SPS RN TEAM Newsletter

With the cold winter weather upon us, I hope everyone has been able to stay healthy and warm. It has been really busy throughout the district with a variety of illnesses, 'tis the season for all of the germs. A note from a medical provider (MD, PA, NP) after a telehealth or in person visit is needed for any illness or medical absence to be excused. If you have questions about when to keep your child home please refer to our website for guidance.

The SPS RN team is committed to the health and wellness of our school community. We look forward to partnering with our parents and guardians this school year to promote and maintain healthy learning environments throughout our schools.

With gratitude,

Danielle Gallan, MSN-PH, FNP-C

We have had some typical New England winter weather lately with extreme cold and snow predicted in the next few days. Below are some tips for staying safe this winter from the Red Cross.

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY:

Winter weather can bring life-threatening conditions. Stay indoors and wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight warm clothes.

Check on relatives, neighbors, and friends, particularly if they are elderly or live alone.
Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out.
Make sure you have enough heating fuel on hand.
Protect pipes from freezing.
If possible, bring your pets inside during cold winter weather.

HOME FIRES AND SPACE HEATERS

Protect your home from accidental fires:

Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.
Place space heaters on a level, hard surface, and keep anything flammable at least three feet away.
Use generators correctly – never operate a generator inside the home, including in the basement or garage.

WINTER DRIVING

The Red Cross encourages everyone to stay off the road if possible. If you must drive in snow or freezing rain, follow these tips:

Fill the vehicle’s gas tank, and clean the lights and windows to help with visibility.
Share the details of your route, departure time, and estimated arrival time with someone.
Don’t follow other vehicles too closely. Sudden stops are difficult on wet roadways.
Don’t use cruise control when driving in winter weather.
Avoid distractions such as your cell phone.
Know that ramps, bridges, and overpasses will freeze before roadways.

WATCH FOR SIGNS OF HYPOTHERMIA AND FROSTBITE

To avoid frostbite and hypothermia, be aware of the wind chill and dress appropriately.

Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat.
When outside, stay active to maintain body heat, take frequent breaks from the cold, and avoid unnecessary exposure to any part of the body.
Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a vehicle, or walking in deep snow. Drink liquids, such as warm broth or juice, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Get out of the cold immediately if signs of hypothermia or frostbite appear.

Students should be dressing for the weather, which can be really tricky when it is 10 degrees one day and 40 degrees the next. Layers are always recommended and weather appropriate shoes are important. We appreciate how busy our families are and would like to avoid an extra trip to school for shoes or clothing.

The school clinics are all in need for spare clothing. If you have slightly worn clothing that you are looking to donate we may be able to put it to good use in the school clinics. We are typically in need of sweatpants, sneakers, t shirts, and sweatshirts for all sizes and ages 3 years to 18 years old.

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.

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/

Stoughton Public Schools has partnered with Care Solace to support the well-being of students, staff, and their family members. Care Solace is a complimentary and confidential care coordination service that can help you quickly find mental health, social services, or substance use treatment options matched to your needs, regardless of circumstance.

If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:

Call 888-515-0595, available 24/7/365 in any language.
Visit www.caresolace.com/stoughtonschools and either search on your own OR click “Call Now” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.

Throughout the school district, students have a variety of food allergies. We have clear protocols that are followed to provide the safest learning environment for all students, as up to 25% of new allergic reactions happen in a school setting. We are asking for parents and guardians to review with your children the importance of not sharing or eating other people's food. Your child should never bring food to school for a group of kids. They should only bring food for themselves. Many kids have known life threatening food allergies so if your child brings a snack from home and everyone but one child can eat it, there is unnecessary pressure on the children with allergies. Sometimes, it is unclear what food caused the allergic reaction and food allergies can occur at any age. We are asking for the support of parents and guardians to keep the students safe at school.

SPS Food Allergy Guidelines

Dental hygienists are coming to each school this Winter/Spring to provide dental exams and cleanings to those who would like to participate. Please reach out to your school nurse with any questions, forms will be sent home and are attached to this newsletter as well.

Wilkins: February 5 and 6

Jones: February 12

O’Donnell Middle: February 26

South: March 6

Dawe: March 9 and 10

Hansen: March 20

Gibbons: March 23

High School: April 15

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Protecting all smiles English consent.pdf

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Our goal is to have all staff and students in school each day healthy and ready to learn. If your child is not feeling well or exhibiting signs of illness, or discomfort from an injury or accident; they are not able to actively learn in school. If you are unsure on whether to keep your child home for illness or injury, please call your child's physician or school nurse for further guidance.

Medication must be brought to the school nurse by a parent or guardian. Please do not send medication to school in your child's backpack. If your child is starting a new medication, whenever possible, it is recommended to administer the first dose on a weekend or a school vacation. This ensures that the child can be monitored by the parent or guardian for the initial dose of medication and not miss school.

It is never recommended for a student to receive the first dose of a new medication and then go to school. We are unable to administer the first dose of medication (other than life saving medications) in school as children should be monitored for medication reactions and effectiveness during the initial dose.

This link to our Health Services website has helpful information regarding when to stay home due to illness.

Thank you for your help in following these guidelines which are designed to keep the SPS community safe and healthy!