February 2025

The SPS nursing staff would like to wish our staff, students and families of Dominican descent a happy independence day. Although you can't enjoy the tropical weather and sunshine of your native land, we hope that you find the warmth of your community on this special day. Enjoy!

Reminders from the Health Office

• Sick Day Guidance: With the increased incidence of flu and respiratory viruses, our nursing team would like to call attention to our policy regarding fevers. If your child has a fever of 100 degrees or greater, please keep them home. A fever indicates that your student is infectious and is transmitting their illness to their peers. Administering Tylenol or Motrin products will improve symptoms but not stop the transmission of the germs. The policy states that a student should remain at home until fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication or cessation of symptoms.
• Screening Referrals: Our health offices are still awaiting vision and hearing screening referrals from many students. Please contact your school RN if you are having difficulties receiving follow up care.
• Annual Physical Exam and Immunization Documentation: The nursing department would like to thank everyone for their swift response to immunization compliance. To avoid having an issue in the future, please keep routine annual well child exam appointments and submit documentation to your school RN after the appointment.

This winter, respiratory viruses and other infections seem to be surging. Many of these germs thrive in cold, dry air. There has been an uptick in RSV, pneumonia, norovirus and flu across the state. Many viruses hide behind cold symptoms - cough, congestion, body aches, low grade fevers (99.5-100.3), chills and sore throat. The common cold is caused by rhinoviruses. If a stomach virus is present, you may also see stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The flu viruses will cause all of the symptoms listed. Here are some tips for caring for your students at home when they are feeling under the weather:

• Consider using a fever reducing medication: Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Motrin (ibuprofen) products will reduce fever which may help alleviate symptoms of lethargy and irritability. They also will help the child become more comfortable so that they can get the adequate rest their immune system needs to fight the virus. Always consult a MD prior to giving over the counter medications. These medications come in liquid, chewable tablets and suppository forms. Suppositories are often best for children with nausea and vomiting as they do not have to go through the digestive tract to be absorbed.
• Keep hydrated: Fevers, diarrhea and vomiting cause the body to shed necessary fluids needed in the body. Push oral fluids as much as possible. Clear fluids (water, juice, sports and electrolyte drinks are often best as they help liquify secretions making it easier for your child to mobilize through coughing or blowing their nose. For students with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, consider popsicles or Italian ice. The sucrose in these items settle the stomach while providing a small trickle of fluid continuously while eating over large gulps which may trigger vomiting.
• Ease congestion: Add a cool mist humidifier to the room. The increased moisture in the air helps thin secretions. For small children, remove secretions with a bulb syringe. For older children, consider saline nasal sprays to thin out secretions making them easier to pass when blowing the nose.
• Other comfort measures: Honey works wonders for irritated throats and coughs. Honey has been proven to coat the throat and cough receptors. Adding honey to warm liquids is also soothing to drink. The menthol in Vick's Vaporub or generic equivalent helps open nasal passages making it easier to breathe. Vicks also makes mentholated shower tablets and bath salts. The menthol coupled with the steam from the warm water works in unison to calm the child and their symptoms. Students should be kept home from school if they have a fever > 100, active vomiting or diarrhea, cough or congestion that prohibits them from focusing on tasks, or secretions that are yellow green or difficult to contain. Students may return to school once the above symptoms have subsided without the help of Tylenol or Motrin products for 24 hours or 24 hours after the initiation of antibiotics.
• How long to stay home?: Most colds subside with in 7-10 days. The flu will run its course within 5 days. That being said, all viruses are contagious. The recommendation is keeping a child home from school or community activities until 24 hours after last fever, bout of vomiting or diarrhea or cough showing signs of improvement.

Please click HERE to read full article.

Pastelon de Arroz

Ingredients

• 3 TBSP salted butter (reserve extra to grease pan)
• 1 1/2 TBSP all purpose flour
• 2 cups evaporated milk
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 6 cups cooked white rice
• 1 1/2 cups minced blanched spinach (may use frozen if thawed)
• 2 cups tomato sauce seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.

Please click HERE for cooking instructions and serving suggestions.

• Y Tri Challenge: This indoor fitness challenge takes place on February 23rd starting at 8:30am at the Torigian Family YMCA located in Peabody. The triathlon involves a 20 min swim in the pool, then a 20 min ride on the stationary bike followed by a 20min run on a treadmill. Options for participation include individual, youth, and teams. For more information, please click HERE.
• Adaptive Family Circle Time: The Salem Public Library offers this sensory friendly song and movement event every other Saturday for children 3-8yo from 10:30 - 11am. These events are open to families whose children have autism and sensory processing issues of differing abilities. Register online HERE.
• North Shore Children's Museum: North Shore Children's museum offers a variety of programming for children of all ages. They will have extended hours during February vacation and offer events such as kids yoga, art class and STEAM club. Later in the month there is a Legopalooza event and a visit from Danvers Indoor Sports staff for sports exploration. Please click HERE for more information and ticket prices.
• Halibut Point State Park: There are multiple events being hosted at Halibut Point State Point throughout the month including quarry tours and winter birding classes. Special events scheduled for February vacation are a treasure hunt in the quarry and self guided story walk. Please see their FLYER for more information.
• Market Street Rink: The outdoor Rink at Market Street is a fun spot to skate. Please click HERE for more information.
• Sledding Spots: Here are some spots that people like to use in the area:
• Kernwood Country Club
• Mack Park
• Olde Salem Greens Golf Course