REPLACE SWEET REWARDS to NON-FOOD ALTERNATIVES
The Issue
To the School Administration and Principal,
We, the undersigned parents, RESPECTFULLY ASK the school TO DISCONTINUE THE USE OF CANDY, and other HIGHLY PROCESSED TREATS AS CLASSROOM REWARDS and incentives.
We deeply appreciate the many ways teachers motivate students and recognize positive behavior. We understand that these treats are offered with good intentions, however our goal is to encourage an approach that better supports the health, safety, and diverse dietary needs of all students.
Using food—particularly sweets—as a routine reward can create concerns for students with food allergies, sensitivities, dietary restrictions, dental issues, and other health considerations. Additionally, unexpected treats given during a school day make it difficult for parents to manage their children’s nutrition.
We also believe that achievement, effort, kindness, and positive behavior can be celebrated without teaching children to associate sweets with reward or success.
There are many simple, effective alternatives, including:
Extra recess, outdoor, art, PE, or free-choice time
Lunch with a favorite teacher or peer
Special classroom privileges or leadership roles
Positive notes or calls home
Stickers, certificates, pencils, bookmarks, or recognition boards
Choosing a class brain break or activity
Class points toward a shared experience or celebration
Our school already demonstrates its commitment to student well-being through policies such as its nut-free guidelines. We believe extending that same thoughtful approach to classroom rewards would benefit all students with different dietary, medical and cultural preferences. We are not asking the school to regulate what families provide their own children or criticizing teachers who have used food rewards in the past. We are simply asking that non-sweets rewards become the school-wide practice.
Thank you for considering this positive and practical change and for your continued dedication to the health and success of our children.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned Parents and Guardians
323
The Issue
To the School Administration and Principal,
We, the undersigned parents, RESPECTFULLY ASK the school TO DISCONTINUE THE USE OF CANDY, and other HIGHLY PROCESSED TREATS AS CLASSROOM REWARDS and incentives.
We deeply appreciate the many ways teachers motivate students and recognize positive behavior. We understand that these treats are offered with good intentions, however our goal is to encourage an approach that better supports the health, safety, and diverse dietary needs of all students.
Using food—particularly sweets—as a routine reward can create concerns for students with food allergies, sensitivities, dietary restrictions, dental issues, and other health considerations. Additionally, unexpected treats given during a school day make it difficult for parents to manage their children’s nutrition.
We also believe that achievement, effort, kindness, and positive behavior can be celebrated without teaching children to associate sweets with reward or success.
There are many simple, effective alternatives, including:
Extra recess, outdoor, art, PE, or free-choice time
Lunch with a favorite teacher or peer
Special classroom privileges or leadership roles
Positive notes or calls home
Stickers, certificates, pencils, bookmarks, or recognition boards
Choosing a class brain break or activity
Class points toward a shared experience or celebration
Our school already demonstrates its commitment to student well-being through policies such as its nut-free guidelines. We believe extending that same thoughtful approach to classroom rewards would benefit all students with different dietary, medical and cultural preferences. We are not asking the school to regulate what families provide their own children or criticizing teachers who have used food rewards in the past. We are simply asking that non-sweets rewards become the school-wide practice.
Thank you for considering this positive and practical change and for your continued dedication to the health and success of our children.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned Parents and Guardians
The Decision Makers
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on August 20, 2026