Health Office: Mrs. Grimm
grimmh@truromass.org (508) 487-1558 ext 205
Stay safe, everyone: Wear your mask,
practice physical distancing
and
wash your hands frequently!
practice physical distancing
and
wash your hands frequently!
CDC QUARANTINE GUIDELINES CLARIFIED FOR ANYONE IDENTIFIED AS A CLOSE CONTACT
14 Day quarantine is still considered best practice. In recognition of the challenges 14 day quarantine presents, the CDC has offered two alternatives:
7 DAY QUARANTINE
⇨Negative test required from day 5 or later
⇨Individual must be asymptomatic to leave quarantine
⇨Continue to monitor symptoms daily for 14 days
10 DAY QUARANTINE
⇨No test required
⇨Individual must be asymptomatic to leave quarantine
⇨Continue to monitor symptoms daily for 14 days
Last day of contact is day zero of quarantine.
First day of no contact is day 1 of quarantine.
Return to school on either day 8 or day 11 if no symptoms during the entire quarantine.
Must continue to monitor for symptoms and re-enter quarantine if symptoms develop within 14 days.
14 Day quarantine is still considered best practice. In recognition of the challenges 14 day quarantine presents, the CDC has offered two alternatives:
7 DAY QUARANTINE
⇨Negative test required from day 5 or later
⇨Individual must be asymptomatic to leave quarantine
⇨Continue to monitor symptoms daily for 14 days
10 DAY QUARANTINE
⇨No test required
⇨Individual must be asymptomatic to leave quarantine
⇨Continue to monitor symptoms daily for 14 days
Last day of contact is day zero of quarantine.
First day of no contact is day 1 of quarantine.
Return to school on either day 8 or day 11 if no symptoms during the entire quarantine.
Must continue to monitor for symptoms and re-enter quarantine if symptoms develop within 14 days.
COVID-19 Health & Safety 2020-21 (Updated 1/6/21)
This year at the Truro Central School, we have developed an in-person model that aligns with the recommendations from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Our goal at Truro Central School is to stay healthy and safe while we promote growth and learning. We strive to foster a sense of supportive community during this time of uncertainty.
The COVID-19 virus is mainly spread through close person-to-person contact. Some people do not show symptoms, but can spread the virus. We are still learning about how the virus spreads and the severity of illness it causes.
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
The best way to prevent illness is to maintain physical distance, wear a mask, and wash your hands frequently. You can take steps to stay healthy and to slow the spread.
Our school will implement the following policies and procedures to ensure students, teachers, and families can have a safe return to the classroom:
Below is the full list of symptoms for which caregivers should monitor their children, and staff should monitor themselves:
Even as we remain vigilant, and public health metrics in Massachusetts remain positive, the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in school will not be zero. As we prepare to reopen schools, we must also prepare to respond to potential COVID-19 scenarios, whether in school, on the bus, or in our communities. Depending on the circumstances, a positive COVID-19 test, a potentially symptomatic student, or exposure to someone in the greater Truro outside community who has COVID-19 can each have health, safety, and operational implications.
We are prepared to provide remote learning
When students are asymptomatic and must stay home for quarantine or isolation, teaching and learning should continue remotely. If a student is symptomatic and unable to attend learning remotely, please contact Helen Grimm. It is the school’s duty to provide remote learning for students who cannot be in school for any extended period of time. It is the caregiver’s responsibility to report a child’s absence to the school nurse.
Testing, tracing, and isolation
It is important to note that testing, combined with contact tracing and isolation, helps control the spread of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. All test results, both positive and negative, are reported to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). To help facilitate this process we ask that any member of the TCS community (staff and student) who has tested positive share this information with the TCS school nurse. When a person has a positive COVID-19 test, it is the local board of health or the Massachusetts Community Tracing Collaborative (VNA), in collaboration with the school nurse, that will reach out to provide support so that these individuals can remain safely in medical isolation. The school nurse will also identify close contacts from the school setting. The Health Agent, VNA and school nurse will collaborate to reach out to the individual’s close contacts to provide important information that is aimed to stop the spread of the virus, including how to safely isolate/quarantine. While these organizations and the school will provide support, to further assist with contact tracing the student/family and staff are asked to reach out to their personal contacts and, as stated above, notify the school.
Self-isolation for COVID-19 positive cases is a minimum of 10 days:
People who test positive and have a relatively mild illness will need to stay in self-isolation for at least 10 days. Most people who test positive can resume public activities after 10 days AND once they have:
Repeat testing prior to return is not recommended. Return to school should be based on time and symptom resolution. Please contact the school nurse prior to returning to school.
Close contacts of a positive COVID-19 case should be tested:
For general guidance, DPH defines close contact as:
When a student/staff person may return to school after COVID-19 symptoms:
This year at the Truro Central School, we have developed an in-person model that aligns with the recommendations from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Our goal at Truro Central School is to stay healthy and safe while we promote growth and learning. We strive to foster a sense of supportive community during this time of uncertainty.
