Calhoun Ranger Report - 10/6

Dear Calhoun Early Childhood School Families,

As part of our campus goals, I’ve begun meeting with Calhoun families to learn more about their experiences while their children have been at our school. This week, I had the privilege of sitting down with Elizabeth Villarreal, who has been part of our Calhoun family since her child joined the 3-year-old program last year. It was truly a joy to hear her reflections and insights.

I look forward to highlighting another parent in our Family Spotlight next nine weeks! If you’d like to participate, please let me know—I’d love to hear from you.

Warmly,

Principal Anderson

Complete the form below to show your appreciation for our Calhoun staff!

🕢 Please remember that while our school time starts at 7:30am, we are outside and greeting kids starting at 7:00am. We have had very few cars arriving between 7:00am-7:20am. If you wait until the last minute to bring your child in the carpool line, you run the risk of arriving tardy. Please make sure to plan ahead and utilize the line before 7:15am. You will get in and out with no wait!

⏰ For safety and efficiency, students will not be released after 2:00pm. Please plan ahead for appointments or other time commitments to ensure your child is picked up before this time.

🚗 Please remember that we run two car lines at the same time:

From the North: Turn left into the left lane of the parking lot. This lane is for Piney Woods, Gulf Coast, and South Plains.

From the South: Turn right into the parking lot and use the right lane, which wraps around to the back of the building. This lane is for Big Bend, Hill Country, and Panhandle.

📵Please enter the parking lot with caution and avoid using your phone while driving. As you turn in, use your blinker to signal. This helps us clearly distinguish Calhoun families from neighborhood traffic and ensures a smoother, safer arrival for everyone.

Updated Forms for Health Conditions and Medication Administration for the 2025-2026 School Year

As we settle into the school year, I’d like to remind everyone of the state-required health rules that help keep our students and staff healthy. These illness exclusions are mandated by the Texas Department of State Health Services, and are especially important in a preschool setting where illnesses spread quickly.

Please keep your child home if they have any of the following:

Fever – A temperature of 100°F or higher requires your child to stay home until they’ve been fever-free for 24 hours without medication (like Tylenol or Motrin). These medicines take 4–6 hours to wear off, so the 24-hour clock begins after the fever has resolved without meds.

Vomiting or Diarrhea – Your child must be symptom-free for 24 hours without medication before returning. Even if they feel better, they may still be contagious.

Pink Eye, Rashes, Skin Infections – A doctor’s note may be required to return, depending on the condition. These exclusions follow state public health rules and protect the health of everyone at school.

Sniffles and Coughs – Mild sniffles are okay if your child feels well. Please keep them home if they have:

· A heavy cough with thick mucus

· Fever with a cough

· Labored or rapid breathing

If your child has a persistent cough lasting several weeks, even if symptoms are mild, it may be time to check in with your child’s doctor to rule out any underlying conditions.

COVID-19 – Children who test positive must stay home until they are fever-free for 24 hours without medication, per state requirements.

We know it can be difficult to miss work or find alternative care, but following these rules helps protect your child, your family, and our entire school community. If you have any questions or need help determining whether your child should attend, I’m always here to support you.

Wishing you continued health this school year!
Nurse Gabbie BSN, RN
Calhoun Campus Nurse