That would be determined by the principal and the school district. But there are external factors that drive decisions. Obviously, they have to consider the impact on the academic effort - and most especially time lost for preparing for TAKS.
Another issue that comes into play are the rigid rules about what foods can/cannot be served to Texas children during the school day. Some of this stems from Federal regulations (tied to the federal lunch program funding), but then state law sets the specific rules. I believe Texas is one of the strictest - at least we were one of the earliest states to jump on the band wagon with these.
For the most part, things like candy and soft drinks are prohibited - but it goes much further than that and consequently affects parties, in-school bake sales, treats like ice cream/snow cones, class pizza parties, etc. The rules allow for 3 exempt days - so schools frequently plan only 3 school-wide parties using those exemptions. There is also an exemption for class birthday parties [B]IF [/B]your school allows them. (Many schools do not.)
You can learn more at the Texas Department of Agriculture site on
Texas Public School Nutrional Policies. For a school caught allowing prohibited food to be served, the consequences can be severe, losing funds from the school lunch program. Loss of even one day's allocated funds could be crippling to a school.
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