Allergies to peanuts, peanut butter and tree nuts are serious problems and the number of people with these types of allergies is increasing dramatically across the country.  As a community, we need to be conscious of the food that comes to school.  The issue of cross-contamination is complex and far-reaching so areas that are used by the entire school population need to be safe-guarded.  For some people, an extremely minute amount of peanut/nut exposure is enough to cause a problem and, occasionally, just peanut dust in the air will bring on a reaction.

The classrooms in which these children are enrolled will be peanut/nut-free.  Parents, students, and teachers are requested to avoid bringing all peanut/nut products to school for snacks, activities, parties, etc.  There will be a peanut/nut-free table in the cafeteria for the child/children and his/her friends and no peanut products will be allowed at this table.  As some children will bring items like peanut butter sandwiches to lunch, all children should be asked to wash their hands or use handi-wipes after they eat on the way to the playground.  

In addition, hand lotions with nut oils (almond oil, for example) should be avoided, as well as nut-flavored beverages like hazelnut or almond-flavored coffees.