Tobin FAQs

How do you handle building security?

All of our Tobin Family of School buildings have security access systems. Each family is provided with their own security code to our location at 73 Cottage Street. We ask that you respect the security of all of our families by not holding the door for people you do not know or sharing this code with others. During the COVID-19 epidemic, we are not activating family codes and limiting parent/guardian access to the building.

What are the snack and lunch arrangements for my child?

All children bring in lunches from home. Please note that there is no refrigeration or access to heating at lunchtime, so please pack a thermos and/or ice pack. Please also make sure that your child has tried the foods at home before sending them to school.

All food from home must be peanut/nut-free. NO candy or soda. Because of our emphasis on good nutrition, we discourage the use of canned or prepared foods, because of their high sodium content, as well as chocolate and excessive sweets. We will not serve food from home with a past expiration date.

We request that parents provide a labeled, peanut/nut free afternoon snack for their child to have during our usual afterschool hours. On school vacation days, we ask for both a morning and an afternoon snack be provided.

Do you have a Peanut/Nut Avoidance Policy?

Allergies to a variety of foods – most notably peanuts and tree nuts – are becoming more common. Due to this increase, we have instituted a strict avoidance of peanut/nut products within all our schools. Strict avoidance is the only way to prevent a life-threatening allergic reaction. We ask for your assistance in providing all of our students with a safe and healthy learning environment.

If exposed to peanuts/nut products, susceptible students may develop a life threatening allergic reaction that requires emergency medical treatment. The greatest potential for exposure at school is to peanut and nut products. To reduce the risk of exposure, the entire school now practices “PEANUT/NUT AVOIDANCE”. We are asking that you do not knowingly send in any peanut, peanut oil or nut containing products for your child to eat during lunch or snack in any classroom. ANY exposure to peanuts or nuts through contact or ingestion can cause a severe/life threatening reaction. If your child has eaten peanut or nut products prior to coming to school, please be sure your child’s hands have been thoroughly washed prior to entering the school. We ask that you do not pack any peanut or nut products in your child’s lunch. The teachers will continuously preview and monitor the children’s lunch products for peanut or nut products. As there are many items that include peanut or nut products, but do not present as a nut product, we will carefully monitor lunch items.