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Welcome to the Franklin School Nurse web site. Here is where you will find news and information regarding current health and safety issues at Franklin School. Please visit the nursing services website for district-wide school health information and updates.
April 13, 2013
Illness Alert: Fifth's Disease (Parvovirus): There have been several cases of Fifth's Disease either reported or suspected here at Franklin, particularly in kindergarten and grade 1. Fifth's Disease is a mild childhood ilness that causes a rash and usually presents in three stages. In stage 1, symptoms may include headache, body aches, sore throat, mild fever and chills. These symptoms usually last for two to three days and then resolve (stage 2). In stage 3, children get a bright red rash on their cheeks that almost looks like slap marks and is sometimes followed by a lacy rash on the arms and legs. Adults are less likely to have the third stage rash but can feel much more ill and have pain and swelling of their joints, particularly the hands and feet. By the time the rash appears the illness is no longer contagious. It is spread by droplets being spread into the air when an infected person sneezes, coughs or talks. Clusters in families or classrooms are not uncommon and there is no treatment or vaccine to protect against infection. If you are pregnant and believe you have been exposed to someone with Fifth's Disease, it is suggested that you notify your doctor. If your child should contract Fifth's Disease, please notify the health office so that we can continue to track it's occurrence. Thank you!
March 13, 2013
Illness Alert: The absent list has been quite impressive during the last few weeks, and in addition several children have been sent home sick. Pediatricians are reporting a very high incidence of strep throat and viral stomach illness in the community, and we are seeing this at Franklin as well. Please monitor your child for signs of strep such as fever, sore throat, swollen glands, headache and/or stomach ache. Contact your pediatrician to make an appointment for evaluation if they are presenting with these symptoms and do not send your child back to school until they are fever-free (without taking Tylenol or Motrin) for 24 hours; if treated have been on antibiotics for a full 24 hours, are eating and sleeping normally, and are rested enough to be able to tolerate a full day back at school. Please contact the health office to report any case of diagnosed strep, and update your child's emergency contact numbers if needed so that they can be picked up promptly in the event of illness. Thank you for your cooperation!
Need for Spare Clothing: The Health Office is in need of extra boys and girls sweatpants in sizes 6-14, as well as extra socks to keep on hand to loan out in the event of incidental accidents or spills. Keeping that in mind as you clean out closets and drawers this spring would be greatly appreciated!
January 10, 2013
Important Dates for Grade 5 students and Parents:
Scoliosis Screening: January 28th (5L) and January 30th (5M and 5U) for all grade 5 students as per state regulations unless a note from physician is provided indicating student has already undergone scoliosis screening and what those results are.
Fifth Grade Growth and Development: Thursday, January 31st from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. - Meeting for Parents Only in the North Andover Middle School Auditorium.
December 12, 2012
Winter Illnesses have begun: We are beginning to see many of the common and dreaded winter illnesses such as strep throat, stomach viruses and even a few reported cases of influenza (flu). Please make sure that your child's Emergency Health Information Card is up to date with contact numbers of people who live locally and can pick up your child promptly in the event that he or she becomes ill at school. Children who are ill should remain at home until they are fever-free for 24 hours (without taking fever-reducing medications), without vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours, are well-rested and tolerating a regular diet. If prescribed an antibiotic they should have received treatment for a full 24 hours before returning to school. Please notify the health office if your child is diagnosed with a contagious illness so that we can track the occurrence and notify other parents if it becomes widespread in the classroom so that they can monitor their child for symptoms. If your child has not yet received flu vaccine, please consult with his or her pediatrician.
October 15, 2012
Family Flu Clinic: There will be a Family Flu Clinic sponsored by the North Andover Health Department on Tuesday, October 16th from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at North Andover High School. There is no charge if an insurance card is presented; otherwise cost is $20.00. Flu Mist is available for all those eligible.
September 27, 2012
Welcome to a new school year from the Franklin Health Office!
Health Records: The year has gotten off to a busy start, with many new children and families entering the school this year. Each year student health records are audited to make sure that immunizations meet the requirements specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. If your child is found to be missing appropriate documentation of a required immunization, you will be notified and asked to contact your child's primary care physician in order to update or clarify his or her immunization history. It is very important to respond in a timely manner, in order to insure that your child's school health record is considered to be in complete compliance with state requirements. There is no need to provide updated health records every year, unless your child receives any new immunization other than flu vaccine. You will next be asked to submit an updated physical and immunization record when your child enters grade 6.
