Prevention is the Best Defense Against Illness

Children and families are once again in full swing of school, sports, and soon to be, holiday preparations. Healthy habit reminders seem appropriate at this time in order to reduce the occurrence of illness in our school community. I will be visiting classrooms during October to reinforce the importance of handwashing and hygiene. Classroom discussions will focus on covering coughs and sneezes, discarding used tissues in appropriate containers, being respectful of personal space, not sharing combs, hats, eating utensils, and washing hands frequently and thoroughly. Lastly, an elevated temperature is a sign of illness. If your child goes to bed at night, or wakes in the morning, with an elevated temperature, please keep him/her home for 24 hours after the temperature has returned to normal, without the use of medication. Early returns to school often result in more absent days down the road.