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Title One | Math Recovery
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Class Pages: PreK K 1 2 3 4 5 Sci. Lang. Arts Math.
NOTES FROM THE NURSE
SUNDAY, March 28 (HealthDay News)-- Before heading out to enjoy the warm weather, guard yourself against tick-borne Lyme disease, experts advise.
"The main issues with Lyme disease are the time of year [most tick bites occur from April to October], if you live or frequent an area where ticks are prevalent [woods or areas with tall grass populated by deer or other wild animals], and if you remove a tick, to watch out for symptoms, although more than half of patients with Lyme disease did not see the tick," Dr. Jose Munoz, chief of infectious diseases at Children's and Women's Physicians of Westchester in Valhalla, N.Y., said in a news release.
Prevention measures include avoiding tick-infested areas, wearing protective clothing, using tick repellents (up to 10 percent DEET), and checking your body for ticks.
The earliest sign of Lyme disease is a rash, but it doesn't always occur.
"There can be the classic bull's eye, sometimes a double bull's eye, and sometimes just a pink oval rash," said Munoz, who added that it's common for the rash to grow in size.
"Any expanding rash or redness needs to be considered suspicious for Lyme; it's not infrequent for the rash to be mistaken for other common conditions such as ringworm or poison ivy," he said.
Among other possible symptoms of Lyme disease as it progresses: feeling feverish and "generally not well," similar to flu-like symptoms without the congestion; neurological signs, such as drooping or weakening of one side of the face; symptoms similar to meningitis, including fever, headache, stiff neck and nausea; joint swelling; and vision problems.
Antibiotics usually cure early-stage Lyme disease.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about Lyme disease.
(SOURCE: Children's and Women's Physicians of Westchester, news release)
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RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE MANAGEMENT OF HEAD LICE
Directly quoted from: VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - Division of Community Public Health from Standards of Practice: School Health Services manual
In the U.S., infestations are less common in blacks than in individuals of other races. Children aged 3 to 12 years are more frequently infested than adults. All socioeconomic (12) groups are affected. Head lice are not able to fly or jump and they are unlikely to wander far from their preferred habitat. Lice and their eggs are unable to burrow into the scalp. Hair length does not influence infestation and having head lice is not a reflection of poor hygiene. Head lice infestation is not a major health hazard. It is, however, a nuisance which can often result in hardship for those involved including embarrassment, anxiety, physical discomfort and the expense of treatment, particularly when the entire household is affected. The greatest harm associated with head lice results from well intentioned but misguided use of caustic or toxic substances to eliminate the lice.
(7,11)
It is probably impossible to totally prevent head lice. It is recommended for children to be taught not to share combs, brushes and hats. Prompt treatment can minimize the spread to others.
One of the most important tactics for controlling the spread of lice is in developing a prevention plan for the family, institutional setting, and community. Routine classroom or school-aide screening has not been shown to be an effective practice. (12) Public Health staff can be most effective by facilitating the development of a system-wide approach to controlling the communicable infestation of pediculosis capitis. An effective system approach to prevention of the spread of head lice needs to include the following:
V. Managing Head Lice
Outbreaks
A. General Information
1. When a child is found to have head lice all household contacts and other children who were most likely to have direct head-to-head contact with the child should be checked/12*
2. Those with live lice or nits within 1cm (1/2 inch) of the scalp should be treated
3. Parents should contact their primary care provider for recommended treatment.
4. Routine screening for lice has not been proven to have a significant effect on the incidence of head lice in schools.
5. Provide information to parents periodically on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of head lice.
6. Due to the economic impact of head lice, treatment can be a hardship for families. Therefore, institutions may consider purchasing over the counter pediculicides in bulk to resell or providing it free for families in need.
7. Encourage parents to notify the school, childcare provider, and other close personal contacts when head lice have been identified.
8. Volunteers identified in advance can be helpful in the success of managing daily head checks.
B. Management of the Day of Diagnosis
1. A child with an active head lice infestation poses little risk to others; therefore, the child should remain in class until the end of the school day, but be discouraged from close direct contact with others.{12)
2. Confidentially must be maintained so the child is not embarrassed.
3. Notify the child's parent by phone on the day that head lice are found or send home a note with the child at the end of the school day informing the parent(s) of the biology of head lice and methods to eliminate infestations and stating that prompt, proper treatment must be done before the child returns to school.
