District 50 addresses food allergies in updated guidelines

Woodland Elementary District has revised its policies and guidelines regarding students who have food allergies.

Incidences of food allergies among children have doubled in the past 10 years, according to the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network of Fairfax, Va. Peanuts and tree nuts represent about 92 percent of fatal and severe reactions.

Responding to the concerns of some parents of children with food allergies, Gurnee-based Woodland District 50 will provide nut-free classrooms in kindergarten through fifth grade. Parents must have medical confirmation of the allergies for creation of the nut-free rooms.

Students in the designated classrooms aren't allowed to possess or eat any foods with nut products. Parents of children without food allergies may request a classroom switch if they believe compliance would be difficult.

In addition, teachers, bus drivers and other District 50 employees are being trained on the basics about food allergies and in using a pen-like device to inject a child with epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, to control a severe reaction.

Four mothers of children with food allergies assisted Woodland administrators as part of a committee that updated the guidelines. Superintendent Joy Swoboda said the parental feedback was valuable.

"By working in partnership with our parents," Swoboda said, "we continue to ensure the protection and safety of our students."

Read more about the updated food allergy guidelines at District 50 in Friday's Daily Herald.