Celebrations, Events & Fundraisers

Brooklyn Center Community Schools District #286 is committed to the health and wellness of each student. All celebrations during the school day, including birthdays, provide a unique way to shift the focus from foods with potential health risks (allergens, added sugars, etc.) to celebrating the child and creating an equitable, safe and inclusive environment for each student.

Staff planning any classroom or school-day celebration have the opportunity to provide special activities, games, or even time outdoors, rather than only focusing on food. If food must be included in the event, it must meet Smart Snack Standards. Contact mauld@bccs286.org for support, if needed.  

Parents who would like to acknowledge a child’s birthday in the classroom, please consider the following suggestions and be sure to talk with the teacher in advance to ensure it will work as planned. In order to keep the school a productive learning environment that is safe and inclusive for each student please do not bring foods, sweetened beverages or balloons into the classroom for celebrations.

• Donate a book to the classroom library.

• Have a family member bring and read a book to the class.

• Bring in a t-shirt for classmates and teachers to sign.

• Provide non-food prizes such as small school supplies (pencils, erasers, stickers, etc.).

• Organize a game or craft for the classroom.

• Volunteer in the classroom.

• Visit the class and talk about celebrations in your culture.

• Share your favorite story/fable/myth.

• Teach the class a child’s celebration song.

• Be creative—come up with your own idea to celebrate at school without food.

The Classroom Celebrations flier is available for staff and as a resource for families.

Thank you for supporting your child, and each of the students, to learn, to be healthy, and to be the best they can be.

School Events

Brooklyn Center Community Schools hosts numerous school events within the various buildings, such as Family Night events, athletic activities, dances, or performances, to name a few.

The district wellness policy states:
"Edible items in school-sponsored events, activities and fundraisers must comply with MN legislation, USDA guidelines and Smart Snacks Guidelines."

Fundraisers

School fundraisers are a necessary part of the school system, and are an opportunity to support wellness efforts, help build community and to create a fun and engaging experience for students, families and staff. The District Wellness Policy #533 states: "Edible items in school-sponsored events, activities and fundraisers must comply with MN legislation, USDA guidelines and Smart Snacks Guidelines." In addition, "Marketing of edible items will be limited to those meeting Smart Snacks Guidelines, and all advertising messages will align with the District Wellness Policy."

Learn more about the effect of marketing of brands and products within the schools.