From the nurse’s office:

Daily Health Assessment

• Please be sure you’re completing the Daily Health Assessment with your child each morning. This is one of the COVID-19 prevention pillars that if followed, will help to reduce the risk of COVID-19 and allow the hybrid learning model to continue. Consider posting it in your home where you exit so you don’t forget.
  • Use a thermometer to take your child’s temperature each morning. Do not come to school if your child’s temperature is above 100 degrees F.
  • If you’re having difficulty obtaining a thermometer, check with your child’s school nurse.
  • If your child has difficulty tolerating an oral thermometer, consider a touchless model.
• If your child is staying home from school due to COVID-19 related symptoms, please call the school nurse in addition to checking in with your child’s healthcare provider about next steps.
• If your child has COVID-19 related symptoms, to return to school s/he will need either a negative COVID-19 test (PCR preferred, antigen ok, antibody not accepted) or a written alternative diagnosis from a healthcare provider. School nurses are available to help answer questions. Please reach out if your child has symptoms.

Flu Vaccine

• Flu shots: All students (even those learning remotely) must have a flu shot by 12/31/20, as required by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. If your family is having difficulty obtaining a flu vaccine, please check www.newtonma.gov/flu for a list of resources. Be sure your child’s school nurse has documentation of your child’s flu vaccine.

Medication at School

•  Please note that regular rules apply for medication administration at school.  All medications require a signed parent permission form and a written medication order by a prescriber.  The form to use can be found here http://www.newtonma.gov/civicax/filebank/documents/70889
• Students cannot transport medication.  Contact the school nurse to arrange medication drop off.

Sue Schy, RN, MSN
Bigelow School Nurse
(617) 552-7746