As the seasons begin to take their changing more seriously, the Swapp family also seems to be taking on a few more changes. With all the kids in school, at least part time, I seem to be finding much more to do with my time than I ever imagined.
We were invited to be a part of the MDA telethon over labor day weekend where we were interviewed by a sweet woman named Barb Smith from KTVX ch 4. She and I immediately connected and our conversations that began with the the struggles of creating accessibility in an old and rather stuck in it's ways elementary school, they quickly turned to the other challenges we face with children with food allergies. To her credit, Barb saw a story there and away we have gone.
She came to the kids elementary school and did a story on our Nut-free table. It has helped to bolster our stride as we are working to get a food allergy policy in place at the district. To our great disappointment (to say the least) the district has responded to our efforts of last year by serving pb&j sandwiches EVERYDAY as a hot lunch choice.
I have spent hours and hours on the phone working my way up the granite district ladder, to no avail. They all very calmly "pass the buck." Saying things like, well, we got permission (from who?) and "if there was a policy then we would definitely follow that policy, but for right now this is really cost effective for the district and lots of kids like it."
For all intents and purposes, the district is serving a loaded gun in our lunch rooms but no body cares because it's only deadly to 12-15 kids in the school. It's enough to make me run screaming from the room and home school my kids!
But instead, I have decided to continue my uphill climb to the top of the district and beyond. This week I am speaking with the health coordinator on the Utah State Board of Education. Congressman Cannon is also on my list. With a little tact and lots of tongue biting I have added person after person, Doctors, educators and other professionals to my arsenal of support.
Something has to change and I guess that is going to start with me.
since I can't figure out how to download this in such a way that I can embed it, here's the link. Spencer was so excited and sooo nervous. You know I am passionate about something when I agree to take a stab at art - I AM NOT AN ARTIST =)
http://www.abc4.com/mostpopular/story.aspx?content_id=49D3C4D8-C09F-4615-A45F-84E2BC8B079C&gsa=true
3 comments:
Thanks for sharing Shelley! I admire the work that you're doing. Doesn't seem easy, but the worthwhile causes are rarely easy.
Good job Shelley! It's just silly that they won't be more willing to work with you and the kids. I'm sure if they had a child with a nut allergy they would jump at the chance to help.
Hi Shell, I talked to your Mom today! I'm glad that Theo survived the horse kick! Heavenly Father is having His angels watch over your angels! Love you!
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