4. After treatment with a pediculicide (such as Nix or RID), removal of nits (more than 1cm away from the scalp) is not necessary to prevent spread because only live lice cause an infestation.
5. However, removal of nits may decrease diagnostic confusion, and the possibility of unnecessary treatment.
6. Consider sending a note out to parents of all children in the classroom, encouraging that children be checked at home and treated if appropriate before returning to school the next day.
C. Criteria for Return to School
1. A child should be allowed to return to school after proper treatment.
2. A second application of a pediculicide may be needed 7 to 10 days after the first treatment. The parent(s) should notify their primary care provider for advice about prescription medications for recurrent infestations.
3. A child should not be prevented from returning to school because of the presence of nits.
• "No Nit" policies requiring that children be free of nits before they return to childcare or school have not been effective in controlling head lice transmission and are not encouraged/7'
• "No Nit" policies disrupt the education process and should not be an essential strategy in management of head lice.(12)
• The American Academy of Pediatricians and the National Association of School Nurses discourage "no nit" policies for return to school/12'14)
4. The school nurse should be available to re-check the child if requested by the parent and in cases of recurrent infestation.
Unified District #37
Miller's Run School District Policies
TITLE: HEAD LICE CODE: FJ9
Dear Parents:
This letter will give you information about a new swine flu identified in the United States and how that might affect us at Miller’s Run School.
Every year, some people get sick with the "seasonal" flu during the fall and winter months. However, as you have likely heard, there is a new flu virus that is making people sick with the same symptoms of the seasonal flu: fever, chills, sore throat, cough, headache and body aches (sometimes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea).
It appears that this new flu can be spread from person to person. You may have heard, and have concerns, that this swine influenza virus has caused illness and death in some people in Mexico. As of April 27, 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting 40 confirmed cases within the US. It's important for you to know that most people who got sick in the United States have very mild illness. This situation is evolving and we can expect that more cases will be identified.
At present, there are no reported cases of the new swine flu in Vermont. We want to do all we can to try to prevent transmission within Vermont and within the school.
Actions you can take —Watch H1N1_SchoolPowerpoint
If you or your child has recently returned from Mexico, monitor for symptoms of influenza for seven days after return. If symptoms occur, call your healthcare provider for evaluation (be sure to mention your recent travel history).
If you or your child is sick, stay home from work or school until you are better. Keep sick people away from people who are not sick.
Tell your school nurse or administrator about your child's symptoms so they can watch for other students with the same symptoms.
Wash your hands well and often. Make sure your children do the same. Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
If you can't wash with soap and water, use a hand sanitizer. (Gels, rubs or hand wipes, as long as they have at least 60% alcohol.
Remind children to keep their hands away from their face and don't touch mouth, nose or eyes.
Cover your cough. Teach your children to do the same. Cough into the inside of your elbow, or into a tissue — not your hands!
Throw away used tissues or hand sanitizer wipes. Teach your children to throw away tissues and then wash hands.
Don't share water bottles, utensils, cups, etc. with others.
If people in your home are sick with the flu and cannot see a healthcare provider, care for them at home — Give plenty of liquids (clear fluids with electrolytes). Use ibuprofen (e.g. Advil) or acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) for adults with fever, sore throat and muscle aches. DO NOT give aspirin to children or teens. If the ill person is having difficulty breathing or is getting worse, call a healthcare provider.
You can disinfect hard surfaces in your home within three feet of anyone who is ill. Use isopropyl alcohol or a solution made of one ounce bleach to one gallon of water.
For now, school will stay open — At this time, the Vermont Department of Health tells us that students who are not ill can safely come to school, even students with history of travel if they don't have symptoms.
If the swine flu continues to spread in the U.S. and if it causes severe illness, closing of schools may be considered. The purpose of closing schools is to keep children at home and away from others — to slow the spread of flu from person-to-person.
If you have questions, call your school nurse or healthcare provider. You can call the school 626-9755. You can also go to the school website www.millersrun-school.org.
