RD > > > > Traverse City, MI > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 21, 2011 Report Share Posted May 21, 2011 Great opinions...thank you! To clarify, we are encouraging activity but as a " parent committee " we really can't control recess time, when our (far too little) gym days are, etc., so we are just trying to implement more fresh, local foods in the cafeteria and at snack time while trying to educate parents and help decrease the frequency of sweets (not eliminate since this just would not happen for reasons we all understand.) Every classroom now has their own raised garden bed, and we are trying to raise money to purchase a hoop house or greenhouse.....so we seem to have parents who support us in theory.....maybe just not always in practice. Thankfully, every child does get a celebration on " their day " but we have a tradition at our (elementary) school where the parents come in and talk about the child as s/he has grown. " When Annie was 9 months old she crawled....when she was one she had her first plane trip to Florida... " and on and on. This gives the child time to tell personal things about themselves, allows the parents to connect to the other kids in the class, and focuses on celebrating the child as a unique person.....without the need for sugary food during that time. As a committee we are just trying to give parents a healthy snack list so if they insist on bringing something they can (hopefully) choose from the suggested list. Many parents just still have the mindset (and maybe kid pressure) that candy or cake needs to come to school with them and by the end of the year it is cupcake, candy, juicebox city. Just last week one parent even sent Ferro Roche (hazelnut chocolate balls), beef jerkey sticks, and " juice " boxes as the snack....thus our team discussion brought this up as a " need to address " for fall. School celebrations >> > To: rd-usa >> > Date: Friday, May 20, 2011, 9:13 PM >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > Hi everyone (again!)... >> > >> > Our committee is also trying to get away from EVERY child bringing in >> > cupcakes for their birthday. Currently is is almost weekly that somone >> > celebrates their day by bringing a sugar-laden item to class. While >> > occassional sweets can be acceptable, of course, it is really getting >> > out >> of >> > hand. Our school policy states that a healthy snack can come to >> > school.....but as the school year progresses this goes out the window, >> both >> > with parents and with teachers lack of enforcing it. So we thought that >> > maybe having a quarterly birthday celebration " pot-luck-lunch " style >> might >> > work....but we need to develop a sign-up sheet of sorts so that not all >> kids >> > bring.....cupcakes. ;-) >> > >> > Does anyone use this method in their school? Do you have a form to >> > share? >> > Or something else, perhaps? Thanks, again! >> > >> > J. Sheerin, RD >> > >> > Traverse City, MI >> > >> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 21, 2011 Report Share Posted May 21, 2011 At our previous school, B-day treats were banned. The celebration focus was a cool alternative. The student donated a book to the school library with their autograph and dedication included. The parents often came to to read the book, and the kids sang happy birthday. In our current school, no rules, many kids bring in Dunkin Donuts and chocolate milk. More kcals than any elementary school kid needs for a snack. Osowski MS, RD, LD Registered Dietitian Sent from my iPhone > Hi everyone (again!)... > > Our committee is also trying to get away from EVERY child bringing in cupcakes for their birthday. Currently is is almost weekly that somone celebrates their day by bringing a sugar-laden item to class. While occassional sweets can be acceptable, of course, it is really getting out of hand. Our school policy states that a healthy snack can come to school.....but as the school year progresses this goes out the window, both with parents and with teachers lack of enforcing it. So we thought that maybe having a quarterly birthday celebration " pot-luck-lunch " style might work....but we need to develop a sign-up sheet of sorts so that not all kids bring.....cupcakes. ;-) > > Does anyone use this method in their school? Do you have a form to share? Or something else, perhaps? Thanks, again! > > J. Sheerin, RD > Traverse City, MI > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 21, 2011 Report Share Posted May 21, 2011 Most classes have average of 25 kids. So if every kid brought something, which all parents wont, 25 days out of 180 really that bad to get a treat? The kids that get too much sugar already are still going to be getting it at home and the ones who patents care about what they eat will adjust their diet at home to accommodate the treat. My daughter's school does not allow birthday celebrations and I miss getting to make fun cupcakes for her. Sent from iPhone On May 21, 2011, at 9:33 