News from District Nurses

Dear Portland Public School Families,

We continue to see cases of Pertussis, Influenza, and Covid being reported within the county. When calling in your student as absent please be sure to mention their symptoms if they are out ill. Sharing the symptoms your student is experiencing will help us track illnesses and identify ways to reduce the spread.

Health Tips & Reminders:

• Current Commonly Reported Illnesses: Pertussis, Influenza, and Covid cases continue to be reported throughout the county. Portland High School had a reported case of Pertussis this week. If your child is due for their Tdap booster or you are interested in a Flu and/or Covid vaccine, please schedule an appointment with your doctor.
• We have also seen an uptick in gastrointestinal related student illness.
• Hygiene Practices: Remind your children to wash their hands frequently and cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing. It is especially important that our young students are taught to not put shared objects such toys in their mouths. Hand sanitizer, tissues, and disinfecting wipes are present and available throughout the district.
• Healthy Habits: Some ways to boost immune system response during this season include encouraging plenty of sleep at night by turning off electronics and establishing a routine around bedtime. Taking in adequate nutrition including fruits and vegetables, and staying hydrated with non sugary fluids such as water and tea are also essential.
• Symptom Monitoring: If your child exhibits any respiratory symptoms, vomiting, or diarrhea please keep them home from school to prevent further spread. If your student is pending test results, please keep them home until results come back negative or treatment is complete.

Current School Policy Reminder: Please keep in mind that students are to remain home when sick until fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication. For stomach bugs, students are required to be vomit and diarrhea free for 24 hours prior to returning to school.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students healthy and our schools safe.

Communications Update: This year we’ve seen an increase in Pertussis cases within our district, county, and also at a national level. As directed by the Ionia County Health Department we will continue to notify you of incoming positive Pertussis cases. Please utilize our new link http://www.portlandk12.org/district/health-and-wellness for daily communication on Pertussis reports in the district.

We ask that all families continue to be vigilant for symptom assessment at home for respiratory illnesses. Common signs of Pertussis include persistent coughing fits, congestion, and fever. Common signs of Influenza and Covid include body aches, fever, headache, sore throat, cough and congestion. If your child displays any symptoms, please consult your healthcare provider for testing and treatment. Sick students should remain home until their testing has come back as negative, or the full course of treatment is completed.

We will continue to monitor the situation and work closely with the Ionia County Health Department.

The school nurses are here to help keep our students safe, healthy, and ready to learn.

• Amanda Hackenberg, BSN, RN: Primarily at Westwood, High School and PACE. Feel free to contact me via email at ahackenberg@portlandk12.org
• Julia Crowley, LPN: Primarily at Oakwood and Middle School. Feel Free to contact me via email at jcrowley@portlandk12.org