The COVID-19 virus is mainly spread through close person-to-person contact. Some people do not show symptoms, but can spread the virus. We are still learning about how the virus spreads and the severity of illness it causes.
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings or talks.
- Droplets might enter the eyes, nose or mouth of those who are in close proximity
- COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
The best way to prevent illness is to maintain physical distance, wear a mask, and wash your hands frequently. You can take steps to stay healthy and to slow the spread.
Our school will implement the following policies and procedures to ensure students, teachers, and families can have a safe return to the classroom:
- Masks are among the most critical components to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Truro Central School requires all (PK-6) students, staff, visitors, and vendors to wear masks that cover the nose and mouth on school grounds and in the school building. Exceptions may be made for those for whom it is not possible to wear a mask due to medical conditions, disability impact, or other health or safety factors. All students are required to wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth at all times, with the exception of meals and mask breaks. Masks are available to students and staff in the main office, if needed. Cloth masks or surgical masks are recommended. Masks with vents are not permitted. Students will be instructed on how to safely put on and take off their masks. Mask breaks will occur throughout the day when students can be six feet apart and ideally outside or inside with windows and doors open.
- Good hand hygiene is another important tool in mitigating the transmission of COVID-19, as hand washing removes pathogens from the surface of the hands. While washing with soap and water is the best option, alcohol-based (at least 60 percent ethanol) will be utilized when hand washing is not available. TCS will promote hand washing throughout the school day upon arrival at school, before eating, before putting on and taking off masks, and before dismissal. When hand washing, students will use soap and water to wash all surfaces of their hands for at least 20 seconds, wait for visible lather, rinse thoroughly, and dry with an individual disposable towel. We will provide hand sanitizer for all classrooms and offices. In addition, hand sanitizer stations will be found in commonly used areas, such as building entrances and exits, cafeteria, playgrounds, and gym for use with adult supervision. Hand sanitizer should be applied to all surfaces of the hands in sufficient quantity that it takes 20 seconds of rubbing hands together for the sanitizer to dry.
- Physical distancing is a critical component in mitigating the transmission of COVID-19. TCS is committed to maintaining a physical distance of a minimum of 6 feet in classes, during activities, during mask breaks, and during meals. Plexiglass dividers will be used in specific classroom situations when a 6-foot distance is not possible, such as during assessments or 1:1 instruction. Staff working with student populations that may have difficulty maintaining a 6- foot distance may choose to wear additional PPE to meet their needs, such as a face-shield with cloth, clear or surgical masks.
- Cohorts are groups of students that remain with each other throughout the school day. This year at TCS, our grade level class sizes range from 14-18 students, making each grade it’s own cohort. We will do our best to minimize cohort intermingling by keeping each cohort together throughout the school day. This year, our students will receive their instruction within their classroom or remotely. Specials will be provided remotely so both students in person and remote students can access the instruction together without changing classrooms. Lunch and recess consist of cohorts eating and playing together separately. Lunch will be provided in the cafeteria, in the classrooms, or outside depending on the weather. Recess will be provided over three separate spaces: preschool playground, upper elementary playground, and the field. Students will be required to wear their masks at recess unless they want a mask break, which can be accomplished by staying in place and physically distancing themselves from the group.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - The Truro Central School has in stock or on order the following:
- Nitrile and vinyl gloves
- Adult and child-sized disposable masks
- KN95 Masks
- Face shields
- Disposable gowns
- Eye protection
- Temporal thermometers
- Plexiglass dividers
- Hand sanitizer, dispensers, and refills
- Hand soap and individual disposable towels
- Capacity, as recommended in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Fall Reopening Guidance, was determined for each area by using the square footage of the space, combined with the minimum of 6 foot physical distancing for students and staff.
- Ventilation has been inspected by our HVAC outside contractor who has conducted a thorough review of our HVAC system, roof top units, and exhaust ducts. All of our equipment meets or exceeds the manufacturer and state standards for the correct number of air exchanges with outside air. In addition, MERV-13 filters have been installed in all of our unit ventilators and will be changed on a regular basis. As an additional precaution, air duct purifiers for classrooms and air duct standalone purification systems have been installed or placed in all areas.
- Health Screening is required by both staff and families to check for COVID-19 symptoms prior to entering school each morning. These symptoms are outlined in this document. We will not be performing temperature screening upon entry into school due to the high likelihood of false positive and false negative results.
- The single most important thing to do if any of the following symptoms are present is to STAY HOME. Our collective health relies, in part, on individual attention and responsibility. Note that some symptoms of COVID-19 are the same as the flu or a bad cold; please do not assume it is another condition. When in doubt, stay home, and contact the school nurse.
Below is the full list of symptoms for which caregivers should monitor their children, and staff should monitor themselves:
- Fever (100.0° Fahrenheit or higher), chills, or shaking chills
- Cough (not due to other known cause, such as chronic cough)
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Muscle aches or body aches
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Headache when in combination with other symptoms
- Fatigue, when in combination with other symptoms
- Nasal congestion or runny nose (not due to other known causes, such as allergies) when in combination with other symptoms
- The team approach was taken this year in order to assign teachers and staff to cohorts in an effort to reduce their exposure to multiple classrooms. Each grade level has a team that consists of the regular education teacher, a special education or academic support teacher, a special subject teacher, and at least one educational assistant. These teachers are employing a co-teaching model this year in order to reach all students, in person and remotely. Some of the teachers in the teams have additional responsibilities that will be carried out remotely or in the form of 1:1 instruction, physically distanced and with a plexiglass partition in properly ventilated spaces.