AM, " Sheerin " > wrote: Great opinions...thank you! To clarify, we are encouraging activity but as a " parent committee " we really can't control recess time, when our (far too little) gym days are, etc., so we are just trying to implement more fresh, local foods in the cafeteria and at snack time while trying to educate parents and help decrease the frequency of sweets (not eliminate since this just would not happen for reasons we all understand.) Every classroom now has their own raised garden bed, and we are trying to raise money to purchase a hoop house or greenhouse.....so we seem to have parents who support us in theory.....maybe just not always in practice. Thankfully, every child does get a celebration on " their day " but we have a tradition at our (elementary) school where the parents come in and talk about the child as s/he has grown. " When Annie was 9 months old she crawled....when she was one she had her first plane trip to Florida... " and on and on. This gives the child time to tell personal things about themselves, allows the parents to connect to the other kids in the class, and focuses on celebrating the child as a unique person.....without the need for sugary food during that time. As a committee we are just trying to give parents a healthy snack list so if they insist on bringing something they can (hopefully) choose from the suggested list. Many parents just still have the mindset (and maybe kid pressure) that candy or cake needs to come to school with them and by the end of the year it is cupcake, candy, juicebox city. Just last week one parent even sent Ferro Roche (hazelnut chocolate balls), beef jerkey sticks, and " juice " boxes as the snack....thus our team discussion brought this up as a " need to address " for fall. School celebrations >> > To: <mailto:rd-usa%40yahoogroups.com> rd-usa <mailto:rd-usa > >> > Date: Friday, May 20, 2011, 9:13 PM >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > Hi everyone (again!)... >> > >> > Our committee is also trying to get away from EVERY child bringing in >> > cupcakes for their birthday. Currently is is almost weekly that somone >> > celebrates their day by bringing a sugar-laden item to class. While >> > occassional sweets can be acceptable, of course, it is really getting >> > out >> of >> > hand. Our school policy states that a healthy snack can come to >> > school.....but as the school year progresses this goes out the window, >> both >> > with parents and with teachers lack of enforcing it. So we thought that >> > maybe having a quarterly birthday celebration " pot-luck-lunch " style >> might >> > work....but we need to develop a sign-up sheet of sorts so that not all >> kids >> > bring.....cupcakes. ;-) >> > >> > Does anyone use this method in their school? Do you have a form to >> > share? >> > Or something else, perhaps? Thanks, again! >> > >> > J. Sheerin, RD >> > >> > Traverse City, MI >> > >> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 21, 2011 Report Share Posted May 21, 2011 Most classes have average of 25 kids. So if every kid brought something, which all parents wont, 25 days out of 180 really that bad to get a treat? The kids that get too much sugar already are still going to be getting it at home and the ones who patents care about what they eat will adjust their diet at home to accommodate the treat. My daughter's school does not allow birthday celebrations and I miss getting to make fun cupcakes for her. Sent from iPhone On May 21, 2011, at 9:33 AM, " Sheerin " > wrote: Great opinions...thank you! To clarify, we are encouraging activity but as a " parent committee " we really can't control recess time, when our (far too little) gym days are, etc., so we are just trying to implement more fresh, local foods in the cafeteria and at snack time while trying to educate parents and help decrease the frequency of sweets (not eliminate since this just would not happen for reasons we all understand.) Every classroom now has their own raised garden bed, and we are trying to raise money to purchase a hoop house or greenhouse.....so we seem to have parents who support us in theory.....maybe just not always in practice. Thankfully, every child does get a celebration on " their day " but we have a tradition at our (elementary) school where the parents come in and talk about the child as s/he has grown. " When Annie was 9 months old she crawled....when she was one she had her first plane trip to Florida... " and on and on. This gives the child time to tell personal things about themselves, allows the parents to connect to the other kids in the class, and focuses on celebrating the child as a unique person.....without the need for sugary food during that time. As a committee we are just trying to give parents a healthy snack list so if they insist on bringing something they can (hopefully) choose from the suggested list. Many parents just still have the mindset (and maybe kid pressure) that candy or cake needs to come to school with them and by the end of the year it is cupcake, candy, juicebox city. Just last week one parent even sent Ferro Roche (hazelnut chocolate balls), beef jerkey sticks, and " juice " boxes as the snack....thus our team discussion brought this up as a " need to address " for fall. School celebrations >> > To: <mailto:rd-usa%40yahoogroups.com> rd-usa <mailto:rd-usa > >> > Date: Friday, May 20, 2011, 9:13 PM >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > Hi everyone (again!)