Education Law

Too much energy

Having energy in the classroom is great and BoardBuzz loves for students and teachers to be enthusiastic about learning. Yet, when this energy is the result of gulping down sugary drinks, BoardBuzz isn't so sure that these energy drinks should have a place in the school environment.

It looks like some New Jersey districts agree. According to the The Star Ledger, some New Jersey schools are trying to steer students away from downing energy drinks and consuming extra caffeine. A middle school principal in Hillsborough recently barred students from drinking energy drinks on school grounds and a Manville high school sent home a letter to parents advising them to be mindful of the caffeine these drinks have.

No state-wide bans have been set, but BoardBuzz is pleased that some districts are putting school health as a priority. Craig Stevens of the American Beverage Association, said that energy drinks are designated for adults and reminded that each drink has about 10 milligrams of caffeine per ounce...which is more than double that soft drinks have!

We've covered the efforts of schools to reduce sugary drinks and snacks, and increase healthy options before (here, here, and here).

Have energy drinks become a problem in your school district? Let BoardBuzz know how you are keeping kids enthusiastic, without all the extra caffeine.

Full post as published by BoardBuzz: NSBA's Daily Weblog on June 19, 2008 (boomark / email).