Willowwind School - Health & Wellness
A Low Sugar Environment
School Celebrations
Please read below for important updates to the “school celebrations” of our health and wellness policies. Also, take note of an old Willowwind tradition that is being reimplemented in all PreK-6 grade classrooms. (See the New Old Birthday Tradition section below.)
Our philosophy in eating snack and drinking a lot of water is intended to fuel your child so that they can work at their full potential. High sugar snacks such as fruit juice, artificially flavored puddings, doughnuts, cookies or candy are quick and easy, but they don’t sustain a child’s energy. Snacks that are scrumptious are just as important as the nutrition they should provide. This holds true for birthday celebrations and “treats”, too.
There are many ways to celebrate milestones, accomplishments and time together. At Willowwind, we love to celebrate with music, artwork, and words of recognition. If your child chooses to celebrate their birthday at school with a treat, please engage in a discussion with your child’s teacher prior to the big day. This allows the teacher to discuss options for celebrations communicate “treat” consumption to families so that they may plan meals accordingly. This also allows you to confirm food allergies within your child’s class to ensure that all children can celebrate with your child and their “treat”. Further, must be made with low or natural sugar alternatives such as a delicious fruit salad or fruit smoothies, homemade trail mix, granola or homemade breads, muffins, etc. See below for more low sugar options. Please consider a miniature serving size. Of course, non-food treats are also great alternatives if your family wants to celebrate at school. See below for non-food treat options.
It is important that we work together to provide low-sugar treats to all of our students at Willowwind. If your family has a birthday treat idea that does not fall within the list above or below please contact your teacher. Please note: all treats that are considered high in sugar or contain portions that are considered too large will be sent back home.
Low Sugar Treat Ideas
Muffins Fruit Pizza Fruit Kabobs
Popcorn All Natural Fruit Popsicles Bagel Pizzas
Yogurt Parfaits Fig Newtons Yogurt Raisins
Chocolate Dipped Fruit Applesauce Fruit Leathers
Organic Gummy Snacks Organic Crackers Baked Bread
Non Food Treat Ideas
Stickers Pencils Puzzles
Coloring Pages Erasers Bookmarks
Bubbles Silly Straws Glow Sticks
New Old Birthday Tradition
Birthdays are a time for giving and sharing. This year, Willowwind is looking to revive an old birthday tradition. In addition to, or in lieu of, a birthday treat, your family is encouraged to bring in a group gift for your child’s classroom. This is an opportunity for your child to give to the classroom as a whole on their birthday. Allow them the chance to pick out something special for their classmates to use at school. Students love watching their classmates use and enjoy their birthday gift to the class throughout the year. Below are some class gift ideas. Many teachers have ongoing classroom wish lists. Interested in getting a class gift for your child’s class? Check to see what your teacher and the class is wishing for.
Please note this new tradition is optional but encouraged as a great way to teach your child the power of giving and paying it forward on special days and with special celebrations.
Class Gift Ideas
Books Puzzles Maniuplatives (Legos, Lincoln Logs,
School Supplies Games Kinex, Dominos, etc.)
Art Supplies Recess Activities Magazine Subscription
Finally, schoolwide events are another time for giving and sharing food. Please keep in mind that all sign-up needs for schoolwide events should follow our low sugar policy. Sign Up Genius needs will reflect this policy and volunteers will be asked to provide specific healthy snack options.
Thank you for your support in providing students with a healthy environment. As always, if you have any questions or concern please contact your child’s teacher or the Administrative office as needs arise.
Willowwind Faculty and Staff
Revised: 08.27.14
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