~A NOTE FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE~

To:       Grand Meadow Parents and Community members                     Date:    2-14-2020

Re:       INCREASED ILLNESSES

We’ve seen a high amount of absence (illness) this week at school.  There are a variety of ailments and although I’ve not received any paper work specifically stating that any student or students have tested positive for Influenza A or B or for Strep, I have heard back from parents that some students have been tested for one or more of the above and have tested positive.

It can be hard to know when to stay home or to keep your kids home, but as a guide:

Please keep your kids home if the following are true (per school policy):

*Fever of 100.0 in the last 24 hours WITHOUT fever reducing medications (Tylenol/Acetaminophen, Motrin/Ibuprofen)

*Vomiting in the last 24 hours

*If they have a diagnosis that requires exclusion from school (Strep throat, influenza, etc).

**Other reasons we would very highly recommend keeping your children home (as it's possible you would be asked to come and pick them up from school if symptoms are disruptive to the school day for your child and or others):

*Excessive trips to the restroom

*Coughing/sneezing that is loud and frequent

*Excessive drainage from eyes, or nose that is beyond the child’s ability to control independently

**Helpful reminders**

*Wash your hands before you leave work or school AND when you arrive home.

*Stay home when you’re ill.

*Sanitize things that are touched most often (phones, screens, remotes, door handles, faucet handles, etc)

WISHING EVERYONE WARMTH AND WELLNESS

~Your School Nurse, Kathi Himebaugh, RN~