Thank you for your diligence and patience during the transition to our virtual learning model. Hopefully your child has a learning space designated for school and has their learning materials near them, organized and ready for access. December's edition of "From Hamilton to Home", highlights learning that occurred under our hybrid and virtual models during November, introduces a new face and will tell you about an upcoming family event for this month. As always, we are here for you if you need us.

Sincerely,

Jodie Johnson

Hamilton Principal

I hope that you are all staying healthy as winter already upon us. Establishing healthy routines and habits is vital to our mental and physical health, so please take the time to:

• Schedule routine well-child and vaccine visits with your child’s healthcare provider are essential, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your pediatrician is your partner in maintaining your child’s health, and it is important that they see your child annually to monitor their growth and development.
• Call your child’s healthcare provider to ask about any upcoming appointments, or to ask if your child has vaccinations due. The Center for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that every child continues to receive routine vaccinations during the COVID-19 outbreak. Children who are not protected by vaccines may be more likely to get diseases like measles and whooping cough.
• Have over-the-counter fever reducers and prescription medications (inhalers, breathing treatments, Motrin, Tylenol, etc.) on hand in case your child does experience an illness.
• Help your child stay active! Regular physical activity can improve your child’s physical and mental health. Bundle up and get outside for some fresh air daily!
• Help your child stay socially connected by reaching out to family and friends via phone or video chats. Write cards or letters to family members who they may not be able to visit. Sending and receiving mail can be both fun and educational.
• Provide your child with nutritious meals and snacks. Plan healthy meals to eat together, and don’t forget to pick up your student’s free meals every Wednesday from 11 am to 1pm from the Elyria High School parking lot on West Ave.
• Help your kids get to bed on time to ensure they get enough sleep! Preschoolers need 10-13 hours of sleep per day (including naps), school-age and pre-teens need 9-12 of sleep hours per night, and teens need 8-10 hours per night.
• Encourage your child to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated! Avoid giving too many sugary drinks like soda and juice-they can cause cavities. Encourage your child to brush their teeth for at least two minutes twice daily, and have your child visit the dentist every 6 months for preventative care.

Please call me if you ever have questions or concerns about your child’s health at (440) 284-8099. Take care of yourselves, and each other. J Nurse Packman

Email: johnsonjodie@elyriaschools.org
Website: elyriaschools.org/hamilton
Location: 1215 Middle Avenue, Elyria, OH, USA
Phone: (440)284-8007
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ElyriaHamilton