At Fairview Elementary, we work hard to ensure that students’ minds and bodies are ready for learning each day.  In addition to the hard work our teachers and staff do every day to prepare students for success in the classroom, we can also work to encourage healthy eating and physical activity, leading them to lifelong success.  By helping them start healthy habits early in life, we can help reduce our children’s health risks and increase their chances for longer, more productive lives.  Student health, wellness and safety is our top priority.  Celebrations are very important and we are committed to recognizing students in healthy and safe ways on their special day. 

Like many other schools, we have quite a few students who suffer from life-threatening allergies.  According to the Centers for Disease Control (2011), allergies have increased more than 20% among American children since the mid-1990s.  As a school community, we must do all we can to lessen the chances of an allergic incident happening and must work diligently to keep our students safe.

There is also a growing concern for wellness in our children.  Childhood obesity has tripled over the past 20 years.  Using food, even healthy food, as a reward undermines nutrition education and teaches children to eat when they aren’t hungry as a reward to themselves.  Additionally, we have concern for families whose budget does not allow them to purchase treats or items for an entire class.

Based on feedback and in collaboration with the Robinson Pyramid elementary schools,  we have determined that during the school day, we will celebrate student birthdays with non-edible treats beginning next school year (2019-2020).  Cupcakes, candy, and/or any other edible food items will not be allowed.  We also strongly encourage healthy lunches. 

Our teachers are committed to recognizing your students’ special days. Student birthdays will continue to be shared via the morning news show, and students may select a new book courtesy of the Fairview PTA. We encourage families that wish to celebrate a birthday to consider recognition in this way:

• Visit the classroom as a guest reader or share a special talent or interest with the class
• Give a classroom gift in honor of your child to be enjoyed by all such as books, indoor games, recess equipment
• Donate a book to the school library in your child’s honor
• Donate a plant to beautify the school

As educators, caregivers and loved ones, we all want the best for our students.  Thank you for joining us in giving students healthy opportunities to celebrate their special day.  We appreciate your support in ensuring the well-being of all our students and the importance of instilling healthy eating habits.