Hedge School Nurse
enfermeira escolar
Laura Nickerson RN, BSN, NCSN
Hedge School Nurse Educator
Enfermeira Escolar
Laura Nickerson RN, BSN, NCSN
Phone (508)830-4340
Fax (774)-283-9944
The Dentist Is Coming!!! Sign up and Save the Date!!
The Smiles Dental Program is coming back to Hedge School on May 2. Please remember to sign your child up! If your child has not had a dental screen in the last 6 months they may be eligible to take part. A state licensed dentist will be here to check your child's mouth & teeth, as well as provide a cleaning, x-rays as necessary, fluoride treatment and apply sealants, as needed. A dental report card will be sent home with your child. By completing the link below, the dentist will be able to see your child. Smiles Dental Link
Scoliosis Screenings are Coming
Annual postural screenings for students in grade 5 will take place on 5/25 and 5/26. The purpose of postural screenings is to identify students with suspected curvature of the spine. It is known that two children out of every 100 may have scoliosis. If this condition is detected early and appropriately treated, progressive spine deformity can usually be prevented. The procedure for screening is a simple test which involves visualizing a child's back, hip and shoulders while standing and bending. If your child has a suspected curvature, you will be notified and it will be recommended you follow up with your child's pediatrician for further evaluation.
Free at Home Covid-19 Tests for
Plymouth Public School Families
At the Plymouth Public Schools, keeping your students safe and in school is our top priority. In accordance with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Department of Public Health (DPH), our district is updating our COVID-19 Testing Program, effective the week of January 31st. We are opting in to an at-home testing program that will increase testing of our participating students and staff, regardless of vaccination status.
As part of this shift in the program, we are discontinuing Test and Stay and contact tracing for in-school close contacts. This means that if your child is a potential contact in school, they may continue to come to school and do not have to quarantine. This new at-home testing opportunity is voluntary and only those who opt-in will receive tests
Do You Need Help With Food ?
Many of the local churches in our community offer assistance if you reach out. St Mary's rec Hall offers hot meals every Saturday 11-12 PM and are walk in. It is located at 327 Court Street. The Christ Church at 149 Court Street have a food pantry and a thrift store. Food pantry is open Tues/Thurs 4-530 and Sat 10-11:30. New Hope Chapel located at 89 Court Street and has a Food Pantry open Wed/Fri 11-1 or by appointment. The SSCAC is also a resource and can found at the bottom of this site.
School Requirements:
requisitos escolares
According to Massachusetts state law, physical examinations are required upon entry to the school system (kindergarten and transferring students). For Plymouth Public Schools, updated physicals are required upon entry (Kindergarten) and every three years in grades 3, 6 and 9. Most physician offices have their own student physical exam form. Or you can ask your physician to fill out the MA Health Record form.
Children's Advocacy Center Presents: Internet Safety
In June, the Children's Advocacy Center hosted IROC2's Richard Guerry for a virtual workshop on internet safety.
Parents, educators and law enforcement tuned in to learn how to keep children safe.
A recording of the workshop is available on hits YouTube channel
Who Wants to Try a 5K?
The 7th Annual Shamrock Stampede will be taking place in Plymouth on March 19th at 11AM. All abilities and walkers are welcome! Get out there and get going! Click the link below to register. Shamrock Stampede
Nutrition
We all know how kids love to follow their favorite stars on You Tube. Here is one of my favorites! Cook with Amber Kelley She is a kid that teachers other kids how to cook with healthy foods! Watch together and get some inspiration to cook some of these yummy treats together! Enjoy!!
One of the most important things we can teach our children is kindness. Kindness makes you feel good and when you feel good your happy. When your happy you learn better, sleep better and have better health! Everything we need this year! So spread the kindness!
Espalhar Bondade! Bondade te faz feliz! Criancas aprendem mehor quando estao felizes.
Things can be scary when we don't understand. Here is a helpful video to help kids understand what is the coronavirus? and what can I do to stay healthy?
Washing hands is one of the important ways to keep us healthy. It's an easy skill to practice and learn. Make sure you review at home how and when to wash!!
