Mrs. Petersen's
School Nurse News
If your children are sensitive or allergic to pollen,we will soon be entering the season of blooms and triggers!
Things to do to help alleviate the itchy, swollen, watery eyes , sneezing and nasal congestion:
Know which pollens your children are sensitive to and then check pollen counts.
Keep windows and doors closed at home and in your car during allergy season.
Wash hands and rinse your face after playing outdoors.
Take a shower, wash hair, and change clothes daily after outdoor activities and before getting in bed to rid allergens in your sleeping area.
Consult your pediatrician for when and if beginning allergy medication may be necessary.
Seasonal Allergies from KidsHealth
Are You Experiencing Allergies or a Cold? From Hackensackmeridianhealth.org
It's National Influenza Vaccination Week, Dec. 4-8
November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month!
Andrea Racioppi, an educator from the Epilepsy Services of New Jersey came to speak to all 5th graders about recognizing seizures and providing basic first aid to a person experiencing a seizure. Students should seek help from an adult or call for emergency help if they come across a person who appears to be having a seizure.
The acronym TRUST was introduced to help students remember what they can do to help:
T- turn the person on their side,
R- remove any objects from the person, such as glasses,
U- place something soft under their head,
S- stay calm and stay with the person,
T- time the seizure.
Please visit the Epilepsy Services of NJ website for more information about epilepsy and seizures.
Berkeley Students shared their Halloween candy with the Veterans at the VA in Paramus!
Maybe a few less sweet treats for kids ( think health) and a big treat to show their gratitude for our Veterans!
Think non-food treats for Halloween too...
Available at select CVS stores, dollar stores, party supply stores, or online retailers, these low-cost items can be purchased and handed out to all trick-or-treaters, and made available in a separate bowl from candy if you choose to hand out both options. Nearly all of these items can be found in a Halloween theme or festive colors.
Glow sticks, bracelets, or necklaces
Pencils, pens, crayons or markers
Bubbles
Halloween erasers or pencil toppers
Mini Slinkies
Whistles, kazoos, or noisemakers
Bouncy balls
Finger puppets or novelty toys
Coins
Spider rings
Vampire fangs
Mini notepads
Playing cards
Bookmarks
Stickers
Stencils
We are off to a WARM and WONDERFUL start to the 2023/ 2024 school year!
It is my joy to care for and watch your children grow and thrive at Berkeley School.
Please send your children with plenty of water, healthy snacks, and comfortable and safe play shoes for gym and recess which is everyday. No crocs please! Too many injuries; let's prevent them!
Please remember to submit any needed medications and medical plans of care to me so I may best care for your child.
Please read the
If you should have any questions, please contact me at susannah.petersen@wwrsd.org
Summer Homework?
Yes, Summer Homework for Parents!
If your children have annual Physical Examinations due see:
History and Physical Examination Form (Grades K...If your child requires medication in school see here:
Medication Administration During School Hours.pdf
If your child has food allergies, see three forms here ( required every school year):
Parent epinephrine delegate consent
ECP-FAAP_Plan_English-05.12.20.pdfIf your child has asthma, see here (required every school year):
Asthma-Treatment-Plan-STUDENT-MAY-2017.pdfSee WWRSD Health Portal for all forms and the district medical handbook.
All forms and any communication over the summer may be sent to susannah.petersen@wwrsd.org or fax to: (201)-664-4865
Wishing you all a happy, healthy and safe summer!
Let's Learn about Vaccines
Vaccine Activity/Coloring Book [English] [Spanish] [Chinese] [Hindi] [Portuguese] [Tagalog]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Information for Parents
Vaccine Information Toolkit for Parents/Guardians NEW! 6/2023
Thank you for the recognition on School Nurse's Day!
I am so happy to be Berkeley's School Nurse!!!
Don't let a Tick make You Sick:
Check children and pets after playing outdoors.
Click below to learn:
Do your children get enough sleep each night?
Do you as a parent?
Happy Heart Month!
February is heart month!
Let's learn some fun facts about the heart.
Your heart beats over 115,000 times per day.
Your heart pumps about 1.5 gallons of blood every minute. Over the course of a day, that adds up to over 2,000 gallons.
There are 60,000 miles of blood vessels in your body. That's enough to go around the world twice.
An adult heart is about the size of two hands clasped together. A child's heart is about the size of a fist.
Every cell in the human body gets blood from the heart except for the cornea.
The right side of your heart pumps blood into your lungs. The left side of your heart pumps blood back through your body.
An electrical system controls the rhythm of your heart. It’s called the cardiac conduction system.
Whales have the largest heart of any mammal.
The giraffe has a lopsided heart, with their left ventricle being thicker than the right. This is because the left side has to get blood up the giraffe’s long neck to reach their brain.