... >> > >> > Our committee is also trying to get away from EVERY child bringing in >> > cupcakes for their birthday. Currently is is almost weekly that somone >> > celebrates their day by bringing a sugar-laden item to class. While >> > occassional sweets can be acceptable, of course, it is really getting >> > out >> of >> > hand. Our school policy states that a healthy snack can come to >> > school.....but as the school year progresses this goes out the window, >> both >> > with parents and with teachers lack of enforcing it. So we thought that >> > maybe having a quarterly birthday celebration " pot-luck-lunch " style >> might >> > work....but we need to develop a sign-up sheet of sorts so that not all >> kids >> > bring.....cupcakes. ;-) >> > >> > Does anyone use this method in their school? Do you have a form to >> > share? >> > Or something else, perhaps? Thanks, again! >> > >> > J. Sheerin, RD >> > >> > Traverse City, MI >> > >> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 21, 2011 Report Share Posted May 21, 2011 Most classes have average of 25 kids. So if every kid brought something, which all parents wont, 25 days out of 180 really that bad to get a treat? The kids that get too much sugar already are still going to be getting it at home and the ones who patents care about what they eat will adjust their diet at home to accommodate the treat. My daughter's school does not allow birthday celebrations and I miss getting to make fun cupcakes for her. Sent from iPhone On May 21, 2011, at 9:33 AM, " Sheerin " > wrote: Great opinions...thank you! To clarify, we are encouraging activity but as a " parent committee " we really can't control recess time, when our (far too little) gym days are, etc., so we are just trying to implement more fresh, local foods in the cafeteria and at snack time while trying to educate parents and help decrease the frequency of sweets (not eliminate since this just would not happen for reasons we all understand.) Every classroom now has their own raised garden bed, and we are trying to raise money to purchase a hoop house or greenhouse.....so we seem to have parents who support us in theory.....maybe just not always in practice. Thankfully, every child does get a celebration on " their day " but we have a tradition at our (elementary) school where the parents come in and talk about the child as s/he has grown. " When Annie was 9 months old she crawled....when she was one she had her first plane trip to Florida... " and on and on. This gives the child time to tell personal things about themselves, allows the parents to connect to the other kids in the class, and focuses on celebrating the child as a unique person.....without the need for sugary food during that time. As a committee we are just trying to give parents a healthy snack list so if they insist on bringing something they can (hopefully) choose from the suggested list. Many parents just still have the mindset (and maybe kid pressure) that candy or cake needs to come to school with them and by the end of the year it is cupcake, candy, juicebox city. Just last week one parent even sent Ferro Roche (hazelnut chocolate balls), beef jerkey sticks, and " juice " boxes as the snack....thus our team discussion brought this up as a " need to address " for fall. School celebrations >> > To: <mailto:rd-usa%40yahoogroups.com> rd-usa <mailto:rd-usa > >> > Date: Friday, May 20, 2011, 9:13 PM >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > Hi everyone (again!)... >> > >> > Our committee is also trying to get away from EVERY child bringing in >> > cupcakes for their birthday. Currently is is almost weekly that somone >> > celebrates their day by bringing a sugar-laden item to class. While >> > occassional sweets can be acceptable, of course, it is really getting >> > out >> of >> > hand. Our school policy states that a healthy snack can come to >> > school.....but as the school year progresses this goes out the window, >> both >> > with parents and with teachers lack of enforcing it. So we thought that >> > maybe having a quarterly birthday celebration " pot-luck-lunch " style >> might >> > work....but we need to develop a sign-up sheet of sorts so that not all >> kids >> > bring.....cupcakes. ;-) >> > >> > Does anyone use this method in their school? Do you have a form to >> > share? >> > Or something else, perhaps? Thanks, again! >> > >> > J. Sheerin, RD >> > >> > Traverse City, MI >> > >> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 21, 2011 Report Share Posted May 21, 2011 My son's preschool does not do any treats.  