As we venture into the colder (and inevitably darker!) months, we also head face-first into cold and flu season. As Influenza rates are starting to rise in the community, we will also see an increase in our student population. Most often, Influenza A starts first, followed by Influenza B, later in the season. For those with Influenza A, we are seeing a rapid high fever, fatigue, headaches, and GI symptoms. Per our state and district policies, there are no specific isolation criteria for Influenza. We do ask that all students follow our fever protocol, which is to remain out of school until the temperature has remained below 100F for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine. Of course, we always follow parents' instincts as well and encourage you to keep your child home if you feel they are still not well enough to attend to their tasks at school. All students who are experiencing GI symptoms are asked to remain out of school until they have been vomiting- and diarrhea-free for 24 hours. This allows for proper electrolyte repletion and rehydration. 

Here in the building, we are reminding our students to cover their coughs, perform hygienic nose-blowing, and to wash their hands frequently, especially before and after meals and after using the restroom. 

In the Health Office, I am still working through vision and hearing screens for grade-level students. It is taking a little bit longer due to the volume of sick students and the necessity of infection prevention. If you receive a vision/hearing referral for your student, please reach out if you have valuable information to offer. We want to ensure that all of our students have equal access to their curriculum. 

As always, I am readily accessible during the day in my office @ 508-324-3170 x109 or prompt 2 at the main menu. Email and ParentSquare are preferred! 

Parent-Teacher conferences are next month, and I will be available all day in my office to meet with parents. Once the links are generated, please feel free to schedule time to sit down and discuss any medical needs your student may have, update the Health Office with any chronic conditions, or even to drop off medication. 

Indiana Bones

Indiana Bones is the official mascot of the Health Office!  He greets the kids as they walk by as well as presenting a wealth of knowledge about bones, joints, teeth and how our bodies work.  He provides us with the greatest lesson of all... inside we are ALL the same!  Ask your kiddos how Mr. Bones was dressed up this week!