The beating sound of your heart is caused by the valves of the heart opening and closing.
Laughing is good for your heart. It reduces stress and gives a boost to your immune system.
Kids Health How does the heart and circulatory system work? (Video)
Please love your heart and take great care of it!!!
Scoliosis screening
for 4th graders
4 Ross/Khwaz' class Tuesday, February 7, 2023
4 Linder's class Tuesday, February 7, 2023
4 Councilor's class Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Click here Give Kids a Smile Dental Program
for parent information
What is the Right Way to Wash Your Hands?
1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold) and apply soap.
2. Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Continue rubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them. See Handwashing: Clean Hands Saves Lives (www.cdc.gov/handwashing/)
What is Influenza?
(also called Flu)
SchoolParent-info-sheet-flu_1212202220221212.pdf
December 9, 2022
Influenza Vaccination Week!
It isn't too late to get your flu shots!
Flu Symptoms and how Germs Spread
Flu viruses are thought to spread mainly from person-to-person when germs are transmitted through coughing, sneezing, or simply talking to someone with the flu. Flu viruses also may spread when people touch something with the flu virus on it and then touch their mouth, eyes, or nose.
People infected with flu may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five-to-seven days after becoming sick. That means you may be able to spread the flu to someone else before you know you are sick as well as while you are sick. Young children, those who are severely ill, and those who have severely weakened immune systems may be able to infect others for longer than five-to-seven days.
What you can do to slow the spread of this virus:
Get a flu shot.
Wash your hands when applicable and possible.
Always cover your mouth when you cough.
Stay home if you feel sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Limit contact with others as much as possible to help prevent spreading illness. Stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone except to seek medical care or for other necessities.
If an outbreak of flu or another illness occurs, follow public health advice. This may include information about how to increase the distance between people and other measures.
Since this is a condition so easily transmitted, everyone is better off when we all learn the facts about the flu and its many variations. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention website has entire pages devoted to educating Americans about this illness and offers links that are sure to answer all of your questions. The New Jersey Department of Health has also devoted a portion of its website to flu education and preparedness as well as provided information related to each form of influenza. For information in a variety of languages, see the NJ Health Flu Documents and You Have the Power to Protect NJ.
References
New Jersey Influenza-like Illness Weekly Reports https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/statistics/flu-stats/
United States Influenza-like Illness Weekly Reports https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm#ILIMap
November is Epilepsy Awareness Month.
Anyone can have a seizure at any time.
Fifth graders learned first aid for Seizures from our engaging friend,
Andrea Racioppi from Epilepsy Services of NJ!
12 Boxes of Halloween Candy was delivered to The Paramus Veterans Home before Veterans Day!
Thank you for your generous donations,
Berkeley School!!!!
Help Turn Your Neighborhood Teal This Year!
October is here, and we can’t wait to celebrate. When the leaves start to turn orange, it’s time for the pumpkins to turn teal! FARE’s Teal Pumpkin Project makes trick-or-treating safer for kids with food allergies. With three easy steps, you can help make Halloween fun and inclusive for everyone this year.
Place a teal pumpkin on your doorstep or post a teal pumpkin poster on your door.
Offer non-food treats in their own bowl, separate from any candy.
Add your address to FARE’s Teal Pumpkin Project map to let local food allergy families know that children can find safe, non-food treats at your house.
New This Year
This year we are proud to announce that CVS Pharmacy is our Exclusive Retail Partner of the FARE Teal Pumpkin Project 2022. CVS Pharmacy will simplify Halloween shopping for families with food-allergy concerns by offering nearly 50 convenient and affordable food-allergy safe items available in 4,500 stores and on CVS.com. Starting on October 1, families looking to join in the Teal Pumpkin Project can find participating CVS store locations on FARE’s interactive neighborhood map.
Also new this year is our event listing feature. Having a TPP event in your community – add it to the map so that everyone can join!
To access more information about the Teal Pumpkin Project including the interactive map, suggested non-food treats, candy facts and ways to help spread the word, visit tealpumpkinproject.org.
FARE wishes you a safe and happy Halloween!
October 10, 2022
COVID-19 Vaccines
CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone ages 6 months and older, and boosters for everyone ages 5 years and older if eligible.
COVID-19 vaccines available for children include:
The Flu_ A Guide for Parents.pdf09/28/2022
Health screenings are underway!
Every year your child is screened in the health office with me, your school nurse.
Your child's height, weight, and BMI (Body Mass Index) is calculated
and blood pressure is assessed. Screening for visual acuity shall be conducted biennially for students in kindergarten through grade five and screening for auditory acuity shall be conducted annually for students in kindergarten through grade three.
Health screenings are tools to determine if there is a variant from normal limits. If there is, you will receive a referral letter in the mail suggesting follow up with your child's health care provider. Please return these letters to your school nurse after you consult your child's doctor.
