A Message From Principal Glenn
September 16, 2025
Dear Parents/Guardians:
We have recently become aware of isolated instances of head lice or nits on campus. When a case is reported to a school nurse, the standard procedure is for school principals to issue schoolwide notifications to families confirming these cases. The letter will inform parents that classroom checks for head lice are no longer conducted, as they have been found ineffective in predicting or assessing cases within schools. Consequently, City Schools of Decatur will not enforce this practice. Additionally, the letter will state that treatment for head lice must commence prior to returning to school the next day, and the school nurse will perform a head lice check when the student returns. These protocols align with recommendations from national health organizations that advise against district policies that exclude students identified with lice from attending school. We will ensure that this protocol is consistently reviewed and followed by each school nurse and principal in order to maintain a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for all students.
Important information to know if your child has an itchy scalp and you suspect it is LICE
What are lice? Lice are parasitic insects that reside and lay eggs near the scalp. Adult lice are the size of a sesame seed and are brownish. The egg cases of lice (nits) are laid close to the scalp and are extremely small, approximately the size of a knot in thread. Nits are tear-shaped and attached firmly to the hair shaft. Head-to-head contact with an already infected person is the most common way to get lice. Lice do not fly, jump, or hop. They crawl.
What to look for: If your child complains of an itchy or “tickling” scalp or you observe scratches/sores on the scalp, check for lice or nits. If you are unsure what to look for, please contact the school nurse for assistance. When checking your child, pay close attention to the nape of the neck and the area behind the ears.
What do I do if my child has lice? If your child has lice, please inform the school. Once you have initiated treatment of your child for lice, s/he can return to school. Please note: It is important to check your child’s hair daily for 10-14 days after treatment to remove any nits you may have missed. Your school nurse can discuss treatment options with you if you need guidance.
What happens if my child is found to have lice at school? The school nurse will notify the parent/guardian of the findings (infestation of lice, nits, etc.):
- Inform the parent/guardian that the student may remain in school until dismissal unless the child’s itchy scalp interferes with classroom engagement and the parent prefers immediate student pickup and dismissal.
The parent/guardian will receive instructions to begin treatment for head lice/nits removal before returning to school the next day and continue treatment per the manufacturer's instructions.
The school nurse will conduct a head lice check upon the student’s return to school the following day.
School-wide head lice communication will be sent to inform the school community
How can I prevent lice? To prevent lice, minimize head-to-head contact. Teach children to minimize contact with other students. For example, “fist bump” or “air hug” as a greeting (rather than hugging). Discourage sharing items such as hats, brushes, headbands, coats, and scarves. Wearing mousse, gel, or oil in your hair (applied close to the roots of the hair) and wearing hair pulled back in braids or pigtails also helps decrease the chances of getting lice.
For additional information on head lice, please click.CDC- About Head Lice
Thank you for your help with this pesky problem! Should you have questions or concerns regarding lice or any health-related issues concerning your child, please contact your school nurse.
