Notes from the Nurse: January

Hello families and welcome to the New Year!

Most all of us set some sort of New Year’s Resolution around this time, and for many people that involves exercising more. Exercising frequently is a great thing for everyone to be doing, including your children! This is a great time of year to help your child find ways to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Exercise is also great for your mental health!

Mental Health:

Mental health is as crucial as physical health, and it impacts every aspect of a student's life. It is more than the absence of illness; it's about thriving emotionally, socially, and academically.

Recognize signs and symptoms: This includes changes in behavior, mood swings, withdrawal from friends and activities, and difficulty concentrating. If you notice any concerning signs, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's pediatrician, your school nurse, or counselor.

We are committed to creating an environment that fosters positive mental health for all our students. We do this by encouraging a growth mindset, supporting each other through positive communication, and reducing stress and anxiety through mindfulness exercises and relaxation techniques.

Strong social support is a powerful buffer against mental health challenges. We encourage students to build and nurture positive relationships. Our classrooms create a safe space for students to express their thoughts and feelings to provide them with a sense of belonging and support.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please reach out to your doctor, a mental health professional, or other trusted adult.

Illness

When can students return to school after illness?

When symptoms of illness have improved
Symptoms of fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, should be resolved for at least 24 hours without medication before returning to school
If an antibiotic is warranted (such as for strep throat) the individual may return 24 hours after starting the antibiotic and symptoms have improved

For more information about the flu, go to: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/flu.html

Reach out to Ms. Peterson if you have any questions.