Office of the Principal

 Berkley Street Elementary School

  812 Berkley Street

  New Milford, New Jersey 07646

 

 

September, 2021

 

Dear Parent/Guardian:

 

We are currently facing a growing number of students and families dealing with serious nut and/or seed allergies. In order to continue to ensure a warm, safe, and nurturing environment for every child at Berkley Street School we recently revisited our school wide snack practices and would like to share that information with you.

 

As you know, presently, all our classrooms are designated nut and/or seed free. Therefore, peanuts, tree nuts, nut products, or seeds cannot be brought into the classroom.  Also, there is a designated peanut, tree nut, seed-free table in the cafeteria for students requiring this accommodation at each lunch period.  In an effort to keep all our students safe, beginning Monday, September 25, 2017  all parents who wish to send in birthday celebration and other class treats will be required to choose from the list below of approved snacks only.

 

NO home baked goods or bakery items will be allowed (including Dunkin’ Donuts). Please know that if home baked goods or bakery items are brought or sent in, they will be returned home. Please also consider sending in non-food treats.

 

Approved Snacks for Birthday Treats and other Celebrations

Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers (cheddar)    Kellogg’s pre-packaged Rice Krispies Treats (original)

Ritz Crackers                                                          Bachman Pretzels

Nabisco Teddy Grahams (original)                        Nabisco Chips Ahoy (original)

Plain Popcorn (gluten free)                                   Applesauce (gluten free)

Raisins (gluten free)

 

 

Homemade or prepared foods are not permitted in school due to the risk of cross-contamination from peanut, tree nut, and seeds containing products or preparation surfaces. Only pre-packaged foods are safe, as foods from bins may be contaminated by residue from food previously stored in those bins.

 

Choosing a Safe Peanut, Tree Nut, Seed-Free Snack

 

Read the label every time you purchase a product. Do not assume that a product you have previously purchased is still safe.  Manufacturers often change ingredients and equipment without prior warning.  Do not bring snacks to class if manufacturers list peanuts, peanut oil, nuts, nut oil, or seeds.   Snacks with such statements as, “May contain traces of …” or “Made on equipment that manufactures or processes …” or “Made in a facility that manufactures…” are not safe.

 

With your cooperation, I am certain we will continue to be able to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for all of our students while helping to develop a greater understanding of individual differences. For more information on peanut, tree nut, and see free snacks please visit SnackSafely.com, a website that provides monthly updates.

 

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Warm regards,

Mr. Coughlin