Kids wear a crown and hand out favors at the end of the school day on their birthdays. Sometimes it is candy, treats etc., and sometimes it is little toys (non food items). We did a bag of little crafts (crayons, stamps etc.) on my son's birthday. I noticed his Kindergarten has the same no cupcake rule and a bear is given to each child on their big day. I think it is a good policy, but I agree that healthy habits really start in the home. I allow my kids to have treats, but we have rules about how much and when.  My son would love to have cookies for breakfast! When my son was 3 he was very shy and did not want a party. We were in a little class together and I brought mini cupcakes to celebrate with classmates. They were maybe two bites, three at most for a little one. They seem to be very appreciated by both teacher and parents. The teacher liked that they were small since she was trying to control the amount of sweets the kids had.  I will confess that I also sometimes give small boxes of See's candy as gifts. Some might think this is really bad, but I love having a piece of it now and then as a treat and I think their candy is decadent! I figure one piece is better than having a piece of cake or whole bowl of ice cream now and then... I am someone who can stick to just one piece, with lots of self discipline:-)! >> > >> > From: Sheerin <<mailto:juliesheerin%40chartermi.net>_juliesheerin@..._ (mailto:juliesheerin@...) <mailto:_juliesheerin@..._ (mailto:juliesheerin@...) >> >> > Subject: School celebrations >> > To: <mailto:rd-usa%40yahoogroups.com> _rd-usa _ (mailto:rd-usa ) <mailto:_rd-usa _ (mailto:rd-usa ) > >> > Date: Friday, May 20, 2011, 9:13 PM >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > Hi everyone (again!)... >> > >> > Our committee is also trying to get away from EVERY child bringing in >> > cupcakes for their birthday. Currently is is almost weekly that somone >> > celebrates their day by bringing a sugar-laden item to class. While >> > occassional sweets can be acceptable, of course, it is really getting >> > out >> of >> > hand. Our school policy states that a healthy snack can come to >> > school.....but as the school year progresses this goes out the window, >> both >> > with parents and with teachers lack of enforcing it. So we thought that >> > maybe having a quarterly birthday celebration " pot-luck-lunch " style >> might >> > work....but we need to develop a sign-up sheet of sorts so that not all >> kids >> > bring.....cupcakes. ;-) >> > >> > Does anyone use this method in their school? Do you have a form to >> > share? >> > Or something else, perhaps? Thanks, again! >> > >> > J. Sheerin, RD >> > >> > Traverse City, MI >> > >> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 21, 2011 Report Share Posted May 21, 2011 My son's preschool does not do any treats.  Kids wear a crown and hand out favors at the end of the school day on their birthdays. Sometimes it is candy, treats etc., and sometimes it is little toys (non food items). We did a bag of little crafts (crayons, stamps etc.) on my son's birthday. I noticed his Kindergarten has the same no cupcake rule and a bear is given to each child on their big day. I think it is a good policy, but I agree that healthy habits really start in the home. I allow my kids to have treats, but we have rules about how much and when.  My son would love to have cookies for breakfast! When my son was 3 he was very shy and did not want a party. We were in a little class together and I brought mini cupcakes to celebrate with classmates. They were maybe two bites, three at most for a little one. They seem to be very appreciated by both teacher and parents. The teacher liked that they were small since she was trying to control the amount of sweets the kids had.  I will confess that I also sometimes give small boxes of See's candy as gifts. Some might think this is really bad, but I love having a piece of it now and then as a treat and I think their candy is decadent! I figure one piece is better than having a piece of cake or whole bowl of ice cream now and then... I am someone who can stick to just one piece, with lots of self discipline:-)! >> > >> > From: Sheerin <<mailto:juliesheerin%40chartermi.net>_juliesheerin@..._ (mailto:juliesheerin@...) <mailto:_juliesheerin@..._ (mailto:juliesheerin@...) >> >> > Subject: School celebrations >> > To: <mailto:rd-usa%40yahoogroups.com> _rd-usa _ (mailto:rd-usa ) <mailto:_rd-usa _ (mailto:rd-usa ) > >> > Date: Friday, May 20, 2011, 9:13 PM >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > Hi everyone (again!)