It is important to follow up these health screening referrals, as many health issues are prevented and/or corrected as a result of these yearly health screenings.
Let's learn...What is (BMI) Body Mass Index and why is it important to assess yearly????
Click on these links to read more at Kidshealth.org
Health tip: Make Wellness Wednesdays a family activity at home as well as in school!
Parents of children with asthma
please read this.
September-Asthma-Peak.pdfSeptember 12, 2022
Get to know me, your school nurse. Open communication is key and we are a partnership together for your children's health and wellness during their school years.
Keep me informed of changes in your child's mental and physical health, any medications they are taking and any new medical conditions.
School nurses can provide a safe space to help with care coordination, provide resources and provide confidential assistance should this be needed.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Back to School...almost...
The first day of school is September 7, 2022.
Please remember to contact me at susannah.petersen@wwrsd.org if your child has a medical concern I need to know about so I may best care for them.
Please review below for all things health related and the forms for the start of school.
Before your children's first day of school on September 7th, please take the time to make sure you have submitted:
- ALL medical requirements/documentation if you are new to Berkeley School,
- All food allergy emergency plans and asthma treatment plans and any medication authorizations completed by your child's doctor,
- Fill any needed prescription medications that your child may need to receive during school hours.
- Contact me by email for a scheduled time to drop off medication and health plans.
- Documentation may also be sent to me via email at susannah.petersen@wwrsd.org.
Please read the K12 District Medical Handbook to familiarize yourself with district protocols for absences and more. It is imperative to keep your child home from school if symptoms of illness are present. You must call the absence line daily 201-664-7760 to report the reason for your child's absence. List all symptoms, as this is another measure of prevention, tracking, and safety for all in the Berkeley community.
I look forward to welcoming and caring for your children!
Please reach out to me at susannah.petersen@wwrsd.org with any questions.
- If your children have annual Physical Examinations due see:
History and Physical Examination Form (Grades K...
If your child requires medication in school see here:
Medication Administration During School Hours.pdf
If your child has food allergies, see two forms here:
Parent epinephrine delegate consent
ECP-FAAP_Plan_English-05.12.20.pdf
If your child has asthma, see here:
Asthma-Treatment-Plan-STUDENT-MAY-2017.pdf
ECP-FAAP_Plan_English-05.12.20.pdf
If your child has asthma, see here:
Asthma-Treatment-Plan-STUDENT-MAY-2017.pdf
- Forms and any communication over the summer may be sent to: susannah.petersen@wwrsd.org
September 2022
Grateful! June 2022
As we wind down another Berkeley school year, I want to extend my gratitude for your cooperation with all of the many changing protocols and mitigation strategies that helped in keeping our community healthy and well with our children thriving IN SCHOOL!
Together we can see that anything is possible!
Some important reminders for our last school day and for the upcoming school year:
- Pick up medication on the last day of school, June 22th in the outside alcove by the health office at the end of the school day, 12:45 pm. (Only if your child has medication with the nurse)
- If your children have annual Physical Examinations due see:
History and Physical Examination Form (Grades K...
If your child requires medication in school see here:
Medication Administration During School Hours.pdf
If your child has food allergies, see two forms here:
Parent epinephrine delegate consent
ECP-FAAP_Plan_English-05.12.20.pdf
If your child has asthma, see here:
Asthma-Treatment-Plan-STUDENT-MAY-2017.pdf
ECP-FAAP_Plan_English-05.12.20.pdf
If your child has asthma, see here:
Asthma-Treatment-Plan-STUDENT-MAY-2017.pdf
- Forms and any communication over the summer may be sent to: susannah.petersen@wwrsd.org
Continue to look for the good that surrounds us all! Be well and be safe!
Have a happy & healthy summer break!!
May is Food Allergy Awareness Month
KNOW THE FACTS ABOUT FOOD ALLERGIES
A food allergy is an immune system response to a food the body mistakenly believes is harmful.
Nine foods account for 90% of all food allergy reactions: peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, sesame.
Anaphylaxis is a serious reaction that comes on quickly and has the potential to become life threatening.
Food allergies affect 1 in 13 children under the age of 18. That could mean 2 students in every classroom.
Trace amounts of any allergen can trigger a severe reaction.
911 must always be called with every anaphylactic reaction.
Managing food allergies can be life-altering and requires constant vigilance.
Strict avoidance of an allergen is the only way to prevent an allergic reaction.
Always carry two epinephrine auto injectors at all times.
The only way to prevent a food-allergy reaction is to avoid the problem food. But you can’t know whether a food contains an allergen simply by looking at it.
Click above to learn how to read a food label for allergens.
