Ms. Perkins Language Arts

?Don't ban peanuts at school, but teach about the dangers Des Moines Register Editorial BoardWaukee school officials were considering banning peanut products for all students in kindergarten through seventh grade to try to protect children with peanut allergies. The public outcry made officials change their minds. Now the district is proposing a policy that would "strongly discourage" the products in schools.Fine. "Strongly discouraging" may help raise awareness about the danger of nut products. Just a whiff can trigger a reaction in some people with severe allergies. Schools also can do more of what they're already doing - such as having "peanut free" lunch tables.And they can do what they do best: Educate. Schools should work with parents and students to help them learn about the life-threatening dangers nut products pose for some children. Schools also should provide a list of "safe" foods to send for classroom treats.Banning peanut products would be unenforceable.Are schools going to frisk a kindergartner or search the backpack of a second-grader to see if they're hiding candy with peanuts inside?A student at Johnston Middle School suffered an allergic reaction to a pretzel-and-cereal trail mix from the cafeteria. It didn't even contain nuts, but was exposed to peanut oils in a factory that used them in other products. Are schools supposed to investigate where prepackaged foods are manufactured and ban them if there are also nuts in the factory?A ban would not ensure a child with allergies isn't exposed to harmful products. Other children will eat peanut butter for breakfast. Kids may snack on foods manufactured in a plant with peanuts.The larger world isn't peanut-free. It's important children with peanut allergies learn to protect themselves at a young age, the same way all kids with illnesses should. Children with severe asthma may need to carry inhalers. Diabetic children need candy nearby in case their blood sugar dips too low. Children with peanut allergies should have immediate access to emergency medications to counteract an allergic reaction. School staff need to be aware of students' medical conditions and know what to do in the event of an emergency.A ban would offer little beyond a false sense of security ................
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