It's not too late to get the Flu Vaccine!

MBS Winter Clothing Swap

Malletts Bay School

Winter Clothes Swap

Clothing will be set up in the Cafeteria. Take what you need, leave what you can!

During Parent/Teacher Conferences November 20th and 21st

Please bring in any winter clothing before or during the drive. Donations can be dropped off with Nurse Josie.

Items Wanted: Winter coats, snow pants, boots,

hats and mittens.

Please donate only clean, lightly worn gear.

Allergy Aware Classrooms

You might have received a letter this year indicating that your student is in an "Allergy Aware Classroom".  This is a district wide change that was made last year and was very successful! Prior to last year, if a student had allergies, we would make that class 'allergy free' which meant that no snacks or food containing the allergen were allowed at all into the classroom. We felt this created a false sense of security for students with allergies and also doesn't help them or their classmates learn how to manage allergies in a real world setting.

We worked with Dr. Elizabeth Jaffe from Timberlane Pediatrics to create 'Allergy Aware' classrooms which focus on how to properly manage foods around students with allergies without completely banning them from the classroom.

           The 3 primary factors of an Allergy Aware classroom are 

                      1. Handwashing 

                      2. Keeping your snack space clean 

                      3. Not sharing snacks. 

Shared snacks for special celebrations (ie Birthdays) are still ok, as long as they don't contain the allergen so that everyone in the classroom can enjoy the treat!  Please check with me 2-3 days before special treats are brought in so that I can verify their safety. 

I created a video to help teach students what an Allergy Aware classroom is and what they can do to help keep classmates safe which you can see below.

Thanks for your help in keeping all our students at MBS safe! 

Welcome Back Ospreys!

                     

I hope you had a fun and healthy summer! I'm so excited for the start of the school year and can't wait to see all of our new and returning students!

Here's a few reminders from the health office:                  

Health Forms:
Please complete the annual online registration forms including the health forms. This is the form that will update me on any health changes or concerns and also gives me permission to give over the counter medications at school. The link for the Student Registration/Annual Verification is right on the MBS homepage.

Allergies at MBS:
I will be sending home classroom letters on the first day of school to classes that will be Allergy Aware. At MBS we take allergies very seriously and have"Allergy Aware" classrooms which will focus on hand-washing, not sharing snacks, and keeping snack spaces clean. Any shared snacks for special occasions MUST be pre-approved by the nurse. Please let me know if you have any questions about allergies in your child's classroom.


Medications:
 If your child takes medication at school (including inhalers or epi-pens for allergies) I will need an updated physician order for the medications. All medications need to be brought to school by a parent, and need to be in the original packaging with a pharmacy label.


Extra Clothing:
I have very limited 'extra' clothing in the health office. Please consider sending an extra set in your child's backpack if you think this might be needed. If I do loan your student clothing during the school year, kindly wash and return.

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns! I'm reached most easily by email at josie.lang@colchestersd.org. You can also call the health office at 264-5904.

Josie Lang, RN
MBS School Nurse

Ticks

Now that winter is over, and we're heading outside to play, remember to be on the look-out for ticks. It is predicted that this year will see an increase in the number of ticks and tick-borne illnesses.  I have seen several students with ticks over the past couple weeks at MBS!

The most important tool against tick-borne illnesses (such as Lyme disease) is PREVENTION! Wear insect repellent, shower after being outside, and inspect your skin for ticks.

The Vermont Department of Health has a lot of information regarding tick bite prevention, removal, and treatment. At MBS I have copies of the 'Be Tick Smart' booklet and Tick identification cards that I'm happy to send home if you'd like a copy.

EpiPen Recall Alert

There is a new EpiPen recall which includes EpiPens distributed in the US. This affects both EpiPen and EpiPen Jr.

Please check your EpiPens at home. I will check the EpiPens at school and notify you if your child's pen is included in the recall.

The list of recalled pens and instructions for replacement can be found on the Mylan website. 

Treating Head Lice

I created this video to provide the basics for treating head lice. I have more information available and can offer education and tips on treating. Feel free to contact me!

When should you keep your child home sick?

Malletts Bay School has seen an increase in illnesses,which is typical for a winter in Vermont. Sometimes it's difficult to decide when to send your child to school and when to keep them home sick. 

Here's a great new article that discusses when to keep your student home from school sick. 

http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-4-symptoms-that-mean-your-child-must-stay-home-from-school-or-daycare-2017020711171

The General Rule:

1. Fever-Anything higher than 100.4 without fever reducing medication (like tylenol or ibuprofen) (24 hours)

2. Vomiting or Diarrhea (24 hours)

3. Pain

4. A cough that won't stop

Keeping your sick child home prevents the spread of illness to other kids and to teachers and staff!

What Time Should Your Kids Go To Bed?

Sleep has been proven to be vital in helping kids succeed in school. Getting enough sleep is important for health, focus, and energy. 

Doctors recommend that children ages 3 to 6 need about 10-12 hours of sleep each night. And 7 to 12 year olds do best with 10-11 hours. Why? Not getting enough shut-eye can lead to weight gain, as well as taking a toll on their physical, emotional, and social health. 

Use this handy chart to help you decide what time your child should be going to bed to get the ideal amount of sleep. Obviously, some kids may need more or less sleep-this chart is meant as a guide using the recommended sleep amounts by age. 


                       

                                                                                                                           Source: Wilson Elementary School.

For more information about sleep visit: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/sleep/Pages/default.aspx

Dental Health Survey for Third Grade

MBS has been selected to participate in the 2016-17 Keep Smiling Vermont Dental Health Survey!

This program is a collaboration of the Vermont Department of Health and the Vermont Agency of Education to assesses the dental health of children in Vermont.

All 3rd grade students at MBS are offered a free dental screening as part of the survey. Families are encouraged to participate, even if they have a family dentist. A questionnaire and opt-out form are being sent home this week, as well as a FAQ sheet about the survey. Please complete the form and return to school-or you can fill out the form online at: http://survey.healthvermont.gov/s3/Smile

How does the survey work? A dental hygienist will look at your child's teeth using a disposable mirror and a new pair of gloves for each child. The screening takes about 1 minute, and the child can stop the screening at any time. No sharp instruments will be used, no dental treatments will be provided, and no x-rays will be taken. Each student who participates will receive a dental goody bag and the results of the screening. This screening does not take the place of a regular dental check-up by your dentist.

If you have questions about the Dental Health Survey program, please contact Robin Miller, Oral Health Director at (802) 863-7272 or robin.n.miller@vermont.gov.