Head Lice... a school nurse's least favorite topic!
As the weather gets colder we tend to see an uptick in cases of head lice within our schools, primarily in the elementary setting. Head lice is transmitted by head to head contact. The increase this time of year is primarily because kids are spending more time indoors, sharing hats and scarves and having sleepovers with friends. As a reminder, in the MPSD we have a policy in place that does not allow live lice in the school setting. Students must be treated at home before returning to school. Below you will find a link to some helpful tips regarding head lice. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to your child's school nurse.
Concerned about your child's hearing?
Do you ever wonder if your child has hearing issues? Sometimes children are choosing not to listen, but there are some who actually can't hear or the sounds are muffled. The equipment shown here is an audiometer and it is used to perform hearing screenings.
The nursing team does not perform mass hearing screenings in the schools, but if you wish to have your child's hearing checked you may reach out to the school nurse or your child's teacher and request it. Results would then be communicated to you by the school nurse.
Student illness reminder
Typically with the cooler temps and spending more time indoors, we see an increase in not only respiratory illnesses but the dreaded norovirus... also commonly referred to as the stomach flu. This particular virus can spread through a household rather quickly and the most common symptoms include stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. Most people feel better within 2-3 days.
With this or any illness, please remember to keep your child home from school if they are not feeling well. Students with a fever, uncontrollable cough, vomiting and diarrhea should remain home and not return to school until they have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours without the use of medication.
As always, the best prevention of any illness is GOOD HANDWASHING!
Winter weather is here!
As a reminder, students in the elementary and middle schools spend time outside during the school day as long as the wind chill is above zero. Please make sure that your child arrives at school in winter gear appropriate for the cold weather! If you have any extra, gently-used winter gear at home- please consider donating the items to your child's school to help out children in need.
