Dear Parents,

We are still seeing some scattered cases of head lice here at school, mostly in the lower grades.  I feel we need to address this issue again.  It is important to note that school is by far not the most common place for these aggravating creatures to be spread.  We hear more about head lice in schools because teachers and school nurses are the people that notice students scratching their heads.  It bears repeating that lice can be encountered at many different places, including the Y, fast food places, camps, and sleepovers.

There are several things that we are doing here at school.  All our teachers stress to their students that they should never share hats, combs, brushes, and other personal items.  Also, I have a book called “There’s a Louse in My House” that is written for younger children that I have shared with classrooms that have had a case of lice.  Mrs. Hunnninghake has assured me that students use the same set of headphones each time they are in the computer lab—no sharing allowed.  In addition, headphones are cleaned after each use.  When a case of head lice is discovered in any classroom, notes similar to the notes for strep and pinkeye are sent home with those students and that classroom is treated as soon as possible by our custodial staff.

The focus of controlling head lice MUST BE THE HOME! Parents should check their children often and treat the entire family if lice are discovered.  Parents being proactive are the best way to stop the spread of this aggravating condition.  Here at school we will continue to follow recommendations of the CDC and the National Association of School Nurses that screening entire classrooms is not effective in preventing the spread of head lice.

For more information, including from the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics, please copy and paste or click on this link:

http://www.kdheks.gov/c-f/head_lice.htm

As always, if you have any questions, please call me.  I am here between 8:30 and 3:00.

Shirley Osborn RN

MCS Nurse

616-0707 or

634-1572

Fax 634-6957

“With GOD all things”

Dear Parents,

In the past few weeks we have had several cases of head lice at MCS.  Head lice are a common problem for parents and schools and cause considerable disruption for families and school staff.  Please screen your child regularly and notify us immediately if head lice or their nits (eggs) are detected.  If you have any questions or would like more information regarding this, please contact me at the school.  Remember, this can happen to anyone, and we would appreciate both parents and students being respectful of children's feelings.  Working together helps protect all of the children, including your own.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Shirley Osborn RN

MCS Nurse

Welcome to winter!  The number of absences last week and this week is astounding.  We have had both GI and upper respiratory illnesses.  We have also had students come to school after having had vomiting or diarrhea within the previous 24 hours.  Page 12 of the MCS handbook clearly states that a student must be 24 HOURS without vomiting, diarrhea, or temperature of 100 degrees or above to attend school.  This means without the use of fever-reducing medicine like Tylenol or ibuprofen.  These rules are being strictly enforced.  Please be considerate of other MCS students and staff and KEEP SICK CHILDREN AT HOME!!  These recent illnesses are very contagious and Christmas break starts a week from tomorrow.  I certainly don't want to take something home to my kids and grandkids and I am certain you all feel the same way.  Remember that next time your child might be the well one that catches something from a sick student.  If we all work together, we can minimize days missed for everyone.  Thank you!

On another note, donations of snack crackers, peppermints, sandwich size zip-lock baggies, and 3 oz. paper cups are always really appreciated.  Semester break is a good time to help replenish classroom wish lists as well.

May you all have a very Blessed Christmas and a Healthy, Happy New Year!

Shirley Osborn RN

(Nurse Shirley)

MCS Nurse

FROM THE NURSE

SEPTEMBER 2011

Thank you all for your donations of snack crackers, bandaids, sandwich baggies, hand sanitizer, etc.  I really appreciate your generosity.  Donations of these things are always welcome!

State-mandated hearing screenings will be conducted this Thursday for students in grades K, 2, 5, and 8, and students new to Magdalen.  Students with questionable results are rescreened.  If a student does not pass the second screening parents are notified with a copy of the results that should be shared with the family physician.

I want to remind everyone of the importance of a good breakfast.  Students need something to eat before coming to school.  It is a long time between last night’s dinner and today’s lunch, especially for Middle School students.  MAP testing has already started, and kids need to be at their best for accurate results.  A box of granola bars or snack crackers can be kept in the car for when mornings become hectic—and I know they do sometimes become very hectic.

Lastly, my duty hours this school year are 8:30 to 3:00.  I am usually here a few minutes early and stay late if I am needed.  It is a pleasure and an privilege to care for your children and to be a part of the MCS family.  Let us all have a great school year!

Shirley Osborn RN

MCS Nurse