SPS RN Newsletter

Summer 2024

Happy Summer!

In some ways it feels like this year just started, but here we are wrapping up another wonderful school year. From kindergarten, fifth grade, and eighth grade graduations, field trips, and field days it is a busy end of the school year. The SPS RN Team wishes you and your families a safe and healthy summer! Our clinics are closed as of June 17th (June 18th for the South School) and we will be back in school regularly at the start of the new school year in September.

Congrats to the class of 2024, one of the things I love most about my work is that I have the gift of seeing the growth and maturity of students throughout their time in school. I wish all of our graduates the best that life has to offer you, take every opportunity to help others, and always remember who you are and what you are capable of.

With gratitude,

Danielle Gallan, MSN-PH, FNP-C

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Please pick up medications from the nurse

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Please make arrangements with your school nurse to pick up your child's medication on the last day of school-June 17 or June 18th at the South School (parent/guardian or designated adult). Please ensure that your student's doctor’s orders are up to date for camp/summer programs. And last but not least, doctor’s orders must be updated every year and provided to your school nurse for any medications and treatments provided in school. Any questions or concerns please reach out to your child's school nurse

Summer Safety Tips

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Protect your skin

9 Ways to Protect Your Skin (Retrieved from: https://www.webmd.com/beauty/sun-safety-tips)

Wear sunscreen every day, in all weather and in every season. It should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 and say "broad-spectrum" on the label, which means it protects against the sun's UVA and UVB rays. Put it on at least 15 minutes before going outside. Use 1 ounce, which would fill a shot glass.
Reapply sunscreen at least every 80 minutes, or more often if you're sweating or swimming.
Wear sunglasses with total UV protection.
Wear wide-brimmed hats, and long-sleeved shirts and pants.
Avoid being out in the sun as much as possible from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Check your skin regularly so you know what's normal for you and to notice any changes or new growths.
Choose cosmetics and contact lenses that offer UV protection. You still need to use sunscreen and wear sunglasses with broad-spectrum sun protection.
If you're a parent, protect your child's skin and practice those habits together.
Don't use tanning beds

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Pool and water safety

The sun is shining and with summer upon us families and kids will be flocking to pools, beaches, and lakes. Drowning is typically a silent occurrence and can happen in a matter of moments, water safety is important for everyone to remain safe and fun this summer.

Physical Exams

Per the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, an in-person physical exam within one year before the start of school is required for any new students entering SPS. Students seeking to participate in athletics or marching band should have documentation of an in-person physical exam conducted annually prior to their participation in competitive athletics.

Please submit updated physical exams to your respective School Nurse for students entering 4th, 7th or 10th grades. An in-person physical exam is required for students entering these grades

Resources and Supports

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The SPS RN team works everyday with local partners to support our community. From basic physical needs to mental health, there are a number of resources available to families. Below are a few of the resources available.

Mental health is important for overall health and wellbeing for children and adults. It is ok to not be ok, and it is ok to ask for help. Help us end the stigma surrounding mental health.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with mental health or substance use know that there is help and resources in the community. 24-hour help is available for those in mental health and substance use crisis by calling 877-302-1609 or by calling 988 from a cell phone. Additional supports can be found at the MMS and Mass THRIVE websites below. You can also search for local therapist and counseling services at the link below on Psychology Today by just entering in your zip code.

If you or someone you know qualifies for SNAP assistance with food this summer, please use this link to sign up for the Summer EBT program for low income families with school aged children.

Additional Resources:

https://www.massmed.org/Patient-Care/Health-Topics/Mental-Health-and-Substance-Use/Mental-Health-and-Substance-Use-Resources-for-Parents-and-Caregivers/

https://massthrive.org/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us