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The Forum:

Thank you a million times

To the Editor on July 3:

As a public school teacher, I know all too well about the constant controversy surrounding education and our schools. The lack of funds, testing, loss of programs, and the list goes on. It seems to be rare when something positive is said about our schools. I know as a teacher how many countless hours of preparation goes into what we do, and much more that often goes unnoticed.

I’ve taught elementary school for 10 years, but this was the first year that I was not just a teacher at Watkins Glen Elementary School. I was also the parent of a kindergartner.

To preface, my son suffers from multiple, life threatening food allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and some fruits and vegetables. I was terrified of sending him to school. The last time he had an allergic reaction, he was on a ventilator and unable to breathe on his own for three hours. To see your child that close to death is the absolute worst feeling in the world. I fear most public outings, restaurants, birthday parties…basically anything that includes food that I haven’t personally prepared. A staple to most households, a peanut butter sandwich could kill my son.

As we prepared for school, we met with my son’s teacher, nurse, principal, guidance counselor, and director of our cafeteria. Accommodations were put into place and all staff was trained on epi-pen usage and anaphylaxis. I was still a little nervous, but hoping for the best. I worried about class parties, how parents would react. I’ve had students in my own classes before with food allergies. I’d already experienced other parents upset that they had to “police their child’s lunch pail when it’s not their problem.” I’ve met with my students' parents who were struggling because their food-allergic child wasn’t invited to sleepovers and birthday parties. Like any other parent, I just wanted my son to have a good experience at school, to make friends, and to fit in with classmates.

Well, we’ve finished kindergarten. My son couldn’t have had a better year. He had a fantastic teacher, Mrs. Nicole Bennett, who helped him grow by leaps and bounds, and kept him safe every day. He had the best school nurse, Mrs. Mendy Thorsland, who worked with our staff, educated parents and students alike, and helped me to make changes within our school to keep all students safe. Our guidance counselor, Ms. Laurel McIntyre, continually checked in with me to ensure my son’s safety. Our cafeteria manager, Mrs. Teresa Louden, worked hard to eliminate cross contamination in the cafeteria. And Mrs. Denise Morris watched my son like a hawk in the cafeteria and gave me peace of mind every day. She went above and beyond to ensure his safety.

Our principal, Mr. Rodney Weeden, made common areas, such as the music room and auditorium, “nut free” so that my son could participate in every special event and activity without worry. Mr. Weeden gave a great presentation to all staff on the dangers of food allergies before school even started. He continually met with me to make improvements, and helped me, along with our nurse, to create a policy for all students who suffer from life threatening allergies. To the parents of my son’s classmates, who invited him to birthday parties and called me in advance to make sure the food served would be safe for him, if you only knew what this meant to me.

There were times growing up in this town that I wanted to go somewhere bigger, different. Now, as a mother and teacher in the same community, I am so glad that I never left. I am so grateful for this wonderful, supportive school community and the people who truly make a difference in the lives of others everyday.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you, thank you, thank you a million times for taking care of my son and helping him to have a wonderful school experience.

Jessica Purpura

 

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