Health Hints

Healthy Children Learn Better!

Your school nurse is able to assist you with keeping your child as healthy as possible. Together, you and your school nurse are also better able to detect any health problems which may interfere with your child's ability to learn. Here are a few hints to help your child to have a successful day at school:

• Establish a regular bedtime - children of ALL ages need 8 - 12 hours of rest per night. 
• Provide a well-balanced diet, especially breakfast, every day!
• Be sure your child bathes every day - don't forget to dry your child's hair if he/she bathes in the morning.
• Provide time for daily exercise and fresh air whenever possible.
• Help your child dress for school in clean, comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather.
• Make sure your child has regular physical exams and regular dental check-ups; schedule these during vacation times or after school hours whenever possible.

HELPFUL HINT:

To help with the family's busy daily schedules, establish a regular bedtime routine which may include: bathing, brushing teeth, getting clothes ready for the next day, a bedtime story, and a "good-night" hug or kiss.

Illness

If your child becomes ill or is injured at school, he/she will receive care and consideration from the school staff and parents will be contacted as soon as possible. Be sure to complete and return your child's school registration card with the correct telephone numbers. This is VERY important!

Many health issues such as diabetes, asthma, seizures, and sickle cell anemia may be managed successfully at school with the help of your school nurse. Please contact him/her with any health concerns you may have for your child.

Remember, you know your child best. Keep your child at home if he/she has any of the following symptoms

• The beginning of a cold or a sore throat
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever of 100 degrees F or higher
• Unexplained skin rash

Medications at School

Designated school personnel are available to assist your child if he/she needs to take medicine while at school. However, the school must have written permission from both you and your child's doctor. All medications must be in the original container from the pharmacy. Contact the school office for a specific form.

Hand Washing

The most effective way of preventing any infectious disease is hand washing. Teach your child to wash his/her hands with soap and running water:

• Before Eating
• Before, during, and after preparing food
• After using the restroom
• After playing outside
• After wiping or blowing their nose
• After playing with pets
• After handling pet food or treats
• After touching garbage

Health Requirements for School Entry

Every student entering any SUSD school must show documentary proof of up-to-date immunizations which, depending on grade level, includes: DPT, Polio, Hepatitis B, Chickenpox(Varicella), Measles, Mumps, Rubella(MMR) and Tdap before 7th Grade.

Each child entering Kindergarten or first grade is required to have had a physical examination. This examination may be given up to (6)six months prior to entering Kindergarten. The physical examination may be waived by contacting your child's school.

All children entering kindergarten must submit written verification for an oral health assessment dated no earlier than (12)twelve months prior to Kindergarten admission. A waiver signed by the child's parents shall be accepted in lieu of an exam.