Dear Parents and Caregivers,
A few friendly reminders as we begin the start of the school year. In the Melrose Public Schools Elementary Handbook it states that our classrooms are Nut Free. Students eat snacks in their classroom at their desks or study tables. Snacks that are sent to school with your student should be Nut Free.
School provided lunches are nut free and are safe for student’s with peanut and tree nut allergies. Lunches that are brought from home can contain tree nuts and peanuts, because there is a designated space for students to eat that is nut free in the cafeteria. Students with contact allergies to any allergens and/or students who are unaware of their allergies should let Nurse Jenna and their classroom teacher know that they need to sit at the allergy table during lunch time.
This is also a good moment to review sick day policies district wide. Students who have been diagnosed with a communicable disease (covid-19, influenza, strep throat, RSV or other infection), should reach out to their pediatrician and to Nurse Jenna and review when they may return to school.
We have seen a recent rise in covid-19 infection corresponding with summertime travel and we encourage all families/staff to update vaccinations and to wear masks if they are concerned about risk of covid-19 infection. District policy states that a person who has tested positive for covid-19 infection must remain out of school/work for 5 days after their infection began. If a person is returning to school/work after a covid-19 infection (on day 6 after testing positive), then it is recommended they should wear a well fitting mask that covers their nose and mouth for an additional 4 days unless they are eating or outside. This policy has not changed in the past year. If you have questions about communicable disease policies in schools, please direct them to the Melrose Public Health Department at 781) 979-4130.
The most important thing you can do to keep our community’s health and safety is to keep your child home when they are sick. For all of the symptoms listed here please use the guidelines below when deciding if your child should come to school. These guidelines apply for everyone regardless of if you have been officially diagnosed with a disease or not:
Your Child Needs to Stay Home if: | ||||
Fever | Persistent Cough | Vomiting/ Diarrhea | Rash | Eye Infection |
100.0 or higher | Cough that won’t stop, or any breathing trouble | Within 24 hours | Body rash that is itchy, weeping or accompanied by a fever | Eye is red and oozing a green or yellow discharge |
Your Child May Return to School when: | ||||
Fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen | Cough is mild and infrequent. A severe cough or breathing problems should be evaluated by a doctor | Free of vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours | Free from rash, itching or fever and have been evaluated by doctor if necessary | 24 hours after starting antibiotic eye drops or ointment |
Often when a child awakens with vague complaints (the way colds and flu begin) it is wise to observe your child at home for an hour or two before deciding whether or not to bring them to school. Your child should be physically able to participate in all school activities before they return to school.
Thank you in advance for your help in keeping our schools healthy!
Sincerely,
Jenna Quinn, BSN, RN
781-979-2182