School Celebrations - Without Food!

We are at the start of our 2nd gluten-free school year for our 2nd grader.  Although he has a 504 Plan in place, the school has informed me that they can only request NOT require that parent's send in gluten-free foods for classroom parties and celebrations - sigh.  I was hoping I had conquered this issue.  So, I prepared a list of Gluten-Free treats & snacks which I supplied to the teacher.

Gluten-Free Party Foods

Jello Cups          Jello Jigglers

Popsicles          Edy's Frozn Fruit          Home-made Ice Pops

Italian Ice Cups          Sorbet

Gluten-Free Brownies          Gluten-Free Cupcakes

Chocolate M&M's          Tootsie Rolls          Skittles

Pirate Booty          Cool Ranch Doritoes          Plentils

Smartfood Popcorn          Lay's Classic Potato Chips

Food Should Taste Good Chips

Enjoy Life Cookies

Fresh Fruit Kabobs          Fruit with Whipped Cream

Watermelon Slices          Watermelon on a popsicle stick

Banana Boppers(un-peeled bananas decorated with stickers)

Better yet, Don't make food the focus

Plan activities such as:

provide chalk and have a sidewalk chalk party

provide bubbles and have a bubble blast

provide music and have a dance party

provide a craft (decorate a seashell, pinecone, soup can...)

each activity can take 10 minutes before/after recess or at the end of the school day and gets kids moving and creating

I hope that families are sensitive and respectful of my little guys dietary restrictions and realize how heartbroken he will be if left out of classroom celebrations.  It's just not the same when your mom brings in a treat that doesn't look like everyone else's.  He's really good about it and never complains, but I know he would be thrilled to be included.  Fingers crossed:)