Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common
questions of students and parents.
- What does my child need to bring to school each day?
- What do you consider a healthy snack?
- Why do you want only healthy snacks?
- Why do you ask for water bottles?
- What about other drinks?
What does my child need to bring to school each day?
Every day, your child should come to school with the following
items: completed homework, lunch or lunch money/tokens, a
HEALTHY SNACK, water, and any notes or paperwork that you send in.
What do you consider a healthy snack?
Healthy snacks include fresh fruit or vegetables, half a
sandwich, pretzles, popcorn, and cheese and crackers. This is
not a complete list, but I think you get the idea.
Unhealthy snacks include candy, cookies, chips, brownies, etc.
This list is also incomplete.
Why do you want only healthy snacks?
In asking for healthy snacks, I am trying to help everyone
involved. Research shows that children who eat a snack that is
filled with sugar must deal with both the sugar high and the
crash that follows. This does not help brain function. That
means that it will be harder for that child to focus on the task
at hand. It may also cause that child to be more disruptive to
the class. Also, we all want our children to eat better and be
healthy. I am trying to help you with that.
Why do you ask for water bottles?
Research has also shown that being hydrated increases brain
function. Unfortunately, our classroom does not have a water
fountain in it. That is a main difference between our first
grade and second grade classrooms here at Irwin School. In order
to keep us hydrated without having a hallway parade, I ask that
each child bring in a water bottle. If they finish the water
during the day, I will encourage them to refill it at the water
fountain.
What about other drinks?
I ask that the children bring only plain water to drink in the classroom.
What they bring to drink for lunch is up to you. The reason I only allow
plain water is very simple. Seven and eight year old children spill drinks a
lot! When plain water spills, we just clean it up and let the area or papers
dry. There is no stickiness left over. Usually just a paper towel or two are
necessary to clean up the spill. Juice, iced tea, or flavored water simply
make too much of a mess.
