October 2010

Dear Parents/Guardians,

The first month of school for the 2010/2011 year is already over!  How quickly time flies!

 Hopefully this year the H1N1 influenza virus will be more successfully contained.  The CDC and the Lake County Health Department have both indicated that this virus will still be present this year as well as the regular seasonal viruses.  Again I am encouraging that everyone gets the flu shot, especially kids!  The good news is that this year we only need to get one since this years’ formula will contain the H1N1 vaccine.

 Unfortunately, with all the renovations that occurred here at Seth Paine over the summer, enlarging my health office was not among them!  Therefore, I will again need the help of everyone to limit the exposure of healthy students needing only first aid, from sick and possibly infected students.  Please help me accomplish this goal again this year.

·         Teachers:  I will supply you with Band-Aids for minor cuts and scrapes.

·         Students:  Simple bumps do not require an ice pack.  Of course, if there is bruising with a lump, I will evaluate and treat as necessary.

·         Parents:  No one knows your child like you do!  Screen and evaluate them daily before sending them to school – please don’t rely on me to do that for you!  Please error on the side of caution, and if you have any doubts, contact your doctor.  If a student becomes ill while at school, of course I will evaluate them and, if necessary, contact you.

 Be sure to keep the phone numbers where you can be contacted during the day current, and notify the school office with any changes.  Be proactive by preparing in advance for alternative care in case your child must be absent due to illness.

 This year, in an effort to be “green”, we will be sending you an email to inform you of any infectious diseases (strep, pink eye, etc) reported in your child’s classroom.  Letters will be sent home only to those families who do not have an email address.  Therefore, it is important for you to check your mailbox daily.   Please make sure that the email address you have given to the school is one that you use regularly. We want to inform you at the earliest opportunity of any possible threat to your child’s health.

  All the steps I am taking are in an effort to help keep your children healthy.  As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

 Sincerely,

 Peggy Smiesko, RN

Seth Paine School Nurse

2010-2011 Health requirements for all Kindergarten,  2nd grade and  6th  grade

Click here for important info on shoes and warm weather

Health Examinations and Immunizations

All Kindergarten and 6th grade students are required to show proof of having received all required immunizations and a current physical examination. All physical examinations must be on the approved Illinois Department of Public Health Form and signed by both parent and physician.  Failure to submit all required documents will result in the student's exclusion from school in accordance with the Illinois School Code and Board policy.

Dental Requirements

All K and 2nd grade students are required to have a dental examination. Each of these children shall present proof of having been examined by a dentist before May 15 of the school year. If the child fails to present proof by May 15, the school may hold the child's report card until the requirement is met.

School Medication Authorization Form

 A school medication form needs to be completed before the nurse can administer any medication to a student, including over the counter medications. No medication will be accepted without proper authorization from parent and physician. All medication must be properly labeled and in the original packaging. No student is allowed to bring medication to school. Students may carry inhalers, diabetic supplies or Epi-pens with proper authorization and documentation.

Click here for the school medical authorization form

Click here for the Wellness Plan

Click here for info on sickness and school

Click here for info on Fifth Disease

Click here for info on keeping your family healthy

Web Sponsor: Cameron Shapiro
Webmaster: Diana Christ
Author: Diana Christ
Created: August 23, 2005
Updated: October 07, 2010