... >> > >> > Our committee is also trying to get away from EVERY child bringing in >> > cupcakes for their birthday. Currently is is almost weekly that somone >> > celebrates their day by bringing a sugar-laden item to class. While >> > occassional sweets can be acceptable, of course, it is really getting >> > out >> of >> > hand. Our school policy states that a healthy snack can come to >> > school.....but as the school year progresses this goes out the window, >> both >> > with parents and with teachers lack of enforcing it. So we thought that >> > maybe having a quarterly birthday celebration " pot-luck-lunch " style >> might >> > work....but we need to develop a sign-up sheet of sorts so that not all >> kids >> > bring.....cupcakes. ;-) >> > >> > Does anyone use this method in their school? Do you have a form to >> > share? >> > Or something else, perhaps? Thanks, again! >> > >> > J. Sheerin, RD >> > >> > Traverse City, MI >> > >> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 22, 2011 Report Share Posted May 22, 2011 I think what you are doing is truly wonderful. I didn't mean to offend you or take away well-deserved recognition. The problem is : I'm afraid that you are the exception to the rule. As nice as it would be, I can't imagine that there are very many schools doing what you are doing. I know these efforts certainly are not being made in Northeast Ohio. Audley, M.S., R.D., L.D. In a message dated 5/22/2011 5:38:37 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, juliesheerin@... writes: Again, to reapeat, we are doing education as well.....both to kids in the classroom (parents get related info sent home with the children) and directly to parents (via PTO meetings, our Health and Wellness Open House with guest chefs, an open gym, and student nutrition projects displayed) so we are not ignoring or dismissing this component. Quite the contrary! It just takes time, repeated messages, and trying to create a cohesive student/parent " family " where nutrition is valued both in school and at home. I have spent (along with one other RD mom) numerous hours volunteering what would normally be my professional services, to this cause. We have provided the teachers with " mini " educational topics, done " guest " presentations about healthy eating, shown up at PTO meetings to answer parent questions and offer education, and on and on. We do this because change must start somewhere....and, of course, we are not getting invited in to individual homes. For me, and others on our committee, it has been so fun to get the kids fired up and excited about making Rainbow Bean Salad in the kitchen, share it with their classmates as a snack or at lunch (the power of positive peer pressure!), and then take that recipe home to their parents with info discussing the power of colorful veggies and lean bean protein. The kids love to tell me about the message (or recipe) they took home and " taught " to their parents. So influence can happen in the opposite direct ion (kids to parents)....as we know when at the grocery store....so we are hoping kids will start pressuring their parents for healthier foods. Maybe a " dream " but one that can be a reality if we keep at it. School celebrations >> > To: <mailto:rd-usa%40yahoogroups.com> __rd-usa _ (mailto:_rd-usa ) _ (mailto:_rd-usa _ (mailto:rd-usa ) ) <mailto:__rd-usa _ (mailto:_rd-usa ) _ (mailto:_rd-usa _ (mailto:rd-usa ) ) > >> > Date: Friday, May 20, 2011, 9:13 PM >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > Hi everyone (again!)... >> > >> > Our committee is also trying to get away from EVERY child bringing in >> > cupcakes for their birthday. Currently is is almost weekly that somone >> > celebrates their day by bringing a sugar-laden item to class. While >> > occassional sweets can be acceptable, of course, it is really getting >> > out >> of >> > hand. Our school policy states that a healthy snack can come to >> > school.....but as the school year progresses this goes out the window, >> both >> > with parents and with teachers lack of enforcing it. So we thought that >> > maybe having a quarterly birthday celebration " pot-luck-lunch " style >> might >> > work....but we need to develop a sign-up sheet of sorts so that not all >> kids >> > bring.....cupcakes. ;-) >> > >> > Does anyone use this method in their school? Do you have a form to >> > share? >> > Or something else, perhaps? Thanks, again! >> > >> > J. Sheerin, RD >> > >> > Traverse City, MI >> > >> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >> > >> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >> > >> > >> > >> >> -- >> Ortiz, MS, RD >> *The FRUGAL Dietitian* <<__http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com__ (http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com_/) (_http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com/_ (http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com/) ) >__http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com__ (http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com_/) (_http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com/_ (http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com/) ) > >> >> Check out my blog: mixture of deals and nutrition >> Join me on Facebook <<__http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts__'>http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts__ (http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts_) (_http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts_ (http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts) ) >__http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts__'>http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts__ (http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts_) (_http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts_ (http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts) ) > >> >> * " Nutrition is a Science, Not an Opinion Survey " * >> >> >> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >> >> ------------------------------------ >> >> Yahoo! Groups Links >> >> >> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >> >> >> > > > > -- > Ortiz, MS, RD > *The FRUGAL Dietitian* <<__http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com__ (http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com_/) (_http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com/_ (http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com/) ) >__http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com__ (http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com_/) (_http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com/_ (http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com/) ) > > Check out my blog: mixture of deals and nutrition > Join me on Facebook <<__http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts__'>http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts__ (http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts_) (_http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts_ (http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts) ) >__http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts__'>http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts__ (http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts_) (_http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts_ (http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts) ) > > > * " Nutrition is a Science, Not an Opinion Survey " * > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > ------------------------------------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 22, 2011 Report Share Posted May 22, 2011 I think what you are doing is truly wonderful. I didn't mean to offend you or take away well-deserved recognition. The problem is : I'm afraid that you are the exception to the rule. As nice as it would be, I can't imagine that there are very many schools doing what you are doing. I know these efforts certainly are not being made in Northeast Ohio. Audley, M.S., R.D., L.D. In a message dated 5/22/2011 5:38:37 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, juliesheerin@... writes: Again, to reapeat, we are doing education as well.....both to kids in the classroom (parents get related info sent home with the children) and directly to parents (via PTO meetings, our Health and Wellness Open House with guest chefs, an open gym, and student nutrition projects displayed) so we are not ignoring or dismissing this component. Quite the contrary! It just takes time, repeated messages, and trying to create a cohesive student/parent " family " where nutrition is valued both in school and at home. I have spent (along with one other RD mom) numerous hours volunteering what would normally be my professional services, to this cause. We have provided the teachers with " mini " educational topics, done " guest " presentations about healthy eating, shown up at PTO meetings to answer parent questions and offer education, and on and on. We do this because change must start somewhere....and, of course, we are not getting invited in to individual homes. For me, and others on our committee, it has been so fun to get the kids fired up and excited about making Rainbow Bean Salad in the kitchen, share it with their classmates as a snack or at lunch (the power of positive peer pressure!), and then take that recipe home to their parents with info discussing the power of colorful veggies and lean bean protein. The kids love to tell me about the message (or recipe) they took home and " taught " to their parents. So influence can happen in the opposite direct ion (kids to parents)....as we know when at the grocery store....so we are hoping kids will start pressuring their parents for healthier foods. Maybe a " dream " but one that can be a reality if we keep at it. School celebrations >> > To: <mailto:rd-usa%40yahoogroups.com> __rd-usa _ (mailto:_rd-usa ) _ (mailto:_rd-usa _ (mailto:rd-usa ) ) <mailto:__rd-usa _ (mailto:_rd-usa ) _ (mailto:_rd-usa _ (mailto:rd-usa ) ) > >> > Date: Friday, May 20, 2011, 9:13 PM >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > Hi everyone (again!)