Letter to the editor
To the editor:
Last Friday (Feb. 13), a student brought in Rice Krispies treats to celebrate Valentine Day to my son’s third grade class.
Unfortunately, the bringing in of Rice Krispies treats apparently violates the Hillsborough school district’s policy regarding “healthy nutrition.” An email had been send out by the school principal, Jodi Howe, on Feb. 5, advising that no food would be permitted to celebrate Valentine’s Day. A full copy of that email is pasted below:
“Good Afternoon,
Just a reminder that children may bring Valentine’s on February 13, 2015. Although there are no parties or crafts, children can exchange Valentine’s. We ask that you include all students in your child’s class so that we do not have any hurt feelings. Please reach out to your child’s teacher for a class list. It is important to note that the Valentine’s cannot have any candy or food attached to them. This is a no food event. Any food items that are sent in will be brought back to the main office for parent pick up. In the event of snow, the day will be moved to February 16, 2015.
Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.”
The treats had been provided and were placed in each student’s backpack to be taken home so as not to interfere with the school’s policy. However, teachers from Wood Road School boarded the buses at the end of the day and demanded that the Rice Krispies treats be returned. The students were forced to return the treats while on the buses that were to take them home.
I may be a bit old fashioned, but personally I would like to see the schools concentrate on reading, writing and math and let me worry as a parent what my children eat. I do not need the schools to be my children’s nanny but need the schools to spend their time and energy teaching my children academic skills.
Finally, it is understood that the school’s food policy was violated. To board the buses at the end of the day when the children were going home in order to confiscate the snacks, shows weak leadership disguised as an excessive show of power, and extremely poor judgment.
Peter Cipparulo
Hillsborough