School Nurse: Elizabeth Cook, RN
cooke@truromass.org (508) 487-1558 ext 205
**Updated Covid Guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education**
In an update from Commissioner Riley, Effective May 25, 2022, children in child care, K-12, out-of-school time (OST) and recreational camp settings will now ALL follow the same guidance on responding to Covid situations.
As of May 25, quarantine is no longer required for children exposed to Covid-19 who are asymptomatic, regardless of vaccination status. This includes exposure to a positive family member within the home; if the student is not showing symptoms of the virus, they are able to come to school. It remains best practice to take a test 3-5 days after exposure, but it is not required.
If a child is symptomatic while at school and are consented to rapid test, we will continue to perform a rapid antigen test to ensure early identification of positive cases and prevent school community spread.
If a child is symptomatic and not consented, we will call for you to pick your child up and they can return after a negative rapid test at home or when they are fever free for 24 hours. We can provide you with test kits for you to test at home, just let me know.
Children who test positive must isolate for 5 days. If they are asymptomatic or symptoms are resolving and they have been fever free for 24 hours, they may return to programming after Day 5, provided
To consent for rapid symptomatic testing for your student please click here. Note: written or electronic consent must be given prior to any testing, verbal consent will not suffice.
As of May 25, quarantine is no longer required for children exposed to Covid-19 who are asymptomatic, regardless of vaccination status. This includes exposure to a positive family member within the home; if the student is not showing symptoms of the virus, they are able to come to school. It remains best practice to take a test 3-5 days after exposure, but it is not required.
If a child is symptomatic while at school and are consented to rapid test, we will continue to perform a rapid antigen test to ensure early identification of positive cases and prevent school community spread.
If a child is symptomatic and not consented, we will call for you to pick your child up and they can return after a negative rapid test at home or when they are fever free for 24 hours. We can provide you with test kits for you to test at home, just let me know.
Children who test positive must isolate for 5 days. If they are asymptomatic or symptoms are resolving and they have been fever free for 24 hours, they may return to programming after Day 5, provided
- If able to mask, they mask in school through Day 10
- If the child is unable to mask, they must have a negative test on Day 5 or later in order to return to programming before day 11 or remain out of school through Day 10.
To consent for rapid symptomatic testing for your student please click here. Note: written or electronic consent must be given prior to any testing, verbal consent will not suffice.
*Beginning in February 2022 TCS implemented the Department of Education's new at home antigen testing program. This is an opt-in program in which a box containing two rapid tests will be sent home with your student every other week with your commitment to utilize the rapid antigen test each week on Thursday and report any positive results to the School Nurse (negative results do not need to be reported). To Opt-in for at home testing please click here.
About Covid-19
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
You can take steps to stay healthy and to slow the spread.
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 3 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.
You can take steps to stay healthy and to slow the spread.
- 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.
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, Elizabeth Cook, 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 cooke@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 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, Kindergarten & new transfer in students need to provide a recent physical, birth certificate, lead test (Kindergarten) and complete immunization information.
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. 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. All results are strictly confidential and will be kept in your child's health record. If you would like your child to be opted out of this screening please provide written notice to the school; attention :School Nurse.
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, Elizabeth Cook, 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 cooke@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 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, Kindergarten & new transfer in students need to provide a recent physical, birth certificate, lead test (Kindergarten) and complete immunization information.
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. 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. All results are strictly confidential and will be kept in your child's health record. If you would like your child to be opted out of this screening please provide written notice to the school; attention :School Nurse.
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 (Other than COVID-19)
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.
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.
|
|
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 adheres 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 return 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 adheres 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 return 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.