Vision and Hearing Screening: This week I will begin to conduct annual vision and hearing screenings with all students and ask that you make sure that if your child is prescribed eyeglasses, he or she brings them to school. Please remember that the school screenings are not diagnostic exams; they do pick up potential problems with vision or hearing for which you may be referred to your pediatrician or a specialist for a more comprehensive evaluation. If your child has a cold or allergies, he or she may have difficulty passing the hearing screening because of fluid in the middle ear and will be retested a few weeks later before a referral is made. If you do not receive a call after vision and hearing screenings are completed you can assume that your child passed both. If at any time during the year you have any concerns you can certainly feel free to call me.
BMI Screening: Children in grades 1 and 4 will also undergo growth screening in accordance with requirements established by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health a few years ago. You will receive a letter indicating your child's height, weight and BMI percentages along with some information about BMI and recommendations for follow-up if indicated. If you do not want your child to h undergo BMI screening you must send a letter to the health office requesting that they be exempt from the screening.
May 30, 2012
5210 and NCIS:
5210 is finishing up this week with students striving to meet their goal of limiting sweet drinks and choosing milk or water instead. Congratulations to 4A and to 5R for being the first to reach Times Square during our NCIS virtual walk earlier this spring. It is our hope that these two initiatives have helped to motivate families to work together to develop their own goals for fitness and nutrition and that students will continue to recognize the importance of establishing healthful habits to last a lifetime.
END OF THE YEAR REMINDERS: Please remember that all medications need to be picked up at the end of the year, and new medication orders obtained from your child’s pediatrician over the summer for medications that will be administered next year. If your child has a Food Allergy Action Plan or an Asthma Action Plan these will need to be renewed as well. Medications may be picked up in the health office at any time but please do not pick up Epi-Pens or frequently used inhalers until the last day of school.
MARCH 15, 2012
5210 – February 1st brought the kickoff for our 5210 program, and students have been handing in goal trackers after meeting their goal of incorporating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day for at least fourteen days of the month. Students also enjoyed tasting different “Fruits of the Day” in the cafeteria during lunch. Beginning on March 1st students began to focus on limiting screen time to two hours or less per day, and the fourth and fifth graders will also be learning some important lessons about cell phone and internet safety.
SPARE CLOTHING - From time to time, the health office loans clean and dry clothing to students who may have inadvertent spills or accidents. Our supply has dwindled significantly and we are especially in need of girls and boys sweatpants. If you discover any outgrown pants as you clean out closets and drawers this spring, please consider donating them to help replenish our supply.
JANUARY 31, 2011
MORE ON HEAD LICE:
While there continue to be occasional cases of head lice reported, it is important to understand that this is typical for this time of the year and that cases also occur in other schools and in the general community as well. Please notify the health office if your child develops a case of head lice so that the nurse can answer any questions and can make arrangements for your child to come to the health office before returning to school so that treatment effectiveness can be determined. If two or more cases occur in a classroom within a short period of time the nurse may decide to screen the rest of the class to make sure there are no other unidentified cases. All parents should check their child’s head frequently and long hair should be tied back in a ponytail or bun. Please use caution during extracurricular activities including parties and sleepovers and remind children that they should not share hats, helmets or hair accessories. As always, please contact the health office if you have any questions or concerns.
JANUARY 24, 2011
REMINDER TO GRADE 5 PARENTS:
The Parent-Only presentation to discuss the fifth grade growth and development unit will be held on Tuesday, January 24th from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the NAMS auditorium.
DECEMBER 5, 2011
BMI NOTIFICATION LETTERS:
Students in grades one and four have undergone growth screening as per the Massachusetts Department of Health guidelines. Letters will be mailed home to parents this week with the results of this screening and any recommendations for follow-up if indicated.
INFECTIOUS ILLNESS:
With the start of the cold weather we are beginning to see several cases of strep, stomach viruses and other winter-type illnesses. Please remember that your child should be fever-free, tolerating a full regular diet, eating and sleeping normally for a full 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. If your child is prescribed an antibiotic for any contagious illness such as strep, conjunctivitis, impetigo or pneumonia they must be taking their medication for a full 24 hours before returning to school.