... >> > >> > Our committee is also trying to get away from EVERY child bringing in >> > cupcakes for their birthday. Currently is is almost weekly that somone >> > celebrates their day by bringing a sugar-laden item to class. While >> > occassional sweets can be acceptable, of course, it is really getting >> > out >> of >> > hand. Our school policy states that a healthy snack can come to >> > school.....but as the school year progresses this goes out the window, >> both >> > with parents and with teachers lack of enforcing it. So we thought that >> > maybe having a quarterly birthday celebration " pot-luck-lunch " style >> might >> > work....but we need to develop a sign-up sheet of sorts so that not all >> kids >> > bring.....cupcakes. ;-) >> > >> > Does anyone use this method in their school? Do you have a form to >> > share? >> > Or something else, perhaps? Thanks, again! >> > >> > J. Sheerin, RD >> > >> > Traverse City, MI >> > >> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >> > >> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >> > >> > >> > >> >> -- >> Ortiz, MS, RD >> *The FRUGAL Dietitian* <<__http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com__ (http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com_/) (_http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com/_ (http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com/) ) >__http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com__ (http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com_/) (_http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com/_ (http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com/) ) > >> >> Check out my blog: mixture of deals and nutrition >> Join me on Facebook <<__http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts__'>http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts__ (http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts_) (_http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts_ (http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts) ) >__http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts__'>http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts__ (http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts_) (_http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts_ (http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts) ) > >> >> * " Nutrition is a Science, Not an Opinion Survey " * >> >> >> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >> >> ------------------------------------ >> >> Yahoo! Groups Links >> >> >> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >> >> >> > > > > -- > Ortiz, MS, RD > *The FRUGAL Dietitian* <<__http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com__ (http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com_/) (_http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com/_ (http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com/) ) >__http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com__ (http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com_/) (_http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com/_ (http://www.thefrugaldietitian.com/) ) > > Check out my blog: mixture of deals and nutrition > Join me on Facebook <<__http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts__'>http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts__ (http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts_) (_http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts_ (http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts) ) >__http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts__'>http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts__ (http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts_) (_http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts_ (http://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalDietitian?ref=ts) ) > > > * " Nutrition is a Science, Not an Opinion Survey " * > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > ------------------------------------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 22, 2011 Report Share Posted May 22, 2011 Again, to reapeat, we are doing education as well.....both to kids in the classroom (parents get related info sent home with the children) and directly to parents (via PTO meetings, our Health and Wellness Open House with guest chefs, an open gym, and student nutrition projects displayed) so we are not ignoring or dismissing this component. Quite the contrary! It just takes time, repeated messages, and trying to create a cohesive student/parent " family " where nutrition is valued both in school and at home. I have spent (along with one other RD mom) numerous hours volunteering what would normally be my professional services, to this cause. We have provided the teachers with " mini " educational topics, done " guest " presentations about healthy eating, shown up at PTO meetings to answer parent questions and offer education, and on and on. We do this because change must start somewhere....and, of course, we are not getting invited in to