Wow, we are just flying towards the end of the year! I just want to let all of you know about a few things:
1. The flu: If you have any questions or concerns regarding the latest information regarding the flu and Newton Public Schools…go to the website www.newton.k12.ma.us. What is posted there quite regularly is all of the information that is provided to me. Please keep in mind that these are not my rules. They are coming from the state. We have seen our fair share of students with fevers here at Williams over the past 2 weeks. For the most part everyone has been respectful and responsible by keeping their children home for the required time. Our biggest concern is that as the ” flu hype” wears off, so will that level of respect and responsibility. Please continue to to be aware of what is happening around you. This is such a busy and fun time for all of us and I would hate to have the children and staff exposed to illness unnecessarily.
2. Health Screenings: All grade-specific health screenings (vision, hearing, scoliosis, height, weight) have been done for quite a while. But there are still a few referrals that are incomplete. If you received a notice from me regarding your child’s results and have not returned it and/or contacted me please do so.
3. Color Day: Remember to apply sunscreen at home before your child comes to school (I am not allowed to apply it.) Also make sure they wear a hat and have a water bottle.
4. Medications: If your child has any medication here in the health office, please don’t forget to pick it up on/before the last day of school. I CANNOT SEND MEDICATION HOME IN YOUR CHILDS BACKPACK! Inhalers are the only thing that can be transported by students. If the medication is not picked up by an adult, I have to throw it out. No medication can stay in the Health Room over the summer.
5. Current 3rd & 4th grade parents: Last week I sent home an Interval Health History form for you to fill out and return with your child’s most recent physical exam. Please do so.
6.Parents of entering 5th graders: Your child’s health chart will be transferred to their middle school this Thursday, June 4. It would be beneficial to you and your new school nurse to send in your child’s most recent physical exam report so I can include it. Send them in by Wednesday so I can update your child’s chart. Please know that I review with the middle school nurses each and every students health chart and share with them any pertinent information. Most of our current 5th graders haven’t provided a physical exam to me since kindergarten, and many students have received a second chicken pox vaccine, or influenza vaccine since then. It is very important to have these things documented on their health charts.
7. Puberty Education: The puberty unit will be presented to the 5th grade on Friday afternoon, June 5. If you DO NOT want your child to participate you must send in the “opt out” portion of the notice that went home to you, with your signature.
Thanks for reading and, as always, please don’t hesitate to call or stop by if you have any questions or concerns!
