SPS RN TEAM Newsletter

Winter 2025

Winter Fun!

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) 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

Clinics Clothing Needs

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.

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.

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/

Care Solace

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.

Sharing Food

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 Days

Dental hygienists are coming to each school this fall 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 24, 25, 26

South: March 3

Jones: March 6

Dawe: March 10 and 11

Hansen: March 18

High school: March 19

Gibbons: March 24 and 25

O’Donnell Middle: April 28 and 29

pdf

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Protecting all smiles English consent.pdf

Protecting all smiles Spanish consent form.pdf

Protecting all smiles consent form Portuguese.pdf

Protecting all smiles consent 2023 Haitian Creole.pdf

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Clinic Guidelines on Illness and Medications in School

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. 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!