Policy: EBA
Life-Threatening Student Allergies
The Lyme School District (“the District”) strives
to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for all
students, including those with life-threatening allergies
identified by a physician or other advanced medical practitioner.
The District recognizes that it cannot guarantee an allergen-free
environment for all students with life-threatening allergies,
or prevent all harm to students who experience a life-threatening
allergic reaction. Likewise, the District acknowledges that
decisions regarding the health and safety of its students
are ultimately the responsibility of the parents, and not
the School. However, the District is committed to the following
goals:
· to minimize the risk of in-school exposure to identified
allergens in students with physician-identified life-threatening
allergies;
· to prepare for any life-threatening allergic reactions
that may occur;
· to respond appropriately to any life-threatening
allergic reactions that may occur; and
· to protect the rights of students with physician-identified
life-threatening allergies to participate in school activities.
To this end, the District, through the Superintendent or his
or her designee, shall develop guidelines to protect students
with physician-identified life-threatening allergies. These
guidelines shall take into account the variation in the level
of sensitivity and the type and severity of allergic reactions
among students; the varying ages and maturity levels of students;
and the physical properties and organizational structures
of the school. The roles of parents, staff, and students in
preventing exposure to allergens shall be clearly defined,
and procedures for responding to and reporting life-threatening
allergic reactions shall be specified.
Each student with a physician-identified life-threatening
allergy shall have an Individualized Health Plan (IHP) and
a written Emergency Care Plan (ECP). The IHP will be developed
jointly by the School Nurse (under the Supervision of the
Principal) and the student’s parents. The IHP describes
the specific actions to be taken by all parties to ensure
the health and safety of the student. Such steps may include
classroom adaptations, the establishment of separate seating
at snack time and lunch, and training or other educational
efforts directed to teachers, staff, and/or the student’s
classmates. The ECP is written and signed by the student’s
physician. The ECP establishes an individualized treatment
plan and emergency protocol if exposure and/or allergic reaction
occurs.
In the event of a disagreement between the School and the
parents about the design or implementation of the IHP, the
parents may appeal to the Superintendent, who will review
the plan and issue a decision. If the parents are not satisfied
after the Superintendent’s review and decision, they
may appeal to the School Board.
Adopted: 27 August 2009
Revised: 10 February 2011