- Communication - To support a culture of health and safety, TCS will maintain robust and reliable ways to communicate with all families, students, teachers, and staff in order to send and receive key messages related to COVID-19. We will send emails with important information flagged by robo text for school wide information. Information related to community health and safety will be reviewed by our COVID Response Team (Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent/Acting Principal, Local Board of Health, School Nurse, School Social Worker) to verify accuracy and continuity before broadcasting to a larger community.
Even as we remain vigilant, and public health metrics in Massachusetts remain positive, the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in school will not be zero. As we prepare to reopen schools, we must also prepare to respond to potential COVID-19 scenarios, whether in school, on the bus, or in our communities. Depending on the circumstances, a positive COVID-19 test, a potentially symptomatic student, or exposure to someone in the greater Truro outside community who has COVID-19 can each have health, safety, and operational implications.
We are prepared to provide remote learning
When students are asymptomatic and must stay home for quarantine or isolation, teaching and learning should continue remotely. If a student is symptomatic and unable to attend learning remotely, please contact Helen Grimm. It is the school’s duty to provide remote learning for students who cannot be in school for any extended period of time. It is the caregiver’s responsibility to report a child’s absence to the school nurse.
Testing, tracing, and isolation
It is important to note that testing, combined with contact tracing and isolation, helps control the spread of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. All test results, both positive and negative, are reported to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). To help facilitate this process we ask that any member of the TCS community (staff and student) who has tested positive share this information with the TCS school nurse. When a person has a positive COVID-19 test, it is the local board of health or the Massachusetts Community Tracing Collaborative (VNA), in collaboration with the school nurse, that will reach out to provide support so that these individuals can remain safely in medical isolation. The school nurse will also identify close contacts from the school setting. The Health Agent, VNA and school nurse will collaborate to reach out to the individual’s close contacts to provide important information that is aimed to stop the spread of the virus, including how to safely isolate/quarantine. While these organizations and the school will provide support, to further assist with contact tracing the student/family and staff are asked to reach out to their personal contacts and, as stated above, notify the school.
Self-isolation for COVID-19 positive cases is a minimum of 10 days:
People who test positive and have a relatively mild illness will need to stay in self-isolation for at least 10 days. Most people who test positive can resume public activities after 10 days AND once they have:
- gone for 24 hours without a fever (and without taking fever-reducing medications like Tylenol); and
- experienced improvement in other symptoms (for example, their cough has gotten much better); and
- received clearance from public health authority contact tracers (the local board of health or Community Tracing Collaborative/ VNA).
Repeat testing prior to return is not recommended. Return to school should be based on time and symptom resolution. Please contact the school nurse prior to returning to school.
Close contacts of a positive COVID-19 case should be tested:
For general guidance, DPH defines close contact as:
- Being within 6 feet of COVID-19 case (someone who has tested positive) for at least 10-15 minutes. Close contact can occur while caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a healthcare waiting area or room with a COVID-19 case while the case was symptomatic, or within 2 days before symptom onset, OR
- Having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (e.g., being coughed on) while not wearing recommended personal protective equipment.
- If a TCS student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, the school nurse should identify the students or staff members who are possible close contacts based on the cohorts and proximity related to class activities. For PK to Grade 6 students, close contacts of a positive classmate will be defined as the entire cohort of that classmate. For staff, close contacts will be determined as only those who have been within 6 feet of the individual for a cumulative 15 minutes while the person was infectious.The infectious period begins 2 days prior to symptom onset. If someone is asymptomatic, the infectious period is considered to begin 2 days prior to the collection of their positive test. Please note the exceptions to this definition, as defined below.
- All close contacts must self-quarantine for at least 7 days days after the last exposure to the person who tested positive,provided that all of the following are satisfied:
- They are tested on day five or later from their last exposure (the exposure counts as day zero) and received a negative result.
- They have not experienced symptoms up to this point
- They conduct active monitoring for symptoms through day 14, and self-isolate if symptoms develop
- . Even if an individual identified as a close contact receives a negative test result prior to day 5, they must re-test on day 5 or later, and continue to self-quarantine for the full 7 days, and continue to self-monitor for 14 days as the virus may take up to 14 days to cause illness.
- At least 10 days, provided that all of the following are satisfied:
- They have not experienced any symptoms up to this point
- They conduct active monitoring for symptoms through day 14 and self-isolate is symptoms develop
- At least 14 days after the last exposure to the person who tested positive if:
- They have experienced any symptoms during the quarantine period, even if they have a negative COVID-19 test, or
- They are unable to conduct active monitoring of symptoms.
