I want to write a letter to Tyler's school but I want your opinion in case I'm making mountains out of molehills.

Tyler has been going to his school since kindergarten. On our first back to school night, his kindergarten teacher told us the school has a policy against sending junk food and candy in lunches. We were also not to send in sweets to celebrate birthdays. His teacher this year reiterated the point saying the school has really cracked down on the birthday treats and asked that if we want to celebrate we send in pencils or some other trinket.

This is an excerpt from the school's Policy and Procedures section on their website:

Students may eat a snack at the beginning of their morning recess and we encourage some type of healthy food, rather than what we refer to as “extra” foods, such as chips and cookies.

In accordance with this policy, we do not celebrate birthdays in classrooms with candy, cakes, cupcakes and sodas. Food and drinks are allowed at other celebration events, however they must follow the [school district] Food and Beverage Guidelines.

I haven't had a problem with either of these policies. I agree with both ad have tried to uphold them . I keep Tyler's lunch relatively junk free. I don't pick out the chocolate pieces in the trail mix and I have sent in Nilla Wafers or Teddy Grahams. I've never sent anything in for his birthday, trinket or otherwise. But, hearing the teacher strongly emphasize the point again at the same time the school brought back Popsicle Friday kinda pissed me off.

We parents can't send anything "extra" to school in an effort to keep the kids healthy, but the PTO can sell popsicles in front of the school every week? And don't even get me started on the crap the PTO allows at the Friday Assembly coffee cart.

I call Bullshit.  

It's not that I want to see Doritos and candy on school grounds every day. I'd also rather the kids get one small cookie or cupcake on a birthday rather than have any more of the Party City junk continue to clutter up Tyler's room (though I do realize multiplying one cookie by 30+ birthdays can easily equal sugar overload).

But, if the school is going to create a written policy asking me not to send in sweets, why should their on campus fund raising be exempt? Two weeks ago I bought a popsicle for Tyler just to see if at least they were selling sugar free ones. Maybe some were but not the kind I bought*.

I don't want to be the buzzkill who put an end to fun on campus but it feels like a blatant double standard. So, am I making too much of this? Should I let it go or send a note to the principal? 

What issues have prompted you to write a letter to your child's school?

*My frustration could also be over Popsicle Friday itself. I think Tyler has only had two because I always say no. I look like the ass who won't let her kid have any treats, which I'm OK with. But I've caught him sneaking money to school and that bothers me. I know I said I'd let up and be more of a yes mom, but I just don't think he needs the 'extra' sugar. There's plenty in his juice boxes, granola bars, fruit leather, peanut butter/jelly etc. etc.

Waste Not, Want Not

Tyler eats a lot. I mean A LOT. It bother's me that school has a morning snack, lunch soon after and that's all. I really think kids need an afternoon snack too, but that's another post. Anyway, because Tyler would be starving by the time I got through the pick up line, I started packing giant lunches. This way, he'd have enough for snack and lunch with a little left for after school while he waits for me to get through the pick up line. 

The system was working fine until around the middle of the school year when Tyler started getting wasteful. I'd go through his backpack and all the 'side' items would be gone but his sandwich, GoGurt or fruit would be leftover. I also found out he'd sometimes buy lunch and not eat any of the things I packed. So then we had to have a talk.

I told him we couldn't waste food. He needed to eat the things I sent him to school with, especially the things that would spoil. We went round and round and I got so fed up I even took money from his wallet one day telling him he owed me for the groceries he wasted. I know. But rational is not my strong suit when I'm trying to make a point. 

We got through the rest of the school year with no more problems. I didn't think we needed to have a refresher for this school year but I was wrong. Twice last week I had to throw away sandwiches and yogurt. I reminded him of last year and said again that we shouldn't waste food. He apologized and said he wouldn't do it anymore. Friday I opened the fridge and I saw this:

I think this time he got the point. 

Fundraising with Jess LC Jewelry: 3 Day Thursday

For me, one of the most challenging parts of participating in the 3 Day has been the fund raising. If you ever want to know how much of a social media presence you *really* have, ask people for money. Ha! 

Luckily, I have a partner this year to help with my efforts. Jessica Constable is the designer and owner of Jess LC Jewelry. Through her Pink Ribbon Ambassador program, Jess has graciously offered to donate 15% of all online purchases* toward my 3 Day goal!

My favorite piece

How you can help:

1. Place an order on JessLC.com.

2. After you order, send an email to jess@jesslc.com with the link to my 3 Day page: http://www.the3day.org/goto/melaniesheridan

3. Enjoy your purchase!

Easy peasy! Thank you, Jessica! I appreciate your generosity!

*Excluding the Soc Chic line

9/11: Nine Years Past But Not Forgotten

Ground Zero, New York, August 2010

 

What makes a nation's pillars high

And it's foundations strong?

What makes it mighty to defy

The foes that round it throng?

It is not gold. Its kingdoms grand

Go down in battle shock;

Its shafts are laid on sinking sand,

Not on abiding rock.

Is it the sword? Ask the red dust

Of empires passed away;

The blood has turned their stones to rust,

Their glory to decay.

And is it pride? Ah, that bright crown

Has seemed to nations sweet;

But God has struck its luster down

In ashes at his feet.

Not gold but only men can make

A people great and strong;

Men who for truth and honor's sake

Stand fast and suffer long.

Brave men who work while others sleep,

Who dare while others fly...

They build a nation's pillars deep

And lift them to the sky.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson