Dear Families,
I hope everyone is doing well. The colder weather often means more time indoors and unfortunately, cold and flu season. If you haven't done so, you may consider having your child vaccinated for flu to help protect them.
A few reminders:
School Attendance Guidelines for Sick Days:
Please keep you child home for:
Head Lice Information:
We have seen some cases of head lice. Head lice is not a disease, and does not cause illness. It is a frequent occurrence in school-aged children.
Here is some information that may be helpful:
Lice spread through head-to-head contact. They need a host to survive and do not live on surfaces for long.
Remind your students to hang clothing such as coats and hats in their cubbies and not to share these items. They should also be reminded not to share hairbrushes, barrettes, and headbands.
Posing for selfies with friends is another way lice may travel head-to-head.
For students with long hair, it is recommended that hair be worn up or in a ponytail or braid.
Get into the habit of checking your studentβs head for nits or lice, especially if you notice that they are exhibiting behaviors such as scratching or complaining of itchiness.
If you do find any evidence of lice, please know that they do not spread disease and there are effective ways to get rid of the lice.
If you suspect your child has lice, please consult with your school nurse for guidance and treatment options. Students do not need to miss school for head lice or nits. RPS follows guidance from the NASN and AAP and CDC; see below for details:
Here is the National Association of School Nurses Guidance on head lice in schools
Here is information about head lice from the American Academy of Pediatrics
Use this link for more information about lice from the CDC.
Please reach out to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
Thank you,
Sharon Grottkau, J.W. Killam School Nurse