MEDICATION POLICY:
It is state law and North Andover School policy that a physician’s order and written parent consent is required for all prescription and non-prescription medications including over the counter medications. To insure your child’s safety, all physician-ordered medications are to be delivered in a pharmacy-labeled container by the parent – never by the child. This includes inhalers, creams, cough drops or any other medication. Medications that arrive in baggies or envelopes will not be administered.
ABSENCES:
Please remember to call the main office (978-794-1990) if your child is going to be absent from school whether for an illness, medical appointment or any other planned absence. If we do not hear from you by late morning, the nurse will attempt to contact you in order to verify the absence. If you need to speak with the nurse in order to provide more information please feel free to call the health office number at 978-557-7905.
OCTOBER 28, 2011
Head Lice
Please be aware that there have been some cases of head lice reported to the health office during the past few weeks. This is not at all unusual for this time of the year, and while there have been no clusters of cases reported in specific classrooms, it is important for all parents to be vigilant .If a case of head lice is reported in your child’s classroom, you will receive a note from the health office asking your cooperation by checking your child’s head frequently, and to be particularly aware of any symptoms of itching.
Lice cannot fly or jump; they only crawl. Because of this, most cases are transmitted by direct contact with the head of another infested individual. They do not survive long away from a human scalp, but may be found for a short time on personal belongings such as combs, brushes, helmets or hats. Good common sense would dictate that parents should discourage their children from sharing these items, and also to beware of sleepovers, dress-up play and even Halloween costume shopping – one explanation for why we seem to see more cases reported during this time in the school year.
If you determine that your child does indeed have an active case of head lice, please contact your pediatrician for advice about proper treatment. There are several over-the-counter topical treatments as well as some prescription shampoos that are usually only used when other treatments have failed. Do not re-treat your child with any topical treatment unless advised to by a physician.
Once the topical treatment has been completed, it is important to manually remove any nits that are remaining. Nits are tiny eggs that are firmly attached to the hair shaft close to the scalp, most commonly around the ears and at the nape of the neck. While this is quite a long and tedious process, it is important to be thorough so that the risk of a new infestation is minimizedl. Once a child has been treated they are cleared to return to school. We ask that you bring your child to the health office before school so that their head can be checked by the school nurse in order to assess the effectiveness of treatment.
Please contact the health office to report any new case of head lice, so that we can track its occurrence in the school and notify other parents in the class to be aware. As per recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics and approval by our school physician, classroom screenings will no longer be conducted. It is important to recognize that while an incredible annoyance, lice themselves do not transmit disease, and no child or family should be stigmatized because they happen to be unlucky enough to be chosen as a host. That being said, we do rely on parents as the first line of defense in monitoring and beginning prompt and appropriate treatment.
Please feel free to call me with any further questions or concerns!
Betsy Marshall, RN
OCTOBER 2011
Immunizations
Each year student health records are audited to make sure that immunizations meet the requirements specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. If your child is found to be missing appropriate documentation of a required immunization, you will be notified and asked to contact your child’s primary care physician in order to update or clarify their immunization history. It is very important to respond in a timely manner, in order to insure that your child’s school health record is considered to be in complete compliance with state requirements.
School screenings
Vision and hearing screening has begun and will continue for the next several weeks. If your child wears glasses please make sure that they bring them to school every day and are prepared to undergo the screening. You will be notified only if your child does not pass the screenings, and if that is the case he or she will be referred for follow-up by your pediatrician or a specialist. Students in grades one and four will have heights and weights measured and BMI percentages calculated and sent home by mail. This is a state mandated screening and should be shared with your child’s pediatrician if you have any concerns.
Flu Clinic
The North Andover Board of Health will be offering a family flu clinic open to the public on October 13th, at which time you may choose to have your child receive the vaccine. Please see the North Andover Public Schools website for more information. Flu vaccine will not be offered in the individual schools this year.
Please continue to keep the health office updated with any changes in your child’s health status. I look forward to working with you and your child throughout the school year, and welcome your input throughout the year.
Betsy Marshall, R.N.