Scoliosis Screenings
for 4th Grade Students
March 10, 2022
COVID-19 and Kids:
How mRNA vaccines work
COVID-19 Vaccine Checklist for Kids Age 5 and Up
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all eligible children age 5 and older, and adults, should get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they can. Your child is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after the second dose of the vaccine. Encourage your child to keep doing their part to protect others by wearing a face mask and following other steps to keep people with a high risk of infection safe.
Then they can get back to activities they enjoy like sports, choir, plays and parties with some added confidence that they are protected!
The Flu_ A Guide for Parents.pdfParents: Please contact the absence line for any and all absences 201-664-7760.
Please be specific with the reason for your child's absence so we can follow up appropriately.
Welcome to the 2021 /2022 school year!
Before your children's first day of school on September 9th, please take the time to make sure you have submitted:
ALL medical requirements if you are new to Berkeley School,
All food allergy emergency plans and asthma treatment plans and any medication authorizations completed by your child's doctor,
Fill any needed prescription medications that your child may need to receive during school hours.
Contact me by email for a scheduled time to drop off medication and health plans.
All district forms are available on the WWRSD Health Portal.
Documentation may also be sent to me via email at susannah.petersen@wwrsd.org.
Please read the K12 District Medical Handbook to familiarize yourself with district protocols for absences and more. It is imperative to keep your child home from school if symptoms of illness are present. You must call the absence line daily 201-664-7760 to report the reason for your child's absence. List all symptoms, as this is another measure of prevention, tracking, and safety for all in the Berkeley community.
I look forward to welcoming and caring for your children!
Please reach out to me at susannah.petersen@wwrsd.org with any questions.
I am so grateful for the kindness and appreciation shared with me for School Nurses week!
Berkeley is #1
Vaccines are rolling out for many adults but we must still continue safety and prevention mitigation strategies.
February is Heart Month!!
It's February and hearts are on our mind, so let's think about our children's heart health!
Healthy hearts are a result of our lifestyle practices so it is important to guide our children in heart healthy practices for a lifetime of heart health.
Jump Rope for Heart, now called Kids Heart Challenge is a great "jump" start for these healthy habits with it's emphasis on 60 minutes of exercise a day, heart healthy eating, stress management, as well as helping others.
Parents: Click here to access many heart healthy messages for you and your family from The American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge Parent's Corner
The Before School Routine
Daily COVID-19 Home Screening for Students 112320.pdfThe After-School Routine
BRG-ACI-899-HSHP-GuardianChecklistv4.pdfClick on the Gratitude Calendar: ideas for noticing the silver linings and appreciating the good even when things are not quite as we would like them.
Silver Linings: We can help our children look for the silver lining when there are difficult situations. Can they think of something good that came of it? Maybe a bright side? For example, maybe the family was able to spend more time together with the COVID pandemic happening.
Protect yourself and others from flu and help stop the spread of germs.
Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Flu and other serious respiratory illnesses, like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whooping cough, and COVID-19, are spread by cough, sneezing, or unclean hands.Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives
Tips on hand washing and using alcohol-based hand sanitizers
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. Practice other good health habits.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Parents: Please contact the absence line for any and all absences 201-664-7760.
Please be specific with the reason for your child's absence so we can follow up appropriately.
Important!!!!
Remember to do Daily COVID Home Screening checklist each day before sending your child to school.
Daily COVID-19 Home Screening Protocol for Students.pdf
Welcome back to a new and different
2020/2021 school year!
April/May 2020
Growth and Development Classes will be held upon returning to school for Grades 4 and 5.
Parent resources to begin the conversations at home.
March is National Nutrition Month
KHC Heart Healthy Bingo.pdf20waystoenjoymorefruitsandvegetables.pdfThe best way to prevent infections and viruses is frequent hand washing and covering the mouth when sneezing or coughing.
Sick students/staff members with a fever should not attend school until they are free from fever without medication for at least 24 hours.
Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
Please inform your school nurse if any student/staff member is traveling abroad and/or their family members returning from out of the country. The nursing staff will monitor these cases and contact families if necessary.
Introducing Wellness Wednesdays!!!!
Visiting classes and seeing whole foods in all of the colors of the rainbow being eaten for snack time!
What we eat contributes to the success of our day spent learning and growing and our lifelong health.
Keep up the nutritious snacks!!!!
February is Oral Health month!
Reminder: Your children can get access to free dental care on Friday, Feb 7th through the Give Kids a Smile Day program.
Also, Berkeley students were visited by Dr G on Tuesday, Feb 4th!
Dr G is Ethan Glickman, DDS, the Oral Health Educator from the New Jersey Children’s Oral Health Program, Zufall Health Center. Dr G engaged in participatory lessons and demonstrations teaching students about their oral health, dental care, gum care, proper brushing, safe use of dental floss, healthy snacks for maintaining oral health and dental safety. With jump ropes and children acting as teeth in lines, proper flossing was demonstrated and some students even got to brush Ollie, the stuffed dog's big white teeth showing proper brushing techniques.
