Student Allergy Management Plan and Meal Modifications

The purpose of the student allergy management plan is to reduce the risk that a life-threatening allergic reaction occurs at school and to enable school staff to provide appropriate treatment if an allergic reaction does occur.  

No peanuts or tree nuts or products containing them are served in SPS cafeterias. However, students may bring them from home, so we cannot guarantee a nut-free cafeteria. 

Nine foods — peanuts, tree nuts, milk, soy, egg, wheat, fish, shellfish, and sesame — are the most common sources of serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), although any food has the potential to do so.

Approximately 4% of our students have been diagnosed with an allergy to one or more foods. Keeping these students safe requires a coordinated effort by all of us: parents/guardians; school nurses, teachers and staff; students, and the Food and Nutrition Services Department. 

It is the policy of the Somerville Public Schools that all children with a diagnosed life-threatening allergy have the following:

• an up-to-date epinephrine auto-injector
• an Allergy Action Plan/Epinephrine Order signed by a medical professional 
• a Medication Administration Plan signed by the parent and school nurse that includes a plan for field trips 
• If a student has an allergy to wheat, dairy, egg, or soy and will be eating school-prepared meals, a Special Diet Request Form must be filled out by a school nurse so appropriate substitutions / accommodations can be made. These plans must be renewed annually.

Meal modifications may also be requested to accommodate other medical conditions and disabilities. Each request must include

• a note from a state-licensed healthcare professional documenting the medical condition and/or disability
• a Special Diet Request Form must be filled out by a school nurse so appropriate substitutions/accommodations can be made. These plans must be renewed annually.

Visit the School Nursing page.