On the first day of school many students found out, from multiple teachers, that food would not be allowed in the classroom. This policy does not allow teachers to bring in food for students but allows teachers to decide if they will allow any food or drink in classrooms besides water.

Many people think that this means no food or drinks but in reality you can as long as the teacher is okay with it.

“It’s really up to the teachers, it’s classroom management,” principal Jill Maras said.

The rule isn’t about students not eating in class, it’s about stopping teachers from bringing in food for students. Students shouldn’t be bribed with food so that they will answer the question or do their best work.

“If we have to use a Jolly Rancher every single time to get you to answer a question, are we doing the best things?” Director of educational services, Mike Rice said.

The policy caused a lot of confusion because students and teachers believed that no one could have any food at all in class. Students can still have snacks in class with the teacher’s approval. Student’s many only bring food for themselves though.  

“We know that there are students, because of their Independent Learning Plans (IEP) or other reasons, that need to be eating at certain times,” Maras said.

This food policy does not allow teachers to bring in food for students anymore unless for educational purposes. Students can eat in class if their teacher approves but the student is responsible for bringing their own food.

“We know that there are some very good, legit reasons, why someone would need to be and wanting to be eating food in class, and we just ask that they work with the teacher to try and figure out the best plan,” Maras said.