APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Students in the Appleton school district will no longer be allowed to share birthday and special occasion treats or snacks during school.
The change aims to promote equity and a healthy lifestyle.
Stephanie Kuchenberg told FOX 11, it’s a change that had to happen.
“For my family, we deal with a lot of food allergies. I have a daughter with celiac disease and Type 1 diabetes.”
Kuchenberg said her daughter sometimes feels left out from celebrations during class, “She’s like ‘mom I couldn’t participate’ and it just really made me upset.”
Steve Harrison is the districts former health and human performance director.
“Its really about the bigger piece of not excluding students because they may or may not have other external circumstances.”
Appleton school leaders say the change is meant to celebrate and honor students rather than the items they bring to school.
“We’re really focused on other best practices such as a student bringing in his or her favorite book to read, talking about the meaning behind why that is so important for the child, or student being leader of the day, things like that,” said Harrison.
Linda Cross, a retired Hortonville teacher, disagrees with the change.
She tells FOX 11 there are ways to accommodate everyone.
“I think we can have those considerations in mind and have a little of this and a little of that, some gluten-free or whatever.”
Over Facebook messenger, Appleton parent Erin Rogers told FOX 11…
“I think the kids need to be taught at a young age that not everyone can afford the same things, and there are times that they may be left out of a specific snack due to their allergies/restrictions.”
Appleton Area School leaders say the rule helps make sure the district continues being culturally responsive to the needs of families.
“And making sure we honor our students in a way that’s safe, welcoming and healthy for our students,” said Harrison.
The rule does not apply to cold lunch and it’s only in effect during school hours, which starts midnight and ends half an hour after dismissal.