Converse com as criancas sobre como lavar as maos!
Plymouth Public School Food Services
While the start of the school year looks a little different for everyone, I wanted to share with you some good news that schools nationwide received last week. The USDA extended a waiver that allows schools to serve Free breakfast and lunch to ALL students for the 2021-2022 school year. We are thrilled with this news as it means that we will be able to provide all Plymouth Public School students with nutritious and nourishing food for free that will support them, both in school and at home.
What this means for your family and for Plymouth Public Schools –
- Your children, ages 0-18, will receive a healthy breakfast and lunch every school day, at no cost, in a safe and welcoming environment.
Food Resources Links:
Mental Health Resources Links:
William James College INTERFACE Referral Service is a mental health resource and referral helpline that is free for residents of Plymouth. This program helps children, adults, and families become connected with mental health and wellness resources. They are able to check your insurance, find a provider in your area and even make you an appointment within a 2 week time frame!
Emergency Services is designed to provide psychiatric assessment and intervention to people of any age who are in a mental health crisis situation. In addition to having site locations they will now be mobile and provide outreach services to homes, schools, and residential settings. Mobile Crisis Intervention (MCI) provides crisis assessment and crisis stabilization intervention services 24/7 365 days/year. Call #508-996-3154
NAMI ( National Association of Mental Illness) had outlined the different paths that can be taken in a mental health crisis. It also has some helpful supportive groups such as siblings dealing with mental health in the home and educational materials that help support parents and loved ones dealing with a family members or friends dealing with mental health issues.
PCBH is open and taking new clients. Clinicians are doing a combination of in person and telehealth therapy.
Services include adult behavioral health, substance abuse counseling, children’s behavioral health, autism services and early childhood services.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities.
NAMI Connection is a support group for people with mental health conditions. Groups meet weekly, every other week or monthly, depending on location. This program is also available in Spanish, NAMI Conexión.
NAMI Family Support Group is a support group for family members, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions.
Community Resources Links:
They offer basic needs assistance to families struggling with some of the following (but not limited to) housing insecurity, food insecurity, clothing, school supplies, help filling out applications for supportive services such as SNAP benefits, Department of Mental Health (DMH) and Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Parenting education classes, teen groups like our MAAT life skills group, play groups, and after school activities once COVID restrictions allow for them.
This resource offers support for people with disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). They offer a broad range of services to adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their services include connecting families to community resources/supports, coordinating social recreational programs and helping families navigate the services available through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
SSCAC runs many programs in the areas of Youth and Family Development, Income Maintenance, Nutrition, Emergency Assistance, Self-Sufficiency, Energy Assistance, Employment, and Transportation Assistance.
The Fuel Assistance Program, provides low income households with help paying home heating bills. Call 508-746-6707
The Fuel Assistance Program runs from November 1st until April 30th.
The program is open to the following area residents by appointment.
Elderly
Handicapped
Disabled
Low Income
Participants in other SSCAC, Inc. programs
Other people who have no other mode of transportation
SSCAC's team of IRS-certified volunteers provides free electronic income tax preparation and filing for low-income working families. Our volunteers assist
tax-payers with both federal and Massachusetts income tax returns. They can even help with amending returns and filing tax returns for prior years.
South Shore Community Action Council, Inc. (SSCAC) provides Case Management and Emergency Assistance for low-income South Shore residents. Through ongoing Case Management, we work with and empower individuals and families to achieve greater financial stability and long-term well-being. For individuals who have fallen behind on bills or are having a hard time making ends meet, our Emergency Assistance may be able to help with one-time assistance with rent, mortgage, utility, food, or other basic needs.
This free program enables SSCAC to insulate and make minor energy efficiency related repairs to the homes or apartments of Fuel Assistance eligible households.
PFN supports families with young children and expectant parents living in Plymouth by providing referral services, helping families find preschool/childcare, early screenings and free playgroups as well as parent enrichment opportunities.
Do you or someone you know need financial assistance? They help Plymouth residents in need pay rent, car repairs, utilities and other bills. If you have exhausted state and local aid and need help please fill out their application.