When a student/staff person may return to school after COVID-19 symptoms:
- If a student or staff member has COVID-19-like symptoms, they may return to school after they have tested negative for COVID-19, as long as their symptoms have improved, AND have been without fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications. If a provider makes an alternative diagnosis for the COVID-19-like symptoms, the individual may return to school based on the recommendations for that alternative diagnosis (e.g., influenza or strep pharyngitis).
- If a student or staff member presents COVID-19-like symptoms and chooses not to be tested, they may return to school 10 days from start of symptoms, as long as their symptoms have improved AND they have been without fever for at least 24 hours prior to their return to school without the use of fever reducing medication. Please note that a COVID-19 test is strongly recommended for anyone with COVID-19 -like symptoms, in order to contribute to and protect the public health of our community. Please contact the school nurse or school social worker if you need assistance getting tested.
Health Notes
Following is information from the TCS Health Office. Our Health Office goals are to guide each child to an understanding of their own unique and important role in promoting and maintaining self health. We welcome questions! We try to help every child help him or herself through accessible health care and education.
YOU CAN ALWAYS CALL OR EMAIL YOUR SCHOOL NURSE FOR SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE!
SCHOOL DISTRICT WELLNESS POLICY: Please click here
HEALTH SERVICES:
Our school nurse, Helen Grimm, is a Registered Nurse who is available to implement the school health program, give individual advice on health concerns, and to provide emergency first aid Monday through Friday 8:05 AM to 3:00 PM. She may be reached by calling 487-1558, ext. 205, or by emailing grimmh@truromass.org.
SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAM:
Classes are offered to each class throughout the school year on health related issues including health promotion, nutrition, hygiene, body systems and puberty changes (Grade 5) and reproductive health (Grade 6). The school health program strives to emphasize the connection between individual health and community health, and draws on our school garden and our unique outer cape environment as a source of inspiration and connection. Please check into the health office website for more specific information related to health lessons and your child's class.
ABSENCE:
Please notify the school before 9:30 AM if your child will be absent and tell us why. If your child has an unexplained absence, you must contact the school nurse to review symptoms before your child returns to school.
If your child has any of the signs or symptoms of COVID-19, no matter how mild, you will need to provide a negative PCR COVID-19 test result or an alternate diagnosis in order to return to school in person. (Please refer to the COVID-19 section for more information).
EMERGENCY INFORMATION:
Please complete your child’s emergency form (electronically or in writing) and return it to school. Update this information as needed throughout the school year. Remember, in the event of an emergency, medical or otherwise, the school must be able to reach you or another responsible person.
HEALTH RECORDS AND IMMUNIZATIONS:
The nurse maintains a confidential medical history on all students. To best meet your child’s health needs and to keep his/her school records up to date, please notify the school nurse of any change in health status and provide any updated immunization information.
All students entering Preschool (both virtually and remotely) need to provide a recent physical, birth certificate and complete immunization information, which includes the new flu shot requirement for the 20-21 school year.
All students entering Kindergarten (both virtually and remotely) need to provide a recent physical, birth certificate, lead test, and complete immunization information, which includes the new flu shot requirement for the 20-21 school year.
All new students transferring from another school (both virtually and remotely) need to provide a recent physical, birth certificate and complete immunization information, which includes the new flu shot requirement for the 20-21 school year.
All 4th (Fourth) Graders are required to provide a recent complete physical.
NEW- INFLUENZA VACCINE REQUIRED FOR SCHOOL ATTENDANCE (INS CHOOL OR REMOTE LEARNING)
(PK-GRADE 12)
Beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, influenza vaccine will be required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for all students. During the COVID-19 pandemic, influenza vaccine will be especially critical to reduce the overall impact of respiratory illness on the population, protect vulnerable populations from severe illness, and decrease the overall burden on the healthcare system. Students must receive influenza vaccine for the current season by February 31, 2021, or file a religious or medical exemption with the school health office. Children younger than age 9 may need two doses of influenza vaccine, depending on the number of influenza vaccines they have received in the past. Children should be vaccinated according to ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) recommendations, but only one dose of influenza vaccine is required for school attendance.
SCHOOL HEALTH SCREENING:
Each child's vision, hearing, height and weight are screened annually. You will be notified of any concerns which would necessitate medical follow-up.
POSTURAL SCREENING:
Your child’s posture will be screened for scoliosis starting in the 5th grade annually through grade 9. Referrals will be made if appropriate.
PHYSICALS:
Physicals are required to begin preschool and kindergarten, and for all new students who will be attending both in school and remote learning. Physicals are also required for all 4th graders. Fourth grade families may choose to have their child's health care provider do a physical or use the services of the school physician free of charge.
BODY MASS INDEX (BMI):
Each December /January the height and weight of all TCS 1st and 4th graders are calculated to determine students' Body Mass Index or BMI. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires that these results be sent home to parents and guardians. Please remember that all results should be considered in the context of overall growth and development. Also, all results are strictly confidential and will be kept in your child's health record.
For more information about body mass index and healthy living choices please visit http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/ and http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/children/. Also, please feel free to contact the Health Office with any questions or concerns.
