Spanish translation of this letter may be found here.
Dear Families,
As the season changes and the weather gets colder, we want to remind you that this time of year typically brings an increase in cases of flu, lice, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections. The health and well-being of our scholars and staff are our top priorities, and we are taking proactive steps to ensure a safe and healthy school environment. If your child shows any symptoms of illness, we ask that you keep them home and notify the school.
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness. Symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. We encourage all families to consider flu vaccinations for their children and practice good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes.
Lice infestations can occur throughout the year but are often more prevalent in the colder months. Please remind your children not to share personal items such as hats, combs, or hair accessories. Regularly checking your child's hair and scalp can help detect and treat lice early. Early dismissal is not required if live head lice is found by the school nurse. A parent will be notified and the scholar may finish the school day and return after they have been treated with a medicated permethrin hair treatment, or prescription treatment. This is in accordance with CDC guidelines as head lice have not been shown to spread disease.
RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause mild, cold-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to more severe respiratory illness, especially in young children and those with weakened immune systems. To prevent the spread of RSV, please keep your child home if they exhibit any symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or a runny nose.
Outdoor Recess Considerations
We know recess time is an important time of the school day. Recess and other outdoor activities will take place inside when outdoor temperatures are 32 degrees or below, or feel 32 degrees or below with the windchill. At any time, school leaders may decide to have recess indoors based on safety concerns. Please send scholars with jackets, hats, mittens/gloves, and mark all of their items with their names on the tags, since misplacing clothing happens often.
If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Warm regards,
Heather Chew
Director of Network Operations