News & Announcements
News & Announcements from Health Services
Important Updates
Winter Health Notes
With winter and all of its accompanying colds and viruses upon us, it is important to take care of ourselves. There are many things we can do to stay healthy.
-
Most importantly is HAND WASHING. We need to remind children to do this often.
-
Get lots of rest. Early to bed, early to rise. Elementary aged students need at least 9 hours of sleep each night.
-
Start the day off with a good breakfast. Remember: If you are running late - the cafeteria serves breakfast daily.
-
Nutrition is important. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
-
For a runny nose, teach children how to use and dispose of tissues properly.
-
Teach children to cough into their elbow.
-
When a throat is sore, it could be dry. Remind children to drink water and stay hydrated. A sore throat that lasts more than 3 days should be evaluated by a doctor, as strep is still around. Many times a sore throat is not the only symptom of strep. Symptoms can include headache, stomachache, and a fever.
-
Stay home with a fever over 100. Children can return to school when their temperature is normal for 24 hours without medication.
-
Vomiting and diarrhea: Children need to be free of these for at least 24 hours before returning to school.
Remember, a child needs to be healthy to learn, but must learn to be healthy!
Stay well,
Catherine Haley RN
Bryantville Elementary School Nurse
Dear Parent/Guardian of 5th & 6th Grade Students,
The annual postural screening will occur this month. The purpose of this screening is to find early signs of possible spinal problems in children in grades 5 and 6. It is not a diagnostic service but a program to identify young people who should have further medical evaluation. This screening is required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in grades 5 through 9.
If your child has any unusual findings, you will be notified. If no problems are identified, you will not be contacted.
If, for any reason, you do not wish for your child to participate in this program, a signed letter must be submitted to the school nurse, excusing the student.
If you have any questions, please contact me @ 781-293-5411 or via email: catherine.haley@pembrokek12.org.
Sincerely,
Catherine Haley RN
School Nurse
January 15, 2021
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has removed the requirement for the flu vaccination for school-aged children.
As part of our health and wellness curriculum, each year the elementary school nurses provide the program titled “Always Changing & Growing Up Puberty Education” to our 5th graders. With the shift to Remote Learning due to school closure, Proctor & Gamble is offering resources to help educators and parents teach the important topics of puberty and development. In working with you to aid your child to become a strong, healthy, and confident young adult, parents/guardians can access links to the videos, parent guide, and conversation guides at
https://www.pgschoolprograms.com/Educators.
DA alerts patients and health care professionals of EpiPen auto-injector errors related to device malfunctions and user administration.
Please click here for more information.
Should They Stay or Should They Go? When School Children/Youth are Sick
Attendance is important – but your child should not come to school when too sick to learn or there is a risk of making others ill.
When you are questioning whether to send your child to school or not, please keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Fever ~ A temperature greater than 100.4 is considered a fever. Your child should be fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medication for 24 hours before returning to school.
- Vomiting and Diarrhea ~ Your child should be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning to school.
- Rash ~ A rash is usually a sign of a viral illness. It may also be a reaction to a medication or chemical (plant, detergent). If your child has an unusual rash or it is associated with a fever, contact your doctor. Keep your child home until you have discussed the rash with your doctor.
- Cold, sore throat, cough ~ Children average six to eight colds per year. Your child may attend school if there is no fever. If cold and cough symptoms are associated with a fever or they do not readily improve, call your doctor.
If your child has anything contagious (i.e. chickenpox, Fifth disease, strep throat, conjunctivitis, impetigo, MRSA, measles, pertussis, etc.), I need to know so we can take the necessary steps to prevent an outbreak.
If your child is being treated for an illness (pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infection, asthma), even if they don’t need medication at school, it is helpful for me to know, so I can provide the best care for them at school.
If your child has sustained an injury ask your healthcare provider when it is safe to return to school and physical activities (physical education and recess). Inform me so we can make the appropriate accommodations at school.
Children with allergies or asthma are often affected more seriously by respiratory infections and may need to see a healthcare provider.
Update Health Information at the Start of Each School Year
Please review and update your child’s health information and emergency contact information annually. In addition, please provide permission for over the counter medications during the school year by completing the online registration at the start of each school year. Click here for the online registration web page.
Health Screenings are starting in the Health Office Soon
For a complete list of screenings, please see the "Health" page for the Pembroke Public Schools (located under 'Departments" on www.pembrokek12.org.
Here you will find a complete list of school nurse contact information, immunization requirements, medication administration guidelines, FAQ, and more.
Flu Season
Flu seasons are unpredictable. What is predictable is that the annual flu vaccine prevents millions of illnesses, tens of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of flu deaths every season.
CDC recommends you receive a flu vaccine by October 31st for the best protection.
A friendly reminder for caretakers when sending in medication for children
ALL MEDICATION TO BE DELIVERED TO SCHOOL BY AN ADULT, INCLUDING OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS. Prescribed medications must be in the pharmacy bottle and labeled with the licensed prescriber’s name, date, name of the medication, and instructions for administration. Over the counter medications must be in the original manufacturer labeled container.
LONG TERM PRESCRIPTION DRUGS MUST HAVE:
Pharmacy bottle
Parental permission slip
M.D. order
Interface Referral Service – Free assistance available to all Pembroke residents to find a Mental Health Provider that will fit your needs. Call 1-888244-6843 M-F, 9-5 pm. This match service is free and confidential.