As the season changes, it’s time to share some information regarding health and safety issues that affect your child(ren).
Non-prescription medications may be administered to your child with the school’s Medication Permission Form signed by the parent/guardian, provided the medication is received in the original container. Non-prescription medications may not be given for symptoms that would otherwise exclude your child: such as a fever.
All medications must be brought into the school by an adult. Do not send the medications to school with the student. The Permission Forms for Non-prescription medications, Prescription medications, and Inhalers are available on the Graham website and in all of the Graham Schools.
Prescription medications require both the requests of the parent and the physician prescribing the medication on the school Medication Permission Form. Narcotic prescriptions can not be administered at school.
Spring is here and so are allergies: The reason for the spike in allergy flare ups in the spring is because of the trees and plants blooming The pollen from the flowers gets carried by the wind, and ends up in our nose, eyes and lungs. Often allergies can be treated by over-the-counter antihistamines, but it is always best to consult your doctor before treating your child for suspected allergies.
Typical seasonal allergies symptoms include:
•nasal congestion
•clear runny nose
•itchy nose
•itchy throat and post-nasal drip
•excessive sneezing
•dark circles under eyes
•persistent cough, often rattling
Illness within the school: Peaks in absenteeism due to illness typically occur once more as we enter a new season. The nurses want to alert you to common concerns. Common illnesses include Strep Throat, Hand-Foot-and-Mouth disease, Fifth Disease, diarrhea and vomiting, and an increase in Asthma symptoms due to triggers of Upper Respiratory Infections and Allergens. Students with rashes and fever should be seen by a doctor prior to returning to school. Students with coughs or wheezing that also have a fever, or have a cough that persists more than three days should be seen by a physician as well. Vomiting and diarrhea are also very common late winter and early spring illnesses. If your child has a fever of 100? or more, vomiting or diarrhea, he/she should remain home for 24 hours until there is no fever, vomiting or diarrhea without the use of fever reducing medication or other mediations. While the school continues to aggressively clean buildings, it remains important to stress good hand washing and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Graham Local Schools works closely with the Champaign Health District to report rises in absence rates and reported symptoms of students with illness. In addition, the District is advised by the Health Department when increased rates of illness occur.
High/Middle/Elementary school parents: please review the Student Handbook with your son/daughter regarding illness at school. Students are not to text/call home and be dismissed due to illness without first reporting to the main office or clinic. If your child calls home with a health concern, please direct them to follow procedures and go to the office.
Other things you can do to keep your child(ren) healthy: Encourage adequate rest, school age children need 9-11 hours of sleep each night. Make sure your child eats breakfast and eats a healthy diet, with whole grains, lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables. Encourage your child to get at least 60 minutes of activity each day. Finally, encourage your child not to share water bottles, food, or clothes with friends.
Head lice: Head lice, although not that common (less than 10 percent of children have head lice; fewer than those children with colds), continues to concern parents and children. Although head lice are not known to transmit disease; yes, the insects are a nuisance and can spread through intimate head to head contact. Little children are most likely to get head lice due to the close contact young children give one another. New research from the Harvard College of Public Health suggest that most lice is transmitted among family members and best friends due to head to head contact and not from casual contact from upholstered furniture, toys and hats.
The best prevention is detection. Check your child weekly for head lice. Look closely at the scalp for sugar like granules that are fixed to the hair. The granules will not move off easily. The granules can be lice eggs (Nits). Eggs are usually the first sign of head lice. Itchy scalp is a late sign and less than half the children who get head lice scratch. If you find eggs, look closer. Lice are small grey to beige insects about the size of a sesame seed. Treatment with a lice shampoo should only be done if the child has live lice. Contact the school nurse to learn the most recent treatment recommendation or if you have access to the Internet, go to the following link for more information: Academy of Pediatrics Head Lice Recommendations
Bed Bugs: We are aware there are bed bug cases within our community. We here at Graham are keeping a proactive approach. We are prepared to educate, monitor and treat when necessary. There are educational resources available upon request. Communication and education are key for management of both lice and bedbugs.
Immunization Updates: Now is a great time to check and see if your student is in need of any updates to their immunizations. The State of Ohio required immunizations are due at Kindergarten and then a booster in 7th grade. There are also several recommended vaccines for middle and high school students as well. Call your primary care physician or the health department to see if your child is in need of any immunizations.
One recent change is the Tdap and the Meningococcal vaccine which are now required initially prior to entering 7th grade and the second dose of Meningococcal vaccine prior to entering 12th grade.
Champaign Health District (Urbana, OH) is offering Walk-In Immunization clinics for next year Kindergarten, 7th, and 12th grade students.
Elementary School: Please send in an extra change of clothes (including under garments) for your student even if you don't expect the child to have an accident, it does happen as well as spills and with the slides being wet- especially during spring...someone is bound to slide down the wet slide first and while we have some clothes, we don't have enough or every size. We would love to have some clothes donations for those in need or who do need a change of clothes. There is a high demand for sweats, boys/girls pants and underwear.