McHarg Programs

Dear Parents,

As the school nurse here at McHarg, I would like to introduce you to “Nurses’ Notes.” As the year progresses, I will be adding more information to help keep you informed and educated about topics related to student health. I look forward to working with you and your children this year. Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns.

Jennifer Porter RN

No one likes to be sick. With the cold and influenza season starting, we want you to know that prevention is the best approach. Children share germs easily in community spaces such as classrooms, the cafeteria, and bathrooms. We regularly remind the students about the importance of washing their hands during the school day. You too can help. Please keep your child at home if he/she shows symptoms of illness such as a fever over 100F, sore throat, nausea/vomiting, or diarrhea. They may return to school after their fever has been gone for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication such as Tylenol or Advil.

For specific information regarding the novel H1N1 and seasonal flu, please monitor the CDC Web site http://www.cdc.gov/h1niflu/ or http://www.cdc.gov/flu/freeresources/print/htm and that of the Virginia Department of Health http://vdh.virginia.gov and Virginia Department of Education http://www.doe.virginia.gov.

H1N1 video for parents: http://www.vdoe.whro.org/h1n1_parents/DOE_H1N1_PAR.swf

H1N1 video for teachers:
http://www.vdoe.whro.org/h1n1_educators/DOE_H1N1_EDU.swf

Head Lice are common in children 3-12 years of age. They are not a health hazard or sign of un-cleanliness and are not responsible for the spread of any disease. Intense itching over the ears and at the nape of the neck is often the first sign that lice are present. If you see live lice on your child’s head, they must be treated before returning to school. If live lice are found at school, you will need to pick up your child from school and treat them before they may return.

Often after being treated, nits (the eggs) will remain attached to the hair. The only way to remove them is either with your fingernails or thorough combing with a special nit comb.

Please contact me if you have any questions regarding treatment of the students and how to clean at home. The privacy of the student and family will be maintained at all times.