December 2023
Respiratory illness season is here! 🤧
The seasonal upswing of flu, RSV, and other respiratory illnesses has begun. Children are especially prone to more serious complications from many common respiratory illnesses. Keeping our school community healthy and safe through the winter months is a team effort. Please keep in mind the following guidelines:
Know the signs of the respiratory illness, which can include fever greater than 100 degrees, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, and feeling very tired. Some people may also vomit or have diarrhea.
Keep sick children at home.
Students should stay at home for at least 24 hours after the last signs of a fever without using medicine.
Students should not return to school within 24 hours of the last sign of vomiting or diarrhea.
Students with a constant cough should stay home.
Report absences to the absence line.
Please mention the reason for the absence with as much specificity as possible when you call to let us know your child will be out. As part of public health initiatives, we report weekly absence totals to the NJDOH.
Reinforce and practice good hygiene habits at home.
Remind your children that hand washing with soap and water often is the best way to reduce the spread of germs.
Teach your children to cover their coughs and sneezes (with a tissue or their elbow).
Remind your children not to share their personal items like their food, utensils, or water bottles.
Let's work together to stay Brookside strong and healthy through the winter!
Brookside, it's cold outside!
As temperatures drop, dressing warmly can make a huge impact in keeping our kids safe, healthy, and able to enjoy the season. The American Academy of Pediatrics has wonderful resources on cold weather safety. General guidelines for safe winter dressing include:
Layering:
Dress children in layers to trap warmth. Use a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from the skin, an insulating layer for warmth, and a waterproof outer layer to protect from wind and moisture.
Winter Coat:
An insulated winter coat that is both windproof and waterproof is a great top layer. Look for features like a hood and adjustable cuffs to provide extra protection.
Hats, Gloves, Scarves, and Boots:
Ensure children wear a warm hat that covers their ears to prevent heat loss. Choose gloves or mittens that are insulated and waterproof to keep hands dry and warm. Scarves protect the neck and face from cold winds. Make sure scarves are not too tight to avoid restricting breathing. Insulated and waterproof boots help keep feet warm and dry
Properly Fitted Clothing:
Ensure that winter clothing is not too tight or too loose. Properly fitted clothing allows for better insulation and movement, and helps avoid restricting circulation.
Stay Dry:
Encourage children to avoid playing in wet or slushy areas. Wet clothing can quickly lead to discomfort and increased heat loss.
We will continue to have outdoor recess during the school day as long as temperatures stay relatively mild, so please - bundle up!
Health Office Announcements
Health Office Clothing Drive
The health office needs your help! As we continue through the year, my supply of spare clothes to offer changes for accidents, spills, and other wardrobe issues has dwindled. I will happily accept donations for any of the following:
Underwear (xs, s, m, boys and girls)* - lots!
Long sleeve shirts
Boys - xs, s, m, 2-3 each; large - 1 pair
Girls - m 2-3 each; large - 1 pair
Short sleeve shirts
Boys - xs, s, m, 2-3 each
Girls - xs, s, m 2-3 each
Long pants
Boys - sweatpants or track pants, xs, s, m 2-3 pairs each; large - 1 pair
Girls - sweatpants or leggings, m 2-3 pairs; large - 1 pair
*I am happy to take gently used clothing for all of the above except underwear. Underwear is not returned to the health office after use and must be new in the package.Â
Thank you so much to those families who have sent donations. Your help in keeping our Brookside kids clean and comfortable is hugely appreciated.