PASD Puts the Kibosh on Cupcakes

Cupcakes are so last year. So are any birthday treats in elementary schools, in fact, according to a letter Phoenixville Area School District parents received recently.

Effective at the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year, food items to celebrate student birthdays will no longer be permitted.

“Due to the many students with allergies and food reactions, we are requesting that all birthday recognitions be non-food based,” said correspondence PASD parents received. “No birthday food treats should be sent to school.”

Instead, the letter, which is signed by principals from the three elementary schools and the kindergarten center, encourages parents to send in other items, such as stickers or pencils, or to donate a book to the library in celebration of a child’s birthday.

The letter cites the student wellness policy in the district.

“The policy states ‘The district recognizes that classroom parties and celebrations are a tradition at school,'” the letter explains, quoting the policy. “'School staff and parents/guardians are encouraged to include healthy food offerings, as defined in this policy, at school parties and events to support a healthy environment throughout the district.'”

As for holiday celebrations, because they’re “announced in advance,” food choices can be determined ahead of time, so those won’t be free of food like birthdays, according to the letter.

“Birthday celebrations are held randomly and do not allow for parent awareness prior to the event in the school setting, which contributed to the decision for birthday recognitions to be non-food based,” the letter states.