Dr G's oral health takeaways:
Brush "2 X a day for 2 Minutes", floss once a day, limit sugary sweets, drink water and always keep smiling!!!
Great Kindness Challenge Week
Parents: you need kindness and compassion too!
Prevent Colds and Flu -
Wash hands correctly and often!
January 2020
VFC Quick Tips January .pdfDon't let the Flu
get you!!!!
1/6/20 Give Kids a Smile Day Give Kids A Smile Day
February 7, 2020
See information to left
December 2019
Prevent illness -Wash your hands!!!
Integrating School Health Services Across the WSCC Framework.pdfSchool Nurses continually integrate health services and provide the link between school, home and community to enable students to be healthy, well and ready to learn!
11/1/2019
Wash your hands the right way
to prevent illness
Health Screenings are underway!
I will be screening your child's vision, hearing, blood pressure, height, weight, and calculating their BMI.
No news is good news, however, if you receive a letter in the mail, it means that follow up with your medical provider is necessary.
If you receive a letter, please return it with the findings from the medical provider.
11/7/2019
Consider how challenging Halloween can be for children with food allergies.
Think Teal Pumpkin Project!
TPP_Infographic_Treats_090616.pdfDid you and your family receive the flu shot yet?
The CDC recommends Flu shots
by the end of October.
October 14, 2019
The Flu: A Guide for Parents.pdfTEAL PUMPKIN PROJECT®
Raising awareness of food allergies through the addition of non-food trinkets and toys to your treats, making Halloween safer and more inclusive for all trick or treaters.
October 2019
TPP-Non-Food-Treats-Sign-Download.pdfOh no, Lice......
It happens...Head lice are a common community problem. An estimated 6 to 12 million infestations occur each year in the United States, most commonly among children ages 3 to 11 years old.
Click these links for the FACTS
september 20, 2019
450704_024_Headfirst Poster for Nurses 8.5x11_W06.pdf
Remind your children that they can be a PAL to friends with food allergies
Parents : Please follow the allergy aware and alert letters sent home; prevent allergic reactions for all!
From The WRSD Medical Handbook
Students should remain home if any of the following symptoms are present:
Excessive runny nose, coughing, or sneezing
Fever of 100 degrees or above – students may return to school only after being fever free for at least 24 hours without the use of antipyretics (i.e., Advil, Motrin, or Tylenol)
Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea
Skin rashes of a questionable or unknown origin
Sores on the skin, especially if moist, draining or encrusted
September 2019
Is your child sick and staying home from school?
When your child is going to be absent from school
call the
Berkeley Absence Line 201-664-7760 press 1 each day of absence before 9 AM
Please state:
Your child's name, grade and SPECIFIC REASON FOR ABSENCE.
Welcome Back to School!
Welcome New Kindergarten Parents!!
Homework for Parents:
2. Submit ALL medical required..... well BEFORE September 4th
3. Make an appointment to meet with me regarding your child's special medical concerns
email: susannah.petersen@wwrsd.org
Summer is almost here and so are the insects....Let's learn about ...TICKS: Prevention, removal, symptoms and more.
FOOD ALLERGY AWARENESS WEEK
May 12-18, 2019
Do you know what anaphylaxis is?
Anaphylaxis-Symptoms-Poster_FINAL 09-2016_PDF.pdfGrowth & Development classes will be held
for
4th and 5th grade students
( girls and boys separately)
on April 12, 2019.
Not Lice AGAIN!!!!
It happens...Head lice are a common community problem. An estimated 6 to 12 million infestations occur each year in the United States, most commonly among children ages 3 to 11 years old.
Click these links for the FACTS
March is National Nutrition Month
20waystoenjoymorefruitsandvegetables.pdfScoliosis Screenings
for 4th Grade Students
February 26th 4-Ross
February 27th 4 -Kasica/Khwaz
Happy Valentine's Day!
It's February and hearts are on our mind so let's think about our children's heart health!
Healthy hearts are a result of our lifestyle practices so it is important to guide our children in heart healthy practices for a lifetime of heart health.
Jump Rope for Heart, now called Kids Heart Challenge is a great "jump" start for these healthy habits with it's emphasis on 60 minutes of exercise a day, heart healthy eating, stress management, as well as helping others.
Parents: Click here to access many heart healthy messages for you and your family from The American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge Parent's Corner
It's FLU season!
February 6, 2019
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. After using a tissue, throw it in the trash and wash your hands.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like flu.
Free Dental care
IS YOUR CHILD IN NEED OF DENTAL CARE?
Give Kids a Smile Day is Friday, February 1st, 2019
Give Kids A Smile Day is designed to offer dental care to children who otherwise do not see a dentist. Dental services may vary by location. SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR YOUR CHILD TODAY.
