Aberdeen School District No. 58 is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all of its students and employees. Recognizing that many students have severe food allergies, the board is dedicated to working with parents, students, and physicians to reduce the likelihood of severe or potentially life-threatening allergic reactions; determine appropriate response and treatment options; and provide food allergic students with an equal opportunity to participate in the programs and activities of the district.
DEFINITIONS
“Anaphylaxis” means a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that is often marked by difficulty breathing, itching, swelling, hives, increased heart rate, lowered blood pressure, and dilated blood vessels. In severe cases, a person will go into anaphylactic shock, which can lead to unconsciousness or be fatal if not treated immediately.
“Epinephrine (a.k.a., adrenaline)” means a medication used in emergencies to treat serious allergic reactions by reversing the symptoms and preventing progression to other, more serious symptoms.
“Epinephrine auto-injector” means a device that automatically injects a premeasured dose of epinephrine into the human body (e.g., EpiPen).
“Food allergy” means an unusual response to a food caused by the body’s immune system. In some people, a food allergy can cause severe symptoms or anaphylaxis.
PROCEDURE FOR IMPLEMENTING POLICY
Any student who is in need or is believed to be in need of services under to this policy may be referred by a parent, teacher, or other school employee for identification and evaluation pursuant to Section 504. The school will follow its Section 504 policies and procedures in identifying, evaluating, and providing services to eligible students who are referred under this policy.
SCHOOL PROTOCOL
Each school will ensure that relevant information is transmitted to all supervising persons of a student identified with a life threatening food allergy.
FOOD SUBSTITUTIONS
Substitutions to the regular meal will be made for students who are unable to eat school meals due to severe allergic reaction as determined by the 504 team or the student’s 504 plan.
ALLERGY BULLYING
The harassment, intimidation or bullying of students with food allergies on the basis of their allergies will be taken seriously and handled in accordance with the school’s bullying and harassment policies and other applicable laws.
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LEGAL REFERENCE:
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
ADOPTED: May 20, 2015
AMENDED: