Welcome to Kindergarten here at Center School! I'm glad that you will be entering the Center School family this fall! My name is Center School and I am the school nurse here at the school. My office is located next the the main office. My office is equipped with everything needed in regards to first aid and an AED.
I can be reached by :
email: shughes@longmeadow.k12.ma.us phone: 413-565-4290 ext. 7117, fax: 413-238-6126
Upon entering Kindergarten, I will need to have on file your child's:
most recent physical exam (dated within the year)
immunization record
The following are the required immunizations to enter Kindergarten
Vaccination Number of doses required
DTap, DT, DTP 5
Hepatitis B 3
Polio 4
MMR 2
Varicella 2
Lead screening level 1
Your child's health needs and safety are my number one concern! If your child becomes sick while at school or has a significant injury, you will get a phone call from me. Please make sure that your information is up to date in PowerSchool as this is how I get the contact information. Make sure all phone numbers, emails, and emergency contacts are up to date! If your child needs to be transported to the hospital, we use Baystate Medical Center (unless you specifically request another hospital).
Notify the school's main office when your child is absent.
Phone number: 413-565-4290
Fever:
Your child may attend school with a temperature less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fevers are generally a sign of infection. Make sure you have a thermometer at home and can readily take your child’s temperature. Consult your doctor for the best anti-fever medication for your child, and if the fever is associated with other symptoms.
**Your child needs to be fever free for 24 hours WITHOUT medication before returning to school.
Rash:
A rash is usually a sign of a viral illness. It may also be a reaction to medication or chemical (plant, detergents). If your child has an unusual rash or it is associated with a fever, contact your doctor. Keep your child home from school until you have discussed the rash with your doctor.
When you call your doctor you need to know:
The color, location, and texture of the rash
When the rash began
If your child has a fever
If your child has been exposed to other children with contagious illness
**Please keep the school nurse informed of a rash, especially if your child has been to the doctor.
Stomachache, vomiting, diarrhea:
**A child with vomiting and/or diarrhea should be kept at home until symptoms have resolved for 24 hours and the child is able to keep down food and liquid before returning to school. Consult your doctor if fever and stomach pains persist or your child has poor oral intake and appears dehydrated (dry mouth, no tears, sunken eyes, urinates less than 4 times in 24 hours). Remember to wash your hands frequently.
When to call your doctor you need to know:
When the illness began
How often the vomiting or diarrhea is occurring
If your child has lost any weight
If your child is able to drink and retain fluids
If your child also has a fever
Headache:
A child should be kept at home if headaches are severe and do not respond to Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Motrin). Consult your doctor if the headache persists.
Earache:
Consult your doctor during office hours. To relieve pain, give your child Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Motrin) as recommended by your child’s doctor. A child need not miss school due to an ear infection.
Toothache:
Call your dentist
Cold/Cough:
Children average 6-8 colds per year. If cold and cough symptoms are associated with a fever or they do not readily improve, call your doctor. Your child may attend school if there is no fever. Viruses are spread via “droplet” transmission such as coughing, sneezing, or nasal secretions.
**Cough drops must be brought in from home. The cough drops will be kept in the nurse’s office for safety
Sore throat:
A sore throat in conjunction with a fever and swollen glands may indicate strep infection. Call your doctor during office hours to have your child evaluated. Not all children have a fever with strep throat. Some children complain of a headache or a stomachache with a sore throat. Your child can bring a water bottle. Sipping on water helps keep the throat moist.
**Children are no longer contagious after 24 hours on antibiotics.
**Please notify the school nurse if your child is being treated for strep throat.
When you call your doctor you need to know:
When the symptoms began
If your child has a fever
If there have been any contagious contacts
The types of cold medications you have at home
Red Eyes/Pink Eye:
When the white pare of the eye appears red and produces a yellow or green crusty discharge. Your child’s eyes can be itchy or watery. Call your doctor during office hours should these symptoms persist. Your child may have conjunctivitis, a common but troublesome condition which may be a contagious infection. Your child may need an eye ointment and may return to school after 24 hours of treatment. Remember to wash your hands frequently. Give your child a separate towel and washcloth.
Children are sometimes kept home from school for reasons other than illness. Unnecessary absence from school may have a bad effect on a student’s attitude, work habits, and programs.
Use your own good common sense and remember:
Sick children belong at home –
Well children belong in school!
Don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns! I am always around!