Call one of this participating dentists for an appointment
Bergen County Locations:
Bergen Community College, Paramus - 201-447-7180
Center for Dentistry at HUMC, Hackensack - 551-996-2111
Dental Professionals of Fair Lawn, Fair Lawn - 201-797-1555
East Hill Dental, Englewood -
201-568-2532
Edgewater Pediatric Dentistry, Edgewater - 201-313-5437
Englewood Dental, Englewood -
201-871-3555
Lori M. Nasif, DMD, Fort Lee - 201-224-6430
North Jersey Dental Group, Fort Lee - 201-461-4800
Health Screenings are underway!
I will be screening your child's vision, hearing, blood pressure, height, weight, and calculating their BMI.
No news is good news, however, if you receive a letter in the mail, it means that follow up with your medical provider is necessary.
If you receive a letter, please return it with the findings from the medical provider.
Happy Halloween!
Help Create a Safer, Happier Halloween for all!
Now in its fifth year, the Teal Pumpkin Project is a nationwide campaign to make trick-or-treating safe and fun for all kids. By displaying a teal pumpkin this Halloween, households in every state will signal that they have non-food treats for children with food allergies and other medical dietary restrictions.
October 19, 2018
TPP_Infographic_Treats_090616.pdf
Is your child sick and staying home from school?
When your child is going to be absent from school
call the
Berkeley Absence Line each day of absence before 9 AM
Please state:
Your child's name, grade and SPECIFIC REASON FOR ABSENCE.
September 2018
WRSD 's goal is to minimize the risk of food allergy reactions.
Read the NEW guidelines below
Welcome New Kindergarten Parents!
I look forward to caring for your children in the coming school year.
K Parent Summer Homework:
Submit ALL medical required..... well BEFORE September 4th.
Make an appointment to meet with me regarding your child's special medical concerns.
June 2018
June 2018
Be sun smart!
Let's remember, "non-food" treats for parties are a better choice for ALL students!
Oh no, not lice again!
Attention all Parents: Lice education..please review
lice lessons for families.pdf04/23/2018
Growth & Development classes for
Berkeley 4th & 5th grades
Thursday, March 29, 2018.
Kids sure do grow up fast!!!!
Growth & Development classes for
Berkeley 4th & 5th grades
Thursday, March 29, 2018.
Kids sure do grow up fast!!!!
February 2018
Viruses or Bacteria: What's got you sick?.pdfScoliosis Screenings for 4th Grade Students
February 2018
View the film from the
being shown to students
Scoliosis Screening Dates
Wed, February 7, 2018 4-Kassica /Khwaz
Friday, February 9, 2018 4-Ross
It's FLU season!
January 2018
Please watch this 3 minute video and learn how to wash hands the right way!!!!
December 2017
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
School nurses help children manage all different feelings, not only feelings of illness or injury...Here is an example of a child working through their feelings about a scary dream they had last night with the help of Emotion Stones.
Health and wellness has many dimensions and identifying what we may "really" be feeling is helpful in making us feel better in order to move on with our learning and growing in school.
Give Kids a Smile Day: 2 2 2018 .pdfDoes your child need dental care?
Schedule an appointment for Friday, February 2, 2018.
Free Dental Care February 2, 2018 .pdfHealth Screenings are underway!
I will be screening your child's vision, hearing, blood pressure, height, weight, and calculating their BMI.
No news is good news, however, if you receive a letter in the mail, it means follow up with your medical provider is necessary.
Please return the letter with the findings from the medical provider.
December 1, 2017
Parents: Here is a great website to share with your children for health topics that my be on their minds.
November 21, 2017
The Epilepsy Foundation visits the 5th grade!
#DareTo Be Seizure Smart
5th graders learned Seizure First Aid using the acronym
"TRUST"
T Time the Seizure
R Remove dangerous objects
U Use something soft under the head
S Stay Calm
T Turn the person on their side.
*Never hold the person down or put anything in their mouth.
Andrea from The Epilepsy Foundation of NJ
Is your child sick and staying home from school?
When your child is going to be absent from school
call the
Berkeley Absence Line each day of absence before 9 AM
Please state:
Your child's name, grade and SPECIFIC REASON FOR ABSENCE.
Candy donations for Operation Gratitude
being sent to our US troops!
10 boxes full!!!
Thank you ALL for sharing with others that are so
important to us!!
...And maybe less candy was eaten too!
Did you know?
All District health forms are available on the WWRSD website?
To find what you need, click on District Health Forms to the right....
Attention all Parents: Lice education..please review
lice lessons for families.pdf10/25/2017
10/11/2017
To the Berkeley PSO,
Thanks for inviting me to your September meeting on 9/25/2017!
I left excited about the productive discussion about party snacks and nutrition!
