Schools

Elementary School Says 'No' to Birthday Treats

Saucon Valley Elementary School students are no longer permitted to celebrate their birthdays by bringing cookies, cakes and other treats to share in their classrooms.

Correction: An earlier published version of this story indicated that Lynn Cheddar is the principal of Saucon Valley Elementary School. She is the assistant principal. We apologize for any confusion the error may have caused.

Saucon Valley Elementary School Assistant Principal Lynn Cheddar told the Saucon Valley School Board Feb. 26 that food treats such as birthday cupcakes have been disallowed in classrooms due to the prevalence of food allergies among students.

"We've gone the inedible route," Cheddar said, explaining that parents are now encouraged to help their children celebrate birthdays with inedible gifts and rewards, such as books.

Find out what's happening in Hellertown-Lower Sauconwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"They have come up with some wonderful but inexpensive things to do," she said.

In cases when a birthday treat is brought to school unannounced, it is not allowed to be passed out, because students unable to consume the food due to allergies could feel left out of the celebration, Cheddar said.

Find out what's happening in Hellertown-Lower Sauconwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In other business at the meeting, Superintendent Dr. Sandra Fellin presented Cheddar and Middle School Principal Pamela Bernardo with Keystone Awards, which are given on behalf of the Commonwealth to schools whose students have achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) on annual standardized tests.

Although the high school was not a recipient of a Keystone Award, Fellin said adminstrators and teachers will continue to have that recognition as a goal.

"It's motivating to get acknowledgement," she said.

School board member Edward Inghrim also noted that the school district will be honored with the Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber of Commerce's "Good Samaritan Award" at the chamber's 91st annual banquet on May 31.

The award acknowledges the compassion demonstrated by officials when the Saucon Valley was .

During that time, the middle school gym was opened as a temporary shelter for storm-weary residents who needed hot showers, electricity and a warm place to sleep.

The banquet will be held May 31 at Silver Creek Country Club.


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