HEAD LICE:
Please inspect your child’s hair frequently and notify the school nurse if you find any head lice or nits. Feel free to call the school nurse if you have any questions. Prevention is the key to controlling head lice, and we need your support. Perhaps in this pandemic time of physical distancing there will be a silver lining of less head lice!
MEDICATIONS:
Medications (both prescription and non prescription) should not be taken during school hours if it is possible to achieve the medication regimen at home. Medications to be taken three times daily may be administered in the morning before school, after school and at bedtime. In order to ensure student safety, no child is allowed to carry medication on his/ her person at school or on the school bus unless authorized by the school nurse.
In situations where medications must be taken during school hours, please scroll down to find our TCS Medication at School Policy.
YOU CAN ALWAYS CALL OR EMAIL YOUR SCHOOL NURSE FOR SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE!
SCHOOL DISTRICT WELLNESS POLICY: Please click here
HEALTH SERVICES:
Our school nurse, Helen Grimm, is a Registered Nurse who is available to implement the school health program, give individual advice on health concerns, and to provide emergency first aid Monday through Friday 8:05 AM to 3:00 PM. She may be reached by calling 487-1558, ext. 205, or by emailing grimmh@truromass.org.
SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAM:
Classes are offered to each class throughout the school year on health related issues including health promotion, nutrition, hygiene, body systems and puberty changes (Grade 5) and reproductive health (Grade 6). The school health program strives to emphasize the connection between individual health and community health, and draws on our school garden and our unique outer cape environment as a source of inspiration and connection. Please check into the health office website for more specific information related to health lessons and your child's class.
ABSENCE:
Please notify the school before 9:30 AM if your child will be absent and tell us why. If your child has an unexplained absence, you must contact the school nurse to review symptoms before your child returns to school.
If your child has any of the signs or symptoms of COVID-19, no matter how mild, you will need to provide a negative PCR COVID-19 test result or an alternate diagnosis in order to return to school in person. (Please refer to the COVID-19 section for more information).
EMERGENCY INFORMATION:
Please complete your child’s emergency form (electronically or in writing) and return it to school. Update this information as needed throughout the school year. Remember, in the event of an emergency, medical or otherwise, the school must be able to reach you or another responsible person.
HEALTH RECORDS AND IMMUNIZATIONS:
The nurse maintains a confidential medical history on all students. To best meet your child’s health needs and to keep his/her school records up to date, please notify the school nurse of any change in health status and provide any updated immunization information.
All students entering Preschool (both virtually and remotely) need to provide a recent physical, birth certificate and complete immunization information, which includes the new flu shot requirement for the 20-21 school year.
All students entering Kindergarten (both virtually and remotely) need to provide a recent physical, birth certificate, lead test, and complete immunization information, which includes the new flu shot requirement for the 20-21 school year.
All new students transferring from another school (both virtually and remotely) need to provide a recent physical, birth certificate and complete immunization information, which includes the new flu shot requirement for the 20-21 school year.
All 4th (Fourth) Graders are required to provide a recent complete physical.
NEW- INFLUENZA VACCINE REQUIRED FOR SCHOOL ATTENDANCE (INS CHOOL OR REMOTE LEARNING)
(PK-GRADE 12)
Beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, influenza vaccine will be required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for all students. During the COVID-19 pandemic, influenza vaccine will be especially critical to reduce the overall impact of respiratory illness on the population, protect vulnerable populations from severe illness, and decrease the overall burden on the healthcare system. Students must receive influenza vaccine for the current season by February 31, 2021, or file a religious or medical exemption with the school health office. Children younger than age 9 may need two doses of influenza vaccine, depending on the number of influenza vaccines they have received in the past. Children should be vaccinated according to ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) recommendations, but only one dose of influenza vaccine is required for school attendance.
SCHOOL HEALTH SCREENING:
Each child's vision, hearing, height and weight are screened annually. You will be notified of any concerns which would necessitate medical follow-up.
POSTURAL SCREENING:
Your child’s posture will be screened for scoliosis starting in the 5th grade annually through grade 9. Referrals will be made if appropriate.
PHYSICALS:
Physicals are required to begin preschool and kindergarten, and for all new students who will be attending both in school and remote learning. Physicals are also required for all 4th graders. Fourth grade families may choose to have their child's health care provider do a physical or use the services of the school physician free of charge.
BODY MASS INDEX (BMI):
Each December /January the height and weight of all TCS 1st and 4th graders are calculated to determine students' Body Mass Index or BMI. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires that these results be sent home to parents and guardians. Please remember that all results should be considered in the context of overall growth and development. Also, all results are strictly confidential and will be kept in your child's health record.
For more information about body mass index and healthy living choices please visit http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/ and http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/children/. Also, please feel free to contact the Health Office with any questions or concerns.
HEAD LICE:
Please inspect your child’s hair frequently and notify the school nurse if you find any head lice or nits. Feel free to call the school nurse if you have any questions. Prevention is the key to controlling head lice, and we need your support. Perhaps in this pandemic time of physical distancing there will be a silver lining of less head lice!