For a start we agreed that ONE party treat (sweet treat) will be permitted at parties and other snacks will be nutritious ones.
Thanks all!
Healthy children learn better!!!!
September 25, 2017
Parents of food allergic students: Safety First!!!!!
Please look for a paper coming home to sign for permission for me to train delegates to administer Epi-pen to your child.
Please send in safe snacks for your children for parties in class. Thank you!
September 13, 2017
Dear Parents:
There may be students in your child’s class that have food allergies.
Approximately 12 million Americans have food allergies, including an estimated 2 million school-aged children. Food allergies can be potentially fatal, and there is no cure. The only way to avoid a reaction is to avoid the offending food.
We know that many parents like to celebrate birthdays and other occasions with special treats, however, we would strongly like to encourage parents to celebrate with non-food items such as stickers, pencils, themed erasers, or other trinkets, rather than food. Please instruct your child never to share food with other classmates.
To learn more about food allergies, you may visit the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network’s website, www.foodallergy.org.
Thanks in advance for your cooperation. We look forward to a great school year!
In Safety and Good Health,
Mrs. Petersen
Welcome back to a healthy new school year! Let's make it a great one....together!!!
Click on the link for Kidshealth "Going Back to School"
Lice!!!!!
Please check your child's head daily.
Please report cases to the school nurse.
If lice is identified, call your pediatrician for treatment recommendations.
Empire State Building’s Teal Lights Kick Off 20th Anniversary of Food Allergy Awareness Week
Food Allergy Research & Education Partners with Empire State Building on First Night of 20th Annual Food Allergy Awareness Week
Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) is thrilled to announce that the iconic Empire State Building will once again shine in teal, the color of food allergy awareness, on May 14, the first night of Food Allergy Awareness Week, an initiative first started 20 years ago to educate others about the seriousness of food allergy and anaphylaxis.
Food allergy is a potentially life-threatening and life-altering disease that affects 15 million Americans, including 1 in 13 children.
“Seeing one of the most famous buildings in the world shining in teal for food allergy awareness is a fantastic way to observe Food Allergy Awareness Week,” said James R. Baker, Jr., MD, CEO of FARE. “In 20 years, awareness about food allergies has risen, but we still have more work to do to increase understanding and foster respect and empathy for this often misunderstood disease.”
FARE is dedicated to improving the lives of the millions of Americans with food allergies through its extensive research, education, advocacy and awareness programs. This year marks “20 Years of Education, Action and Support,” and FARE has a number of new resources that enable members of the food allergy community to take action that will help spread the message that food allergy is a serious public health issue.
As FARE continues to advance research toward future treatments for food allergies, this awareness campaign is critical to supporting the ability of individuals with food allergies to live safe, productive lives with the respect of others. FARE extends its appreciation to the Empire State Building for going teal and to the food allergy community for joining in efforts to raise food allergy awareness.
The Empire State Building will shine in teal from sunset on Sunday, May 14, to 2 a.m. on Monday, May 15. Food Allergy Awareness Week is celebrated May 14-20.
For more information about ways to support Food Allergy Awareness Week, visit www.foodallergyweek.org.
4/27/17
WWRSD's School Physician, Dr. Bottiglieri
Concussion Awareness Seminar
in
Ridgewood on
June 13, 2017.
3034_001.pdf
3/21/2017
Spring is here!!!!
And so are Growth & Development classes for Berkeley 4th and 5th graders!
Kids sure do grow up fast!!!!
Please see the letter sent home today to parents of 4th and 5th grade students.
Mark your calendars....
Parent previews:
4th grade parents
Monday,
March 27th at 9 am
5th grade parents
Monday, March 27th at 10:15 am
in the Berkeley Media Center
Classes for Students
Friday, March 31, 2017
Scoliosis Screenings for 4th Grade Students
Friday, March 3, 2017.
View the film from the
shown to students
Valentines Day and Food Allergies
Be a Pal-entine!
Plan Ahead
If your Valentine is a child with food allergies, planning ahead is the key to a healthy, happy celebration. Every child deserves to experience the fun of Valentine's Day while feeling safe and supported.
Too often, children with food allergies are left out of Valentine's Day traditions because most candies contain allergens. To keep Valentine's Day activities safe and inclusive for all kids, it's important to work together with the adults and teachers in your child's classroom leading up to Feb. 14.
Here are some helpful reminders:
Remember that candy manufacturers may change packaging for holidays like Valentine's Day. For example, a peanut butter cup might come in the form of a foil-wrapped heart instead of the usual cup shape. Manufacturers may also employ different production practices for special holiday items, so ingredients or advisory labeling may differ from their everyday counterparts. Don't assume anything. Read every label, every time. If a label is not available, don't take chances: avoid the treat.
