Anonymous wrote:We never did. We're in MCPS. I haven't heard that this is a thing in my kids' schools. They're now 13 and 17.

Kids at our school go to the principal's office and receive a pencil (our DD have a summer birthday so we don't get that either). That said, I don't remember any school I went to ever doing in class birthdays, so it didn't even occur to me that it was weird.

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the heads up

You dug up a 9.5-year-old thread to post this?

Our school doesn’t allow treats to be brought for birthdays. Instead, each teacher has their own special way to celebrate- birthday pencils and a special song, a special privilege, a compliment circle, paper crowns, etc. I was skeptical but it’s fun for the kids to look forward to each year’s special tradition.

They’re doing a birthday compliment circle and card for the class pet- a beta fish- this week.

When they change classes for each subject. Then they just brought in cookies or brownies for their friend group. One year I dropped off sushi at lunch time when DD turned 16.

We never did. We're in MCPS. I haven't heard that this is a thing in my kids' schools. They're now 13 and 17.

LCPS. We can’t send food in due to potential food allergies. We can send in non-food items, but we’ve not done so. Our oldest is in 2nd grade now, and none of her friends seem to do this, either.
We do get quite a few birthday party invitations sent home from school, where the entire class is invited.

What birthday celebration in school? Every since COVID we don't go to school at all unless it's school activity.

Our public elementary school (mcps) instructs us not to do anything for birthdays — due to food allergies and equity issues.

Thanks for the heads up

We sent something special for sharing at lunch through HS. Usually a couple dozen cupcakes, though when DD turned 16, we had pizza delivered to school for her sports team and closest friends.

I teach MS. There's usually locker decorating by girls and some cupcakes or donuts. This seems to be more of a girl thing.

We are in private middle school and still do in 7th. The kids also decorate their lockers with wrapping paper, cards and candy. Everyone likes to celebrate

At the end of elementary school. One year I mentioned that we wouldn't need to do it for my then fifth grader if it was going to be too chaotic (lots of snow days and near the winter break) and the overwhelming response was to celebrate. Kids love it and they grow up fast enough so we should let them have fun as long as we can. My middle child just had his last school birthday a few weeks ago and I found myself quite sad that it was the end.

And, PP is right, it is not allowed in MS.

At my son's elementary they can bring in treats for the class through 5th. Doubt they do that at the local middle school, but I could be wrong.

Anonymous wrote:At what age do parents generally stop celebrating their kids' birthdays in school? 4th grade, 5th grade? 6th?

I sent in a snack as long as my kid was in elementary. When he started middle school at 6, I stopped sending in enough for friends, although I still try to pack his favorite foods in the lunch box on that day.

At what age do parents generally stop celebrating their kids' birthdays in school? 4th grade, 5th grade? 6th?