MEDICATIONS:
Medications (both prescription and non prescription) should not be taken during school hours if it is possible to achieve the medication regimen at home. Medications to be taken three times daily may be administered in the morning before school, after school and at bedtime. In order to ensure student safety, no child is allowed to carry medication on his/ her person at school or on the school bus unless authorized by the school nurse.
In situations where medications must be taken during school hours, please scroll down to find our TCS Medication at School Policy.
CRITERIA FOR EXCLUDING AN ILL OR INFECTED CHILD FROM SCHOOL
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF ILLNESS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Children who are ill or have a contagious disease are not allowed to attend school. Pre pandemic, students were encouraged to attend school if mildly symptomatic but that is no longer the case. Below is the full list of symptoms for which caregivers should monitor their children, and for which staff should monitor themselves:
- Please STAY HOME if you have any of the symptoms listed:
- Fever (100.0 F or higher), chills, or shaking chills
- Cough (not due to other known cause, such as chronic cough)
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
-Muscle aches or body aches
-Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
-Headache (when in combination with other symptoms)
-Fatigue (when in combination with other symptoms)
-Nasal congestion or runny nose (not due to other known causes, such as allergies) (when in combination with other symptoms)
If staff or students have any of these symptoms, they should be tested and must follow the protocols outlined in the COVID-19 Section.
Illnesses spread very rapidly in a school setting. Children who come to school and exhibit any of the above symptoms will be isolated in a Medical Waiting Room until a parent/ guardian can pick them up. We require your commitment to picking your child up within 30 minutes of being contacted.
As mentioned above, any of the above stated symptoms of COVID-19, even when very mild, require that your child stay home from school, and will need to provide a negative PCR COVID-19 test or an alternate diagnosis from a health care provider, even if feeling better. Please note that while awaiting COVID test results, your child will not be able to return to school in-person, but will be able to attend remotely.
Please let the school nurse know should your child contract any contagious disease (i.e. Measles, Chicken Pox, Whooping Cough, Scarlet fever, Strep Throat, Fifth’s Disease, Conjunctivitis, Scabies, Impetigo, flu, lice or COVID-19).
Even though COVID-19 has captured our focus of late, here are
Return to School Guidelines for Other Contagious Illnesses:
Chicken Pox- five (5) days after the onset of rash or when all lesions have dried and crusted, whichever is later.
Conjunctivitis- (Pink or red conjunctiva with white or yellow eye discharge, often with matted eyelids after sleep, and eye pain or redness of the eyelids or skin surrounding the eye)- 24 hours after treatment was begun.
Diarrhea, Intestinal Tract Diseases, Infectious Diarrheal Diseases (Giardia, Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobacter)- Children who have uncontrolled diarrhea may not stay in school. Children with uncontrolled diarrhea with fever or vomiting, who have tested negative for COVID-19, need to remain home until fever and other gastro-intestinal symptoms have been resolved for at least 24 hours.
Head Lice- Students may return to school after a head lice treatment. Ideally all nits will be removed before return to school but we do NOT have a 'no-nit policy' at TCS
Hepatitis A Virus Infection- One (1) week after onset of illness and jaundice (if any) has disappeared or until immune serum globulin has been administered to appropriate children and staff in the program within two (2) weeks of exposure, as directed by the health department.
Impetigo- 24 hours after treatment was begun.
Measles- Seven (7) days after the rash appears.
Mumps- Nine (9) days after onset of gland swelling.
Pertussis- After five (5) days of appropriate antibiotic therapy has been completed.
Pinworm Infection- 24 hours after treatment was begun.
Ringworm Infection- After treatment has begun.
Rubella (German Measles)- Four (4) days after rash appears.
Scabies- After treatment has been completed.
Strep Throat- 24 hours after treatment was begun, and when the child has had a normal temperature for 24 hours.
Tuberculosis (Tb)- Until the child’s physician or local health authority states the child is noninfectious.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF ILLNESS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Children who are ill or have a contagious disease are not allowed to attend school. Pre pandemic, students were encouraged to attend school if mildly symptomatic but that is no longer the case. Below is the full list of symptoms for which caregivers should monitor their children, and for which staff should monitor themselves:
- Please STAY HOME if you have any of the symptoms listed:
- Fever (100.0 F or higher), chills, or shaking chills
- Cough (not due to other known cause, such as chronic cough)
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
-Muscle aches or body aches
-Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
-Headache (when in combination with other symptoms)
-Fatigue (when in combination with other symptoms)
-Nasal congestion or runny nose (not due to other known causes, such as allergies) (when in combination with other symptoms)
If staff or students have any of these symptoms, they should be tested and must follow the protocols outlined in the COVID-19 Section.
Illnesses spread very rapidly in a school setting. Children who come to school and exhibit any of the above symptoms will be isolated in a Medical Waiting Room until a parent/ guardian can pick them up. We require your commitment to picking your child up within 30 minutes of being contacted.