June 10, 2011
5-2-1-0 - May was the month that Franklin School students focused in earnest on appreciating the value of a physically active lifestyle. Students in kindergarten through two continued in the 5210 program to focus on limiting screen time and participating in some form of exercise for at least an hour each day during the month. The trophy for highest class participation in 5210 for grades kindergarten through two was awarded to KL, which had 65% of its class reach their goals for nutrition and physical fitness this year. Great job KL!
NCIS - Grades four and five participated in a town-wide, competitive virtual hike from North Andover to Mt. Katahdin. Franklin fourth graders collectively were the first to reach their destination, and Mrs. Gilbert’s class won tee shirts for completing the most steps of any other fourth grade class in North Andover! Every student should feel proud to have participated and hopefully became aware not only of their own level of physical activity but also of the importance of “stepping up” and contributing to a group goal.
Congratulations 4G!
Medication pick-up - As the year winds down, please remember that all medications will need to be picked up and new orders re-written by your child’s doctor over the summer. If your child has an Epi-pen or inhaler, please wait until the last day of school to pick up the medication and order forms for next year. Thank you!
May 13, 2011
5-2-1-0 – Students in kindergarten through grade 2 are working to limit their screen time to two hours or less and to get at least one hour of physical activity each day during the month of May. Please continue to support your child as they work to meet their monthly goals, and to sign and return their goal trackers before their last PE class of the month.
NCIS – Grade 4 and 5 students have embarked upon their virtual hike of the northern most section of the Appalachian Trail. The students are wearing pedometers to track their steps and are competing with the other North Andover elementary schools to see which class can be first to reach the top of Mt. Katahdin. There are 2000 steps in a mile, and the goal for everyone is to increase their activity level and contribute to a group effort.
Healthy steps assessment:
· <5000 steps a day = Sedentary Lifestyle
· 7500 – 9999 steps a day = Somewhat Active Lifestyle
· 10,000 – 12,000 steps a day = Active Lifestyle
· 12,500 = Highly Active Lifestyle
Appropriate Attire for school: Just a reminder as the weather gets warmer that all students should be dressed appropriately for learning and for active play outside during PE and recess. Please review the elementary school dress code, which is found on page 5 of our school handbook. Students should be wearing appropriate footwear each and every day that they come to school. Flip Flops, platform shoes and other trendy footwear are simply not appropriate for active play by young children who are running, jumping, kicking balls and trying to balance on bars and playground equipment. Thank you for your attention to this very important safety concern.
April 7, 2011
5-2-1-0
Franklin School kicked off our 5-2-1-0 program this week with the focus being on the numbers 5 and 0 during the month of April. Grades kindergarten through 2 should be working on their goals for eating 5 servings of fruits and vegetables and substituting sweet drinks with milk or water each day. Grade 3 is working on "trying something new" and the cafeteria is providing some different choices during lunch for the next few weeks. The encouragement of parents goes a long way in helping to promote this program and its focus on healthy lifestyles, so please help your child to complete their goal trackers and succeed in reaching their nutrition goals for this month.
March 18, 2011
STREP ALERT:
Once again, we are seeing many cases of strep at Franklin. If your child develops a sore throat along with possibly some other symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches and/or stomach ache, it is advisable to contact his or her primary care physician to make an appointment for evaluation. If the throat culture is positive for strep your child must remain home until he or she has been fever-free and on antibiotics for a full twenty-four hours.
EXTRA CLOTHING NEEDED:
From time to time, the health office provides clean or dry clothing to students who may have had an inadvertent accident or spill. Our supply of extra clothing has dwindled quite a bit and we are in need of boys and girls pants (all sizes). Please keep this in mind as you clean out drawers and closets this spring; your donations will be greatly appreciated. If your child has borrowed clothing from the health office please return it as soon as it is washed so that it is available to loan out once again. Thank you!
February, 2011
Important notice for grade 5 parents: The Parent-only presentation to discuss the fifth grade growth and development unit has been re-scheduled once again and will be held on Tuesday, February 8th from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. in the Atkinson School cafeteria.
JANUARY, 2011
IMPORTANT DATES FOR GRADE 5:
Tuesday, January 18th (5L and 5U) and Wednesday, January 19th (5M and 5R) – Scoliosis Screening will be performed for all students unless we are provided with a doctor’s note saying that your child has already been screened and the results of this examination.
