Please read the below letter to Principal D'Elia regarding this Allergy Petition. We are trying to prevent the same situation that occurred during Countywood's 2010-2011 school year "the no store brought items were to be used for special occasions policy". The way children once celebrated their birthdays and the 2nd grade bash at Countrywood have been altered because of one child's allergies and without any consideration to the other 300+ children. This decision was disappointing and appalling to all involved; however, as parents we believe this is not a true representation of all the residents living and paying their fair portion of taxes to the Town of Huntington. We respectful request that you would consider signing this petition to further prevent this situation from being place in affect for all the students at Maplewood Starting September 2011. Dear Mr. D’Elia, We are writing on behalf of the current and the incoming students who would be joining Maplewood in September 2011. As parents and/or guardians, we are concerned for all the children who have allergies. Rather-than, absolutely eliminating the current way birthdays and the seasonal celebrations have been established at Maplewood we believe accommodations can be implemented to benefit all the parties involved in this situation. As our children mature and become self aware of their environment we as parents have to educate them about what’s acceptable and appropriate for them to consume. This skill is vital and necessary for all our children to make proper decisions as to what is harmful to them. Please note, it is extremely difficult for children with allergies and this is a situation that affects them for the rest of their lives; therefore, as parents we have to instruct our children how to function in society as a whole. As part of this community and School District 13, students who presently attend Countrywood have relinquished so much fun and creative holiday traditions such as making the ginger bread houses. In addition, this activity involves a fun way to introduce the children to geometric shapes such as triangles, squares and rectangles. The majority of parents who had taken part in this activity have often said, “Seeing the children using their creative ideas to decorate and arrange the ginger bread houses is a great learning experience and it is so much fun.” Finally, to view the children’s finished product is simply amazing. Next, you created a sense of pride when you introduced and established lunch with Mr. D’Elia. Most children who had lunch with you felt honored to share this experience. In addition, classrooms have used food as a technique to introduce science and other creative ways of completing projects such as Cultural Heritage. Furthermore, the way children once celebrated their birthdays and the second grade bash at Countrywood have been altered without any consideration to the other children. This decision was disappointing and appalling to all involved; however, as parents we believe this is not a true representation of all the residents living and paying their fair portion of taxes to the Town of Huntington. As parents and guardians we can all work together to face the challenges that lie ahead and develop safe and satisfactory solutions for the all parties involved. Other districts have established accommodations to assist children with severe allergies without destroying these joyous occasions for the entire school. In addition, as parents, we have to understand that schools are not only institutions for academic learning; however, they also provide a foundation for children to adapt and function in the real world. Mr. D’Elia, please consider all the facts regarding the allergy situation. Therefore, please take into account as parents, guardians and educators we have a responsibility to the children in Maplewood to establish a sense of consistency and to create a form of stability. Furthermore, we believe together with your leadership, we can implement a healthy and a joyful experience for all the students at Maplewood. We respectful request that you would consider all the students in your decision process regarding the elimination of store brought food items. Thank you for your understanding and assistance in this vital matter. Sincerely your, Parents and Guardians of School District 13

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