Notes from the nurse....
Friendly Reminder:
Please remember to call your child in sick when they will be out of school.
Medication During School Hours:
Medication can be administered during the school day accompanied by a doctor's order and parental signature. Forms may be obtained in the nurses office. All medication must be delivered to the school nurse by a parent/guardian. Medication needs to be in a properly labeled container with child's name and correct doseage of medication. This includes all medication including tylenol, cough syrup or any over the counter medication.
Returning to School:
Illness: acutely ill children should not be in school. Please do not send your child in to school if you think he /she has a communicable illness. Visit your physician to obtain a diagnosis. Please notify the school if there is a diagnosis. The following description of illnesses might help to determine if you whether or not your child needs to see physician.
Chicken Pox (exclusion from school)
General feeling of tiredness; slight fever and rash that develops into blisters-tiny mosquito bites with a clear vesicle. Children cannot attend school until the rash all crusts and scabs. This usually takes about seven days. This disease is declining due to the state mandate for the vaccine.
Conjunctivitis(pink eye)
Redness of the eye(S) with some crusting and mucous around the eyelids. Must see a doctor for medication. Once the child has been on medication for 24 hours they may return to school.
Impetigo
Inflammatory skin disease marked by pustules which become crusted then ooze. Students need to be on medication for 24 hours before returning to school.
Strep, sore throat, Scarlet fever
Red rash and sore throat sometimes accompanied by stomach pains and headache. Students should be excluded from school and should not return when diagnosed with a strep throat infection until they are under a doctor's care and have been taking medication for at least 24 hours. They also have to be fever free for 24 hours without taking any fever reducing medication.
Fifth Disease
A common childhood illness caused by a virus. It involves children between the ages of 3 thru 12 usually. The period in which the illness is contagious is the days prior to the onset of the rash. During this period, there may be a feeling of unwellness and a slight fever. There also may be no symptoms. The rash is characterized by a "slapped cheek" look, become "lacey"through the neck, arms,legs and trunk of the body. There are no preventitive measues. The rash may recur for several weeks brought on by exposure to sunlight, heat, exercise, or stress. Adults can also get fifth disease. Symptoms as above but also may include joint pain, swelling or both. Many adults already have the immunity from previous exposure. If you are pregnant and have been exposed contact your physcian.
Head Lice
Tiny insects that live on the human scalp and feed on human blood. Lice cannot fly or jump. Itchiness of the scalp may be one of the first symptoms. The female head louse lays eggs called nits at the base of the hair very close to the scalp. The nits are pearly gray to white and tear dropped shaped. The eggs hatch in about a week resulting in more. Head lice are difficult to see because they avoid light. Nits are easier to find. Nits are anywhere on your head. Nits are commonly found behind the ears and near the neckline at the back of the neck. Nits are glued to the scalp. Unlike dandruff, or dry scalp nits cannot be easily removed from the hair. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist for treatment options. Your child must be treated and proof of purchase of treatment given to school nurse before returning to school. The nurse will check your child before returning to school. You should check your child for head lice on a regular basis.
Please contact me at any time with any health concerns or issues. I am always available to talk or meet with you. I look forward to a happy, healthy, and wonderful school year.
Sincerely,
Nurse Bonk.
732-785-3000 Ext 1504
Fax # 7329632237