Give Kids a Smile Day
Friday, February 3, 2017
See participating dentists in Bergen County on the list to the right.
Make your appointment for free dental care!!!
2568_001.pdfPositive thoughts, prayers, and hope for
Joey Bulger!
#JoeyBstrong
How can you help Joey and the Bulger Family?
Click on Mayday Missions.
Make a Wish For Wellness
Add your wish in Mrs. Petersen's office
Dec 12, 2016
There are times we want to "make a wish for wellness" for someone or something.
Let's all put our wishes in here for those that need it!!!!
Berkeley receives the Asthma Friendly School Award!
asthma friendly PACNJ AFSA- Berkeley Elementary School.pdfDid you know that 8.6 % of children under 18 have asthma?
Source:
CDC/National Center for Health Statistics
10/6/2016
To meet the requirements for this award from the Pediatric and Adult Asthma Coalition:
*Staff participates in annual in service training on asthma;
*WWRSD has an indoor air quality team;
* Berkeley has signed the "No Idling Pledge."
Please see the signs around the school indicating that in an effort to reduce pollutants that trigger asthma, no cars or buses are to be idling.
These steps can decrease the number of asthma episodes and reduce school absenteeism!
"Eat A Rainbow"
November 15, 2016
Health & Wellness are foundations for learning at our full potentials!
Westwood Health Department's Health Educator Ms. Erica was invited to visit classes to teach students how to "Eat A Rainbow" of colored foods each day!
It's November !
Health screenings have started!
I will be screening your child's vision, hearing, blood pressure, height, weight, and calculating their BMI.
No news is good news, however, if you receive a letter in the mail, it means follow up with your medical provider is necessary.
Please return the letter with the findings from the medical provider.
Thank you for your generosity, Berkeley Students!!!!
13 boxes of candy were sent to our US Troops!
October 17, 2016
Help Us Say Farewell to Food Allergies!
FARE Walk for Food Allergy
Ridgewood, NJ
Saturday, October 22, 2016 • Check-in/Activities: 12:00pm
Wild Duck Pond
1133 East Ridgewood Avenue
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Look for Mrs. Petersen there!
Berkeley's Week of Respect
October 5, 6 and 7, 2016.
Books were read to classes that prompted discussions about our differences and our similarities. Berkeley students taught us all a lot about how they might be different, but how they are also very much the same as their friends too!
October 5, 2016
Have you heard about mindfulness?
View this short video "Just Breathe" for an explanation from kids just like ours at Berkeley.
Teaching mindfulness to kids has so many benefits and the science is exploding with the many ways!
Mindfulness:
Builds social, emotional learning,
Decreases anxiety and stress,
Increases focus and attention,
Increases ability to manage our emotions,
Increases empathy, compassion, creativity, problem solving skills,
Promotes resiliency,
All which encourages protective mental health!
"Rocket breath"
Here we are in Kindergarten learning and practicing "Rocket Breath, " a calming and connecting breathing activity.
According to Allison Morgan from Zensational Kids, " This technique provides students two points of focus: their breath and the movement of their "rocket."...Encouraging students to focus their minds/bodies in this way, provides them with an anchor for attention, building their skill of concentration."
From Educate 2 B! Tools for Engaged Learning and Living, by Allison Morgan, MA, OTR, RYT.
Ask your child to teach you "rocket breath."
We can all use breathing exercises to feel calmer and more connected!
09/29/2016
Parents/Guardians,
There are so many tragedies and disasters in our world. The news and social media floods us daily with images and events that are upsetting, stressful, and anxiety provoking. When these events are difficult emotionally for us as adults, we ask ourselves how can we help our children deal with disaster?
I am attaching a link to a website from the American Academy of Pediatrics entitled
I hope you may find this information helpful.
As always, please contact me susannah.petersen@wwrsd.org if there is a concern that is affecting your child that you wish to discuss.
With peace,
Mrs. Petersen
9/23/2016
Oh no, lice....Yes, lice are pests and when we have children we parents need to be on the lookout for these harmless creatures. Please be vigilant, and if you are ever unsure, or find any of these critters, please contact me at susannah.petersen@wwrsd.org.
I will, as always, maintain confidentiality, and be better able to assist you in managing this common occurrence among children.
See below for a letter sent home on 09/23/2016 and please review the Lice 101 presentation on my webpages for more information.
Pediculosis letter -.doc21 Things You Might Not Know About Head Lice.doc
Is your child sick and staying home from school?
When your child is going to be absent from school
call the
Berkeley Absence Line each day of absence before 9 AM
Please state:
Your child's name, grade and SPECIFIC REASON FOR ABSENCE.
Lice!!!!!
Please check your child's head daily.
Please report cases to the school nurse.
If lice is identified, call your pediatrician for treatment recommendations.
Check out the Teal Pumpkin Project