As mentioned above, any of the above stated symptoms of COVID-19, even when very mild, require that your child stay home from school, and will need to provide a negative PCR COVID-19 test or an alternate diagnosis from a health care provider, even if feeling better. Please note that while awaiting COVID test results, your child will not be able to return to school in-person, but will be able to attend remotely.
Please let the school nurse know should your child contract any contagious disease (i.e. Measles, Chicken Pox, Whooping Cough, Scarlet fever, Strep Throat, Fifth’s Disease, Conjunctivitis, Scabies, Impetigo, flu, lice or COVID-19).
Even though COVID-19 has captured our focus of late, here are
Return to School Guidelines for Other Contagious Illnesses:
Chicken Pox- five (5) days after the onset of rash or when all lesions have dried and crusted, whichever is later.
Conjunctivitis- (Pink or red conjunctiva with white or yellow eye discharge, often with matted eyelids after sleep, and eye pain or redness of the eyelids or skin surrounding the eye)- 24 hours after treatment was begun.
Diarrhea, Intestinal Tract Diseases, Infectious Diarrheal Diseases (Giardia, Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobacter)- Children who have uncontrolled diarrhea may not stay in school. Children with uncontrolled diarrhea with fever or vomiting, who have tested negative for COVID-19, need to remain home until fever and other gastro-intestinal symptoms have been resolved for at least 24 hours.
Head Lice- Students may return to school after a head lice treatment. Ideally all nits will be removed before return to school but we do NOT have a 'no-nit policy' at TCS
Hepatitis A Virus Infection- One (1) week after onset of illness and jaundice (if any) has disappeared or until immune serum globulin has been administered to appropriate children and staff in the program within two (2) weeks of exposure, as directed by the health department.
Impetigo- 24 hours after treatment was begun.
Measles- Seven (7) days after the rash appears.
Mumps- Nine (9) days after onset of gland swelling.
Pertussis- After five (5) days of appropriate antibiotic therapy has been completed.
Pinworm Infection- 24 hours after treatment was begun.
Ringworm Infection- After treatment has begun.
Rubella (German Measles)- Four (4) days after rash appears.
Scabies- After treatment has been completed.
Strep Throat- 24 hours after treatment was begun, and when the child has had a normal temperature for 24 hours.
Tuberculosis (Tb)- Until the child’s physician or local health authority states the child is noninfectious.
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PEDICULOSIS NOTICE
Now that the school year has begun, it is time to be alert to the problem of pediculosis (head lice) and their nits (eggs). Head lice are acquired innocently by the cleanest of heads and easily spread because of the proximity of children in the classroom. In an effort to control and eliminate the problem, we need the cooperation of parents.
Explanation of condition: The adult female head louse is the one that lays eggs. The eggs are stuck to individual hairs by a glue like substance. The egg hatches in five to ten days and reaches maturity in up to two weeks.
Living Pediculi (Lice): The louse is grey brown in color, approximately 1/10th to 1/8th of an inch long, and actively moves about the head causing an itchy sensation. The louse itself is not hard to kill. The many medications which may be obtained at the drug store are equally effective in killing lice.
Nits (Eggs): The nit is very hard to kill. The only sure way is to remove it from the hair to which it is attached. The nits are grey/ white in color and on first glance may look like dandruff. It the nit adhers to the hair so strongly that it must be removed with a fingernail then it is certainly a live nit.
Treatment: The pharmacist can be of assistance in selecting one of the many topical medications for killing lice. These commercial products are considered to be the swiftest and most efficient treatment, but not the only means of tackling this problem. When using the medicated shampoos, be sure to carefully follow the instructions, repeating the application as suggested on the box. Additional applications are not usually necessary. None of the medicated shampoos will kill the nits. That is why diligent fine combing is crucial to an effective treatment regimen. Part the hair into small sections and fine comb each strand from the root down. Be careful not to comb the nits onto yourself.
Disinfection: Scald combs and brushes with very hot water. Boil the fine tooth comb after use. All clothing, including hats, scarves, coats, sweaters, etc should be washed. An alternative is to put everything in the dryer on ‘hi’ for 20 minutes to kill the lice. Don’t forget all towels, sheets, blankets, bedspreads and couch throws. Stuffed animals or smaller pillows also need to be thrown in the dryer or they may be isolated in plastic garbage bags for two weeks, during which time the lice will die. And then there is the car.... Vacuum the seats and head rests. When you are all finished, try and look on the bright side at how clean you house is!
Contacts: All members of the family and family contacts should be checked and promptly treated if infected. Continue to check all members of the family routinely for at least a month.
Exclusion from school: If head lice is detected, please do not send your child to school. Also, please notify the nurse. Children seeking re-entry to school after home treatment must first report to the school nurse. If head lice is detected in school, the child may be sent home. The child may not ride on the school bus until cleared for readmittance by the school nurse.
Control: Please teach your child that a simple exchange of hats, scarves, brushes, combs, pillows and other personal items can result in the transmission of head lice from one child to another. As an added precaution, PARENTS SHOULD CHECK CHILDREN'S HEADS FREQUENTLY!
Thank you for your cooperation. Please feel free to contact the school nurse at 508-487-0943 if you have any questions or need further information.
