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Sick Day Guidance
When Should I Call My Child Out?
In order for your child to learn and to control communicable disease in school, it is important for you to keep your child at home for the following reasons:
- Temperature of 100 degrees or more (without fever reducing medications).
- Diagnosed strep infection (strep throat or impetigo). Your child should be on antibiotics for at least 24hrs before returning to school.
- Has vomited or had diarrhea within the past 24 hours.
- Has a moist productive cough or chest congestion.
- Has symptoms of influenza: fever, chills, body aches, headache, sore throat, stomach upset/nausea.
- Eyes with pus-like drainage & crusts. If diagnosed as “pink eye”, medication should be used for 24 hours before returning to school.
Please keep sick children home until they are recovered and fever free for at least 24 hours (fever free without the use of fever reducing medication eg.tylenol or motrin).
Preventive measures:
1. Proper handwashing
2. Good Nutrition! Ensure your child has had breakfast consisting of carbohydrate and protein. Studies have shown that children who do not eat breakfast are not able to function at their optimal level both physically and mentally.
3. Adequate Rest! Ensure proper rest and sleep. Students cannot perform when they have not had adequate rest in either academics or sports. Having a "lights out" policy at home and keeping a regular schedule at bedtime will provide your child with the tools to succeed.
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Pinkeye Guidance
During this cold season, I wanted to give you some literature on how we can all stay healthy.
WHAT IS IT? Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is an infection or irritation of the eye. It can be caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses, often accompanying a respiratory illness (e.g., cold or ear infection). It can also be caused by chemicals (e.g., smoke, make-up), allergies (e.g., pollen), and other irritants (e.g., dust).
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Conjunctivitis causes redness of the whites of the eyes, and crusty eyelashes when the child wakes up. Children might complain of a gritty or itchy feeling in the eyes and sensitivity to light. Conjunctivitis can begin in one eye, but can end up involving both eyes. The symptoms typically last for 3–5 days.
HOW IS IT SPREAD? Infectious conjunctivitis (i.e., caused by bacteria or virus is spread by contact with secretions from the eye, nasal mucus, and saliva. It can spread through droplets coughed or sneezed into the air, and secretions on hands, tissues, linens, and make-up.
WHEN IS IT CONTAGIOUS? Bacterial and viral infections are highly communicable during the period of the discharge.
HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED AND TREATED? Children with conjunctivitis should be seen by their health care provider. The health care provider might prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment to treat infectious conjunctivitis.
SHOULD THE CHILD STAY AT HOME? Children with Bacterial Conjunctivitis must be on antibiotics for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school with a doctor’s note. Children with viral or other types of conjunctivitis may return to school with a note from a doctor.
HOW CAN WE LIMIT THE SPREAD?
- Encourage children not to rub their eyes. Have children wash their hands after touching their eyes and nose.
- Use disposable tissues and paper towels. Do not share handkerchiefs, washcloths, hand towels, or bed linen.
- Wash your hands well after touching the child’s eye, applying eye medication, and blowing noses.
For more information, contact your health care provider, your School Nurse, or visit https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/conjunctivitis.html
Immunization Requirements
Immunization Requirements
Important Immunization Requirements for Students Entering 6th Grade*
The NJ Department of Health and Senior Service have amended the immunization requirements for all students born after January 1, 1997 and entering the 6th grade on or after September 1, 2008. Students will now be required to receive one booster dose of T dap (Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) given no earlier than the 10th birthday and one dose of a meningococcal containing vaccine (meningitis) such as the medically-preferred meningococcal conjugate vaccine.
Tdap Booster: prior to entry into sixth grade (not less than five (5) years from last tetanus booster)
Meningococcal Vaccine: ALL pupils prior to entry into grade six (6) born on or after January 1, 1997
WRITTEN PROOF OF THESE IMMUNIZATIONS ARE REQUIRED PRIOR TO STARTING SCHOOL IN SEPTEMBER OF THE 6th GRADE
Resources
Zufall Health Center: A federally qualified health care center offering comprehensive health services from pediatrics to adults. There are qualified counselors to assist with application for NJ FamilyCare. 71 Fourth Street Somerville, NJ 08876 (908) 526-2335.
Community Visiting Nurse Association: provides routine physical examinations and most required vaccinations, free of charge for school-aged children who do not have health insurance. An appointment is necessary. Required: Proof of address and parent/guardian at time of visit. Appointments are required - there are no walk-ins. (908) 725-9355
Food bank of Somerset :The Food Bank Network (FBN) provides assistance with procuring non-perishable staple food items and other services. For further information and to locate a food distribution center, please contact FBN via the internet at: www. http://www.somersetfoodbank.org
The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network: Makes available information concerning allergies with special attention to food allergies. Also provides information about managing food allergies in childcare and school settings. Has seperate teen and kid specific web sites. http://www.foodallergy.org
KidsHealth is the #1 most-visited website for children's health and development. This website will help your find links to related features created for kids and teens. http://kidshealth.org/parent/
USDA's new 2010 dietary and exercise guidelines for healthy living. Has fun tools for tracking dietary intake and exercise progress. MyPlate has replaced the MyPyramid program. http://www.choosemyplate.gov/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Gives health and safety information for the purpose of achieving improvement in people's wellbeing. This site provides current information on almost any health and safety topic as well as publications and products. http://www.cdc.gov
Allergy and Asthma Network:This web site is designed to help people live with allergies and asthma. There are specific sections on coping with allergies and asthma in the home, childcare,and school settings. Provides useful information in regards to pets, play time, and shopping. http://www.aanma.org
American Academy of Pediatrics: Provides useful and up-to-date information for parents/guardians concerning physical, mental, and social health issues from infancy through young adulthood. An important resource for parents/guardians who may have questions about specific health, social, or developmental concerns. https://www.aap.org/en-us/Pages/Default.aspx
New Jersey Family Care: offers free or low-cost health coverage for uninsured children 18 years and younger, and low income parents. You can contact NJ FamilyCare by telephone at: 1-800-701-0710 or via the internet http://www.njfamilycare.org.
NJ Parent Link www.njparentlink.nj.gov
- COVID-19 Resources for NJ Parents, Families, Communities & Professionals
- NJ Guidance & Information webpage: www.njparentlink.nj.gov/njparentlink/current/covid-19.html