*Each child will have the opportunity to celebrate his/her birthday in the classroom, unless he/she chooses not to do so.
*Children with summer birthdays will celebrate their 1/2 birthdays.
*Each child's birthday is a very special day and will be acknowledged, but we will not spend a great deal of time celebrating each birthday.

 BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
The Brookings School District discourages students bringing food items to celebrate birthdays. Only items from the approved Smart Snack list will be allowed (refer to school board policy AE-R). The approved Smart Snack list guidelines can be found at www.brookings.k12.sd.us and also there is
detailed information below (including Smart Snack examples) regarding the school district’s wellness policy.
Please do not send party invitations to school unless you invite the whole class or all of the students who are of the same gender as your child (boys invite all boys, girls invite all girls). This helps minimize students from feeling disappointed if not invited.

Anything sent to students will not be delivered to their classroom. All deliveries will go to the school office. It is recommended that flower and balloon deliveries be made to the student’s home. Staff and students will be informed of any delivery and it can be picked up at the school office at the end of the day.

School District Wellness Policy Information Local wellness policies are an important tool for parents, the local school district, and the overall
community in promoting student wellness, preventing and reducing childhood obesity, and providing assurance that school nutrition guidelines meet the minimum federal school meal standards.

Here are some examples of snack items that meet “smart snack” guidelines:
-Cheese Stick
-Yogurt Cup
-100 calorie pack items
-Fruit snacks, made with real fruit juice
-Fresh fruit
-Fresh vegetables
-Rice cakes
-Graham crackers
-Rice Krispie treats
-Granola Bars
For additional clarification, please contact the school principal.