No treats doesn't necessarily mean no fun for McClellan Elementary School students — especially on birthdays and holidays.
Rather than celebrate each event with dozens of cupcakes or slices of cake, parents can visit the school's website and select items from an individual class wish list. So far, 18 teachers at the Pleasant Hills school have offered items that the classroom could use.
The list items vary from games to hand sanitizer and tissues to glue sticks.
This practice follows the district's Student Wellness Policy, revised in October 2014, which highlights concerns over childhood allergies and the need for good nutrition and healthy exercise.
“The three schools are pretty consistent about not allowing children to pass out treats,” said Justin Liberatore, McClellan principal.
Still, members of the PTA can plan major holiday parties at each school. One dessert per child is permitted at each event, according to the 2006 district policy.
The website was designed by Mike Dobus, a fourth-grade teacher at McClellan.
This is the school's third year of using things to replace goodies, and it fits perfectly with the revised wellness policy.
To see the wish list, visit wjhsd.net/mcclellanelementary _home.aspx, and click “Wish List Wiki.”
Dona S. Dreeland is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 412-388-5803 or ddreeland@tribweb.com.
