GOOD SHEPHERD SCHOOL
Good Shepherd School Nurse - Renie Asken, RN
Welcome Back to a New and Promising New Year…from the Health Room
I sincerely hope that you have all enjoyed your summer! While we don’t want to wish the time and good weather away, the calendar tells us that the opening of school is near. The school has already come alive with activity and I could not be more excited to welcome back the boys and girls and see how they have grown these past weeks. Over the years I have learned that one of the greatest things about returning to school after the summer break is that each year begins with a new canvas…vague “outlines” (new teachers, new students, new ideas, new tasks) are penciled in during the first few weeks: bold “colors””(laughter, friends, creativity, hard work) are splashed in as the year progresses; then, come June, another masterpiece has been created. During the time this “transformation” from blank canvas to master piece is taking place, I look forward to working with you not only to do all that I possibly can to keep your children healthy and safe but also to provide preventive health measures in the school as needed.
REMINDER: Immunization Records Due!!!
Immunization records for all incoming new students must be submitted prior to the first day of school. Without immunization records, by law, students may not be admitted. Also, PA State Department of School Health mandates that all incoming students into Kindergarten, or original entry, along with students in grade 6, must submit a completed physical examination form. In addition, all incoming students into Kindergarten, or original entry, and students in grades 3 and 7 must submit a completed dental examination form. These are due September 15. If your student has his/her physical or dental examination appointment scheduled after September 15, please send word to the school office or by e-mail .Pediculosis – Head Lice Info!
Pediculosis, or head lice, is a condition that each year affects approximately six to 12 million children between the ages of three and 12 years of age, and about one in every 100 elementary school children. Head lice are parasites that are generally found on the scalp, around the ears, and at the back of the neck. The adult louse is about the size of a sesame seed and can be a reddish brown color. Eggs, or nits, are smaller and silver in color.
Head lice are not a sign of poor hygiene and they do not transmit disease. Transmission from one child to another can occur during direct contact or by the sharing of personal items such as combs, brushes, caps, or helmuts.
The most common symptom of head lice is head scratching, particularly at night, although red bite marks may also be noticed. If there is positive evidence that your child has head lice, your health care provider can recommend safe and effective products to treat this condition. Nit picking with a fine-tooth comb is also an integral part of the treatment regiment. It is important to follow the directions carefully. Parents should also wash in hot water or dry clean all recently worn clothing, hats, used bedding, and towels. Personal care items such as combs, brushes, and hair clips should also be washed in hot water.
My goal as school nurse is to provide you with the information you need to safeguard your child’s health and insure that his/her education is not disrupted, but remains the most positive experience possible. I hope you find this information helpful and I send best wishes to all of the boys and girls for a rewarding school year.
Sincerely,
Irene Asken, RN
DON'T WAIT.....VACCINATE NOW
MEDICATION POLICY EXPANSION AND CHANGE
Our medication policy has been expanded this year to include the administration of ibuprofen (advil, motrin), tums/antacids, and bacitracin. Along with the administration of tylenol, written parent/guardian authorization is required for student use. This information will be found on the emergency health services card that will be sent home the first week of school and will require a parent/guardian signature.
PLEASE NOTE: BEGINNING WITH THIS ACADEMIC YEAR, AS PER CAMP HILL SCHOOL DISTRICT STANDING MEDICAL ORDERS, COUGH DROPS/THROAT LOZENGES WILL NO LONGER BE CONSIDERED MEDICATIONS AND WILL NO LONGER BE INCLUDED WITH THE OTHER NON-PRESCRIPTON MEDICATIONS THAT ARE LISTED ON THE EMERGENCY HEALTH SERVICES CARD. After much consideration and discussion with Mrs. Gibson, effective this year, if you still wish your student to have cough drops/throat lozenges, he/she should bring their own to school. Cough drops/throat lozenges for students in grades K through 3 will be kept in the health room so please label whatever is sent in. All other students may carry their own. I welcome all inquiries or concerns regarding this change in cough drop/throat lozenge procedure. Thank you, in advance, for your help and cooperation in implementing this new procedure.
Throughout the course of the school year, you may count on the following for your child:
- Assessment and treatment of injuries and illnesses
- Administration of medications •Health care monitoring
- Health care screening (vision, hearing, scoliosis, height/weight/BMI)
- Medical treatments (wound care, respiratory treatments)
- Chart review including reinforcement and implementation of state laws regarding immunizations and required screening tests
- Student, staff, and parent education
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