Wayne Central School District

Life threatening Allergies have increased substantially since 2004 and is a growing public health concern. Food Allergies currently account for 6-8 % of the school aged population. Tiny amounts of an allergen (i.e. food) may present a life-threatening risk for allergic students.

Eight Foods: Peanuts, tree nuts (almond, brazil nut, cashew, hazelnut, macadamia nut, pecan, pine nuts, pistachio and walnuts), milk, egg, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish account for 90% of food allergies.

Nationwide, peanut and tree nuts account for 92% of the severe and fatal allergic reactions. Insect stings, medication, and latex account for the remaining 8% of severe and fatal reactions. The good news is that even severe reactions, when recognized early, can be treated successfully. The best way to prevent reactions is avoidance of known allergens.

Refer to Facts and Statistics from The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network downloads: Food Allergy

The Wayne Central School District is dedicated to ensuring the health, safety, and rights of all our students, while adhering to stringent rules and regulations on food service given to us by the Federal and State governments, as well as providing essential and reasonable accommodations for all children with life threatening conditions.

The district does not know if a child has a life-threatening allergy unless a parent/guardian provides medical documentation that one exists. It is vital that you advise the Health Office of any life threatening allergies your child has, provide medical orders for daily and emergency care, and send in life-saving medications, like epinephrine auto-injector. If your child has a serious allergy (e.g., food, insect sting, latex allergy) that may be affected by school activities or programs, it is your responsibility to inform the Principal, the School Nurse, and the child’s teacher as soon as possible, so that appropriate accommodations can be made. Together you, your treating provider, and the school can work successfully as a team to safeguard your child while he/she is under our care.

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