Dear APS Elementary Families,
On behalf of the APS Elementary School Nurses, we are excited to share our March newsletter with you! Each month, we will share pertinent health information, health office happenings, useful links, and other important information that you need to know.
As a reminder, the SNAP Health Portal is intended to be the primary communication tool between school nurses and families. Families will receive information from nurses related to health office visits and student needs, and families can upload physicals, doctors notes, update health information, and approve OTC medications. Please be sure to keep an eye out for messages from the school nurse and to log into the health portal if you have not already done so. If you need help logging in, please contact your school nurse.
In good health,
The APS Elementary Nurse Team
According to the CDC, nationwide levels of respiratory illness are now considered to be moderate. Influenza (flu) cases remain high across the country, but overall have begun to decrease. Cases of COVID-19 and RSV are declining.
Although winter illness season seems to have hit its peak, we are still seeing a fair amount of respiratory illness across the district. We continue to encourage all APS community members to do their part in monitoring for symptoms, following the illness guidelines, and staying home from school when sick.
Spring is almost upon us - the weather will be getting warmer, the plants will bloom, and the pollen counts will rise! If your student is one of the many people who experience seasonal allergies, here are a few tips and tricks that can help manage their symptoms:
Keep an eye on local pollen counts.
Many weather apps will have this information.
Avoid going outside on windy, gusty days.
If outside, be sure to wash off your face and wash your hands immediately after coming inside.
This can help to remove any pollen residue that may be on the skin.
Manage seasonal allergies by taking over-the-counter medications (i.e. Zyrtec, Claritin) at home.
Most allergy medications work best when used consistently throughout allergy season.
Be sure to consult your student’s pediatrician before beginning any medication.
The school nurse does not supply over-the-counter allergy medications. Any medication to be administered in school requires a licensed prescriber’s order and a medication supply brought from home/pharmacy. Because most allergy medications will last 12 or 24 hours, these should be administered at home.
Please make every effort to help your student manage their seasonal allergies at home, so that they are able to fully access their learning. If your student appears to have new-onset seasonal allergies, make an appointment with their pediatrician to discuss the best ways to manage their symptoms.
Additional resources:
March is National Nutrition Month! It’s a great time to reset and incorporate better eating habits. Healthy eating can look different in every family! Some smart eating habits include:
- Family Meals - Keep mealtime calm and friendly, yet intentional, by talking about your child's day.
- Add Variety - Have healthy options so your child can participate in choosing what they want to eat. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats as much as possible.
- Be a Role Model - Endorse food positivity, avoiding negative talk surrounding food/eating. Set a good example by eating nutritious foods and voicing when you are full.
- Avoid Battles - Don't bribe or force your children to eat something healthy. Instead, limit the food options in your home and allow your child to choose between a few healthy options.
- Involve your Children - Plan balanced meals as a family. Allow children to participate in grocery shopping. Involve them in cooking and preparing foods, when safe and appropriate.
Mealtime habits you create now can lead to a lifetime of healthier choices and better habits.
Source: www.kidshealth.org
Did you know? People born with Down syndrome have an extra copy of the 21st chromosome! Each year on March 21, we recognize our amazing students and community members who have Down syndrome. These individuals are valued and appreciated members of our schools and community at large.
Want to join in raising awareness for Down syndrome on March 21? Come to school wearing fun socks! You can wear brightly colored or mismatched socks; anything that will get noticed and can help start a positive conversation about Down syndrome.
Learn more about Down syndrome here.