Now that the school year has begun, it is time to be alert to the problem of pediculosis (head lice) and their nits (eggs). Head lice are acquired innocently by the cleanest of heads and easily spread because of the proximity of children in the classroom. In an effort to control and eliminate the problem, we need the cooperation of parents.
Explanation of condition: The adult female head louse is the one that lays eggs. The eggs are stuck to individual hairs by a glue like substance. The egg hatches in five to ten days and reaches maturity in up to two weeks.
Living Pediculi (Lice): The louse is grey brown in color, approximately 1/10th to 1/8th of an inch long, and actively moves about the head causing an itchy sensation. The louse itself is not hard to kill. The many medications which may be obtained at the drug store are equally effective in killing lice.
Nits (Eggs): The nit is very hard to kill. The only sure way is to remove it from the hair to which it is attached. The nits are grey/ white in color and on first glance may look like dandruff. It the nit adhers to the hair so strongly that it must be removed with a fingernail then it is certainly a live nit.
Treatment: The pharmacist can be of assistance in selecting one of the many topical medications for killing lice. These commercial products are considered to be the swiftest and most efficient treatment, but not the only means of tackling this problem. When using the medicated shampoos, be sure to carefully follow the instructions, repeating the application as suggested on the box. Additional applications are not usually necessary. None of the medicated shampoos will kill the nits. That is why diligent fine combing is crucial to an effective treatment regimen. Part the hair into small sections and fine comb each strand from the root down. Be careful not to comb the nits onto yourself.
Disinfection: Scald combs and brushes with very hot water. Boil the fine tooth comb after use. All clothing, including hats, scarves, coats, sweaters, etc should be washed. An alternative is to put everything in the dryer on ‘hi’ for 20 minutes to kill the lice. Don’t forget all towels, sheets, blankets, bedspreads and couch throws. Stuffed animals or smaller pillows also need to be thrown in the dryer or they may be isolated in plastic garbage bags for two weeks, during which time the lice will die. And then there is the car.... Vacuum the seats and head rests. When you are all finished, try and look on the bright side at how clean you house is!
Contacts: All members of the family and family contacts should be checked and promptly treated if infected. Continue to check all members of the family routinely for at least a month.
Exclusion from school: If head lice is detected, please do not send your child to school. Also, please notify the nurse. Children seeking re-entry to school after home treatment must first report to the school nurse. If head lice is detected in school, the child may be sent home. The child may not ride on the school bus until cleared for readmittance by the school nurse.
Control: Please teach your child that a simple exchange of hats, scarves, brushes, combs, pillows and other personal items can result in the transmission of head lice from one child to another. As an added precaution, PARENTS SHOULD CHECK CHILDREN'S HEADS FREQUENTLY!
Thank you for your cooperation. Please feel free to contact the school nurse at 508-487-0943 if you have any questions or need further information.
REGULATIONS CONCERNING MEDICATIONS AT SCHOOL
The purpose of these regulations is to provide a safe, consistent and reasonable approach to the taking of medication by children during school hours. Whenever possible, medicinal preparations should be given at home. Under certain conditions when medication must be taken during school hours, the following procedure is to be carried out:
1. All prescription or non-prescription (over-the-counter) medications must be accompanied by a physician's written authorization. For short-term prescription medications, i.e. those requiring administration for ten school days or fewer, a pharmacy labeled container may be used in lieu of a physician's order.
2. All medications must be accompanied by a written parental authorization for school personnel to supervise taking of the medication. School personal are not to assume the responsibility for the administering of medication by injection.
3. All medications should be in the original pharmacy container and be clearly labeled with the child's name, medication's name and dosage.
4. All medication must be brought to the school office by the child's parent or guardian*.
5. It is the responsibility of the child to come to the office and ask for his or her medication at the prescribed time.
6. During school hours and on the school bus, no child shall have any medication on his or her person unless authorized by the school nurse.
*Please call ahead to coordinate drop off with the school nurse outside the school building during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The purpose of these regulations is to provide a safe, consistent and reasonable approach to the taking of medication by children during school hours. Whenever possible, medicinal preparations should be given at home. Under certain conditions when medication must be taken during school hours, the following procedure is to be carried out:
1. All prescription or non-prescription (over-the-counter) medications must be accompanied by a physician's written authorization. For short-term prescription medications, i.e. those requiring administration for ten school days or fewer, a pharmacy labeled container may be used in lieu of a physician's order.
2. All medications must be accompanied by a written parental authorization for school personnel to supervise taking of the medication. School personal are not to assume the responsibility for the administering of medication by injection.
3. All medications should be in the original pharmacy container and be clearly labeled with the child's name, medication's name and dosage.
4. All medication must be brought to the school office by the child's parent or guardian*.
5. It is the responsibility of the child to come to the office and ask for his or her medication at the prescribed time.
6. During school hours and on the school bus, no child shall have any medication on his or her person unless authorized by the school nurse.
*Please call ahead to coordinate drop off with the school nurse outside the school building during the COVID-19 pandemic.