It's important to keep informed about what's happening. You can get more information from:
CDC website at www-cdc^go/swinefly
Vermont Department of Education at www.education.yermont.gQv or
Vermont Department of Health at wwwjhealthyermont.goy
The federal government keeps current information for individuals and families at www,jgandernicf!u,gQV
VSAC
Your partner on the pathway to college. www.vsacroadmaps.org/widget.php
Cleaning for Health
Sheffield, Vermont
Students, custodian, principal, teachers, and other staff are breathing easier at the Miller’s Run School in Sheffield after adopting a Cleaning for Healthy Schools program. Informed Green Solutions Program Manager Carol Westinghouse, along with her trainee at the Association of Vermont Recyclers, have assisted over thirty Northeast Kingdom schools in switching to cleaning products that do not contain asthmagens, carcinogens and other toxic ingredients.
Miller’s Run Principal, Nancy Croteau says, “The conventional products we used before made it difficult for me to breathe, particularly first thing in the morning. Now the whole school is breathing easier, and it was easy to switch.”
Community Garden Report
This coming spring we broke ground for a community/school garden at Millers’ Run School. Our objectives are: 1) to provide space for local residents to grow plots of fresh, chemical-free vegetables for their own consumption; 2) to create an outdoor living laboratory to be used in the classrooms and after school program at Miller’s Run; 3) to bring together a network of growers willing to share skills and knowledge with students and interested adults alike; and 4) to gather and celebrate our connections with the land as a greater town-school community. We are always looking for ideas and support! If you are interested in maintaining a personal plot, donating materials, sharing your knowledge or lending a hand weeding, let us know. Please contact Jenny Cleary (paharilopahaad@myway.com), Bobbie Bristol (BBKinnell@aol.com) or Nancy Croteau (626-9755) for more information.
Miller's Run School (Unified School District #37) is located in the Northeast Kingdom (see map) of Vermont. Sheffield and Wheelock form the district. During 2000-2001, the school underwent a major building/reconstruction project increasing the size of the school from 8,000 square feet to 30,000 square feet. We are enjoying our new facility, and sharing our space with community happiness, while students develop their physical skills.
Sheffield and Wheelock residents are employed in towns in the surrounding community, from St. Johnsbury to Newport. Other than the school, store and a few self-employed mechanics, there are no businesses in the two towns. A few farms and logging operations exit.
The school enrolls 155 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 8. After-School programs have blossomed, as a result of having more space and an excellent program coordinator. We have a wealth of programs for children and the highest percentage of student involvement in the district. Most high school students enroll at Lyndon Institute in Lyndon Center, VT.
The school is served by twelve full-time teachers. We have one full time special educator, a full time Title I/Reading Recovery teacher, and a full time media specialist/librarian. Part time staff includes physical education (50%), guidance counselor (50%),nurse (50%), choral music (30%), instrumental music (10%) and art (30%). There are two full time and two part time educational support aides, two kitchen staff, two custodians and two bus drivers. One of the part time aides delivers student support. There is a full time principal and a full time secretary.
Miller's Run belongs to the Caledonia North Supervisory Union. Three board members from each of the two communities are School Board members. Meetings are the third Tuesday of each month. The Board, administration, faculty and staff enjoy a supportive, collaborative relationship.
Miller's Run adheres to the Vermont Framework of Standards and Learning Opportunities. As a Significant Improvement Grant (SIG) recipient, the primary staff works closely with a mentor from the State Department of Education. Selected as a "Strand One" pilot site during the summer of 2002, Miller's Run has drafted a plan to address "Comprehension, Analysis & Interpretation" in grades 3-8. Most full time staff members did attend the Summer Literacy Institute in Killington during August 2003.
Methods of student assessment include: teacher observations, teacher developed
standard based tests, Kindergarten Observation Assessment (KOA), Primary Observation
Assessment (POA), Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA), Degrees of Reading
Power (DRP), Elementary Spelling Inventory (ESI), New Standards Reference Exams
(NSRE), Terra Novas and the Vermont Portfolio process.
Home | From the Principal | Events | Cafeteria | Library
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Class Pages: PreK K 1 2 3 4 5 Sci. Lang. Arts Math.