Wednesday, February 2nd (please note date change!) – Parent-Only Presentation at Atkinson School from 7:00-8:30 p.m. to introduce and discuss the Grade 5 Growth and Development Unit.
Please check your child’s backpack for more information regarding both of these topics.
DECEMBER, 2010
STREP ALERT:
There have been several cases of diagnosed strep throat scattered around different classrooms at Franklin in the past few weeks. Usually with strep, a child will complain of a sore throat and will frequently develop a fever, headache, stomach ache and body aches as well. Strep throat is caused by the strep bacteria, and treated with an antibiotic. Sore throats that present along with a cough or upper respiratory infection are usually (although not always) viral in nature and therefore not treated with antibiotics. The only way to know for sure is for your child’s doctor to examine him or her and perform a throat culture if it seems likely that strep is causing the symptoms. Please notify the health office if your child is diagnosed with strep throat, so that we can track the occurrence and inform parents of any outbreaks so that they can be monitoring their own child for symptoms.
NOVEMBER, 2010
FLU VACCINE:
Students who require a second dose of flu vaccine will receive their FluMist dose on Tuesday, November 30th.
BMI NOTIFICATION LETTERS:
Students in grades one and four have undergone growth screening as per the Massachusetts Department of Health guidelines. Letters will be mailed home to parents this week with the results of this screening and any recommendations for follow-up if indicated.
HEAD LICE:
We have had a few (not many!) cases of head lice reported so far this year and would encourage you to remain vigilant and check your child's head frequently for the presence of active lice or nits. Girls with long hair should wear their hair tied up in a braid or ponytail and all children should avoid sharing hats, helmets, hairbrushes and accessories. Be extra cautious during sleepovers and large gatherings of children and take care to avoid piling coats or sharing pillows. If your child does experience a case of head lice please notify the health office as soon as possible so that we can review the effectiveness of treatment and check the other students in the class in order to help prevent an outbreak.
INFECTIOUS ILLNESS:
With the start of the cold weather we are beginning to see several cases of strep, stomach viruses and other winter-type illnesses. Please remember that your child should be fever-free, tolerating a full regular diet, eating and sleeping normally for a full 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. If your child is prescribed an antibiotic for any contagious illness such as strep, conjunctivitis, impetigo or pneumonia they must be taking their medication for a full 24 hours before returning to school.
ABSENCES:
Please remember to call the main office (978-794-1990) if your child is going to be absent from school whether for an illness, medical appointment or any other planned absence. If we do not hear from you by late morning, the nurse will attempt to contact you in order to verify the absence. If you need to speak with the nurse in order to provide more information please feel free to call the health office number at 978-557-7905.
OCTOBER, 2010
BEGINNING OF THE YEAR:
The year has gotten off to a busy start, with many new children, families and staff to get to know, health records to update and the health office to organize for the year. Each year the student’s health records are audited to make sure that immunizations meet the requirements specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. If your child is found to be missing appropriate documentation of a required immunization, you will be notified and asked to contact your child’s primary care physician in order to update or clarify their immunization history. It is very important to respond in a timely manner, in order to insure that your child’s school health record is considered to be in complete compliance with state requirements.
I have begun to conduct annual vision and hearing screenings with the students, and if your child is in grades k-3 you may be hearing about a part of the vision exam where your child is asked to point out a letter on a slide while wearing 3-D glasses. This is a test for “binocular vision,” which determines whether both eyes are working together and can pick up amblyopia or “lazy eye.” Please remember that the school screenings are precisely that – screenings. If your child has difficulty passing the screenings, you will be asked to see your pediatrician or a specialist for a more comprehensive examination. If your child has a cold or allergies, he or she may have trouble passing the hearing exam because of fluid in the inner ear and will be retested in a few weeks before a referral is made.
Children in grades 1 and 4 will also have growth screening in accordance with the new requirements established by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health last year. You will receive a letter indicating your child’s height, weight and BMI percentages along with some information about BMI and recommendations for follow-up if indicated.
If you do not receive a call after vision and hearing screenings are completed you can assume that your child passed both. If at any time during the year you have any concerns you can certainly feel free to contact me.
As we did last year, we will be offering FluMist vaccine to students this fall and will pass along more information as soon as it becomes available. Please check the district website frequently for any updates. Thank you!
Betsy Marshall, RN
978-557-7905
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