September

We hope you had a relaxing, fun summer!

This newsletter is published every month by our SPS nursing team to share important health office updates, helpful health guidance, yummy recipes and suggestions for fun activities in the community to get your family out and about!

School Nurses provide health care coverage for all students in all Salem Public Schools. This helps ensure your student remains healthy and ready to learn. Click on here to find your assigned school nurse!

For the start of the year, we would like to remind you of the following:

Medication orders and signed consent forms need to be updated each year for emergency, daily or as needed medications/procedures.

The following items are required:

• Doctor’s order Physician Order Form.pdf
• Signed Parent/Guardian Consent form Medication Consent - English.pdf Medication Consent - Spanish.pdf, Medication Consent - Portuguese.pdf
• Medication in a pharmacy-labeled container.

We request that parents/guardians complete the Permission to Treat (PTT) form each year, available through ASPEN, via a link from Parent Square from your nurse, or using these links:

PTT Form English 2026-27.pdf

PTT Form Portuguese 2026-27.pdf

PTT Form Spanish 2026-27.pdf

Signed PTT forms mean that we can provide care more quickly, and enables us to administer standing order medications if needed. Please complete your PTT form as soon as possible!

Notify your students school nurse about new diagnoses, allergies, medications, injuries, surgeries, hospitalizations, or other changes that could affect your child at school. Having current information on file helps us provide safe and timely care when your child visits the Health Office.

Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) that may be administered by the school nurse, following nursing assessment protocols, for:

• Menstrual cramps
• Headaches
• Musculoskeletal pain & swelling
• Fever

Important Timing Information

Ibuprofen will only be administered beginning 3 hours after the start of the school day and up to 1 hour before dismissal, unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Cetirizine (Zyrtec) is a second-generation antihistamine that may be used by the school nurse for certain mild allergic reactions, including:

• Sneezing & runny nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Itching, hives & rash
• Mild reactions to insect stings

Cetrizine symptoms may be related to environmental or seasonal triggers, insect stings, medications, or food allergens.

Important Information About Daily Allergy Management

Cetirizine provided under the school district’s standing order is intended for the management of acute symptoms that occur during the school day. It is not intended to replace a student’s routine or daily allergy medication regimen at home.

Students who routinely take cetirizine or another antihistamine at home should continue their usual medication plan as directed by their healthcare provider and should not rely on the school standing order for daily allergy management.

If your child requires cetirizine at school for recurring or persistent symptoms, you will be notified and encouraged to follow up with your child’s healthcare provider to discuss an appropriate long-term treatment plan.

It’s fall allergy season! Runny noses (allergic rhinitis), itchy eyes, and sneezing are tough on affected children. Allergy symptoms cause poor sleep, daytime fatigue, and impaired learning in school.

Boston Children’s Hospital reports that allergic rhinitis affects up to 20 percent of children and 30 percent of adolescents, and estimates that 75 percent of children with asthma also have allergic rhinitis.

You can help your child succeed academically by managing allergies at home.

• Using air conditioning reduces both pollen and humidity, preventing mold and mildew from becoming a problem.

• Have your child wash their face and hands when they come in from playing outside to remove pollen/allergens from their skin.

• Consider having your child’s bath/shower time in the evening to allow allergens to be washed off before bed.

• Change pillowcases regularly to remove dust and allergens from the face area.

For persistent allergy symptoms, always speak with your child’s pediatrician. They may recommend using non-drowsy over-the-counter antihistamine such as cetirizine (Zyrtec), nose sprays, and/or eye drops at home before your child comes to school.

Treating seasonal allergies at home helps your child sleep at night, ensuring they stay alert and focused at school. Thank you for your help in keeping your kids comfortable, healthy, and ready to learn!

Nothing says September in New England quite like apples! After a weekend of apple picking, put a few of those apples to good use with an easy homemade quick bread.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• ⅔ cup vegetable oil
• ¾–1 cup sugar, depending on desired sweetness
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples
• Optional: ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a loaf pan.

2. In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and optional nutmeg.

3. In a separate large bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, sugar and vanilla.

4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir just until combined.

5. Gently fold in the chopped apples and optional nuts.

6. Pour into the prepared loaf pan and bake for approximately 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Allow to cool before slicing.

Nurse's Tip: Apples provide fiber and vitamin C. Try leaving some of the peel on when appropriate for your family for a little extra fiber.

Pack a slice alongside yogurt, cheese, or another protein source for an easy after-school snack.

Physical activity doesn't have to mean organized sports or going to the gym.

Walking through an orchard, carrying an apple bag, exploring the farm, and spending an afternoon outdoors are all fun ways to get the whole family moving.

September is prime apple season in Massachusetts, and we're lucky to have several orchards within an easy drive of Salem.

🍎 Brooksby Farm — Peabody

One of the closest options to Salem, Brooksby Farm offers seasonal apple picking and other fall activities. A great choice for a quick local family outing. Families traveling from Salem can reach the Brooksby Farm area by MBTA bus. Routes 435/436 serve the area, followed by approximately an 18-minute walk to the farm. Check current MBTA schedules before leaving.

🍏 Russell Orchards — Ipswich

A classic North Shore fall destination offering apple picking, a farm store, cider donuts, farm animals and plenty of room to walk and explore.

🍎 Smolak Farms — North Andover

A larger fall destination with apple orchards and seasonal family activities. Smolak grows numerous apple varieties, making it a fun choice for families who like trying different apples.

🍏 Boston Hill Farm — North Andover

Another option for apple picking along with a farm stand and seasonal treats.

Before you go: Apple varieties, picking conditions, hours and availability can change throughout the season. Check directly with the farm before heading out.

Activity Tip: Turn Apple Picking Into Family Exercise

Make a lap around the orchard before you begin picking. Let children carry an appropriately sized apple bag, explore different rows, or have a family challenge to see who can find the reddest, smallest, largest—or funniest-looking—apple.

🍎 Move your body. Get outside. Spend time together. And have fun! 🍎

The beginning of a school year brings new routines, new teachers, new friends—and sometimes a few new worries.

Remember that your school nurse is part of your child's support team. Please reach out with questions or concerns about medications, health conditions, allergies, screenings, or anything else that may affect your child's school day.

Here's to a happy, healthy 2026–2027 school year!