Part 10.0 Unity and Diversity

Section 10.3 Celebrations

Paragraph 10.3.2 Birthdays

Policy Statement:

Birthday Celebrations at School

Teachers will generally celebrate a student's birthday during the school day closest to their birthday and have a special way of acknowledging that student. Due to food sensitivities, we have adjusted our birthday recognition policy. In place of cupcakes or other birthday treats, parents who wish to recognize a child's birthday may do so by providing pencils, erasers, or other small items for classmates. Latex items are prohibited. This is not something that needs to be done, but if parents choose to, it is acceptable. Parents, please do NOT bring any birthday treats, balloon bouquets, flowers or other birthday items to school. This becomes a distraction in the school day, and we are sensitive to the feelings of the students whose parents cannot or do not do something similar for them. If you have questions on what is acceptable please contact your child's homeroom teacher.

At times, students may consume food at school that parents do not send – for example, by trading lunch items or having special food at a culminating activity. It is imperative that parents disclose any food allergies to the school by filling out a Health Alert form so that precautions can be taken to prevent allergic reactions in students (see Student Medical Information).

Invitations to parties outside of school

Birthday parties and other parties held during the year are an exciting event for the child hosting the party and those who are invited. It can be a very disappointing time for a child who has not been invited to the same party. Out of respect and consideration for the feelings of all students, please do not distribute invitations to birthday parties or any other personal parties at school—before, during, or after—unless an entire class is invited. If only a portion of the students in a class is invited, please use other ways—outside of school--to contact those students and parents. To assist parents, APA may provide a class-level directory upon request at the beginning of the year. If you do not want to participate in the class-level directory, you may opt-out of sharing Directory Information. The student directory may include student name, parent name, address, phone number, and email address. We appreciate your consideration.