individual homes. For me, and others on our committee, it has been so fun to get the kids fired up and excited about making Rainbow Bean Salad in the kitchen, share it with their classmates as a snack or at lunch (the power of positive peer pressure!), and then take that recipe home to their parents with info discussing the power of colorful veggies and lean bean protein. The kids love to tell me about the message (or recipe) they took home and " taught " to their parents. So influence can happen in the opposite direction (kids to parents)....as we know when at the grocery store....so we are hoping kids will start pressuring their parents for healthier foods. Maybe a " dream " but one that can be a reality if we keep at it. School celebrations >> > To: <mailto:rd-usa%40yahoogroups.com> _rd-usa _ (mailto:rd-usa ) <mailto:_rd-usa _ (mailto:rd-usa ) > >> > Date: Friday, May 20, 2011, 9:13 PM >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > Hi everyone (again!)... >> > >> > Our committee is also trying to get away from EVERY child bringing in >> > cupcakes for their birthday. Currently is is almost weekly that somone >> > celebrates their day by bringing a sugar-laden item to class. While >> > occassional sweets can be acceptable, of course, it is really getting >> > out >> of >> > hand. Our school policy states that a healthy snack can come to >> > school.....but as the school year progresses this goes out the window, >> both >> > with parents and with teachers lack of enforcing it. So we thought that >> > maybe having a quarterly birthday celebration " pot-luck-lunch " style >> might >> > work....but we need to develop a sign-up sheet of sorts so that not all >> kids >> > bring.....cupcakes. ;-) >> > >> > Does anyone use this method in their school? Do you have a form to >> > share? >> > Or something else, perhaps? Thanks, again! >> > >> > J. Sheerin, RD >> > >> > Traverse City, MI >> > >> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 22, 2011 Report Share Posted May 22, 2011 Again, to reapeat, we are doing education as well.....both to kids in the classroom (parents get related info sent home with the children) and directly to parents (via PTO meetings, our Health and Wellness Open House with guest chefs, an open gym, and student nutrition projects displayed) so we are not ignoring or dismissing this component. Quite the contrary! It just takes time, repeated messages, and trying to create a cohesive student/parent " family " where nutrition is valued both in school and at home. I have spent (along with one other RD mom) numerous hours volunteering what would normally be my professional services, to this cause. We have provided the teachers with " mini " educational topics, done " guest " presentations about healthy eating, shown up at PTO meetings to answer parent questions and offer education, and on and on. We do this because change must start somewhere....and, of course, we are not getting invited in to individual homes. For me, and others on our committee, it has been so fun to get the kids fired up and excited about making Rainbow Bean Salad in the kitchen, share it with their classmates as a snack or at lunch (the power of positive peer pressure!), and then take that recipe home to their parents with info discussing the power of colorful veggies and lean bean protein. The kids love to tell me about the message (or recipe) they took home and " taught " to their parents. So influence can happen in the opposite direction (kids to parents)....as we know when at the grocery store....so we are hoping kids will start pressuring their parents for healthier foods. Maybe a " dream " but one that can be a reality if we keep at it. School celebrations >> > To: <mailto:rd-usa%40yahoogroups.com> _rd-usa _ (mailto:rd-usa ) <mailto:_rd-usa _ (mailto:rd-usa ) > >> > Date: Friday, May 20, 2011, 9:13 PM >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > Hi everyone (again!)... >> > >> > Our committee is also trying to get away from EVERY child bringing in >> > cupcakes for their birthday. Currently is is almost weekly that somone >> > celebrates their day by bringing a sugar-laden item to class. While >> > occassional sweets can be acceptable, of course, it is really getting >> > out >> of >> > hand. Our school policy states that a healthy snack can come to >> > school.....but as the school year progresses this goes out the window, >> both >> > with parents and with teachers lack of enforcing it. So we thought that >> > maybe having a quarterly birthday celebration " pot-luck-lunch " style >> might >> > work....but we need to develop a sign-up sheet of sorts so that not all >> kids >> > bring.....cupcakes. ;-) >> > >> > Does anyone use this method in their school? Do you have a form to >> > share? >> > Or something else, perhaps? Thanks, again! >> > >> > J. Sheerin, RD >> > >> > Traverse City, MI >> > >> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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