From the Nurse, Pat Howard
1. Hand washing: Kids think healthy at Washington Primary School! September brings us all back together sharing pencils, balls, computer keys, and door knobs!!! Each class at WPS School took part in a hand washing review. The white boards came in handy for a fun segment on “Germie the Germ” for the lower grades and rapping to “Squirmie Germie” for the upper grades. Students reviewed how and when to wash their hands, proper use of hand sanitizer, and proper cough/sneeze etiquette. There are a lot of good soap suds working hard at WPS and plans to STAY HEALTHY!!!
2. Moving past the summer months brings us all together in our school community which increases the prevalence of illnesses. Viruses are common among children and are transmitted through the coughing or sneezing of people infected with them. People may also become infected by touching something with viral particles on it and then touching their mouths, noses, or eyes.
Review basic hygiene and healthy lifestyle practices such as:
- Wash your hands multiple times a day for at least 20 seconds
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow
- ï Do not share drinks or food
The following will help to develop a strong immune system to fight off illness:
Be assured that the school staff is carefully tracking illnesses, keeping the environment clean, promoting good health habits, and staying informed to keep your children healthy.
PLEASE FOLLOW THE 24 HOUR RULES WHEN YOUR CHILD IS SICK:
- A child must be free of fever (<100.0 F.) for 24 hours (without medication to reduce the fever) before returning to school.
- Children with Strep infection must be on antibiotics for a full 24 hours before
returning to school.
- Children with conjunctivitis or “pink eye” must be on antibiotics for 24 hours before returning to school.
- Children must be free of nausea and/or vomiting for 24 hours before returning to school.
- Children with a persistent cough, runny nose, and/or watery eyes should remain out of school even if there is not a fever.
Please remember to call the school in the morning if your child will be absent.
3. REACH PREK STUDENTS FLU VACCINE REQUIREMENT:
1 DOSE ADMINISTERED EACH YEAR BETWEEN AUGUST 1 - DECEMBER 31ST
(2 DOSES SEPARATED BY AT LEAST 28 DAYS REQUIRED FOR THOSE RECEIVING FLU FOR THE FIRST TIME). I NEED MD DOCUMENTATION FOR STATE COMPLIANCE
K-5TH GRADE - Discuss with your health care provider whether you and your child should receive a flu vaccine.
4. INJURIES AND HOSPITAL/PHYSICIAN VISITS;
All students who are injured, whether at home, school or during athletic events, require written medical clearance from a physician when returning to school. The student must bring this paperwork to the health office prior to going to the classroom. Students with any temporary disability due to an injury who return to school with a cast, air/soft cast, splint, ace bandage wrap, arm sling, wheelchair, walker, crutches, cane or immobilizer or other assistive devices require a written note from the physician.
This note should include:
1. Student’s ability to return/attend school.
2. Any restrictions related to sports, PE, lunch, classroom, recess, passing time to/from class, carrying backpack/books, or other related school activities.
3. Confirmation from physician that the student has been properly instructed in the use of devices such as crutches, walkers, canes, wheelchairs, etc.
4. The date the student can resume full activity.
A physician’s note (stating any limitations/accommodations) is also required for the following: Surgery, Concussion, Hospitalization, and Fracture/Sprain.