Dear APS Elementary Families,
On behalf of the APS Elementary Nurses, we are excited to share our April 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 Nursing Team
Arlington EATS will be offering vacation lunch support for April Vacation - Sign-Ups close on April 14!
April Vacation Lunch Request Form
“Vacation and Summer Lunch Program: School vacations often mean less food for families. By offering meals when school is not in session, we strive to decrease food insecurity for families who rely on school meals. Food support is available when school is not in session over the February and April vacation weeks and six weeks in the summer for Arlington students and their families. For more information call 339-707-6757.”
Spring is upon us - the weather is getting warmer, the plants are blooming, and the pollen counts are rising! 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:
If a student requires the use of an assistive/orthopedic device at school for an injury (crutches, brace, boot, etc.), a note from their healthcare provider (HCP) must be submitted to the school nurse prior to the student coming to school with the device. These devices are considered a treatment for a diagnosed injury, and thus, require appropriate medical documentation.
If your student requires an assistive/orthopedic device, please notify the school nurse as soon as possible and provide documentation from their health care provider. Student safety remains our top priority, and it is imperative that any plans or accommodations be in place prior to students returning to school post-injury, so that they may safely access school.
The HCP’s note should include any physical activity restrictions the student has while at school (example: no PE/sports until cleared, allow elevator use, etc.). Once the student has recovered and is able to return to usual activities, a follow-up note from the HCP is needed to clear the activity restriction.
Autism is a condition that affects how people think, communicate, learn, and interact with others. It looks different for everyone, with each person having their own strengths and challenges. Some people can speak, while others may be nonverbal. Some need a lot of support, while others can live independently.
Signs and Symptoms
Children with autism are just like other children. They go to school, have friends, play sports, and much more.
Children with autism often have trouble with social communication and interaction, like:
Starting and taking turns in conversations
Sharing interests or emotions, making eye contact
Understanding what others are thinking or feeling
Understanding body language, gestures, and facial expressions
Regulating tone of voice (for example, speaking too loudly, too quietly, or in a monotone voice)"
Children with autism may also show restricted or repetitive behaviors:
Stimming, or making repetitive body movements, like rocking, hand flapping, spinning, or running back and forth
Getting very upset with even small changes in routines or plans
Doing the same things over and over, like watching the same videos or touching objects in a set order
Having a strong interest in specific topics and knowing a lot about them
Sensory differences, like being extra sensitive to light, sound, touch, or texture
For more information, check out these sites:
