Dear Parent/Guardian,

There have been some cases of lice at EES and this is a letter to everyone for some reminders on lice. Pediculosis (head lice) is a common problem in school-aged children. Statistics show head lice are found in 3-5% of the elementary population at any given time. The main mode of transmission of head lice is contact with a person who is already infested (i.e., head-to-head contact). Contact is common during play (sports activities, playgrounds, at camp, and slumber parties). Weekly checks at home are a great way to detect head lice early and to keep them from spreading. If you suspect or find head lice on your child, please contact your school nurse for assistance and advice. Here are some guidelines to follow:

❏ Head Lice Facts

● Anyone can get head lice no matter how clean they are.

● Head lice do not carry disease. Secondary skin infections can occur from excessive scratching.

● They cannot jump or fly and are spread by head to head contact.

● Lice live for 1-2 days on pillows, furniture, stuffed animals, or clothes.

● Head lice do not infest pets and pets do not spread head lice.

❏ Ways To Prevent the Spread of Lice

● Do not share combs, brushes, towels, hats, barrettes, sports uniforms, or pillows.

● Avoid head to head contact with anyone suspected of having head lice.

● Keep long hair up or pulled back.

❏ What To Look For

● Excessive scratching of the head, especially at the back of the head just above the neck.

● Nits on the hair. These are usually pearly-gray in color and are attached to the hair shaft near the scalp. Nits are distinguished from dandruff because they stick to the hair shaft instead of flaking off when brushed.

● Adult lice are about the size of a sesame seed. Lice are active at night so your child may have trouble sleeping.

❏ What To Do If You Find Nits or Live Lice

● Check all family members in the household.

● Treat your child with a recommended lice shampoo following the package directions. Apply a second treatment when directed.

● For alternative treatment options, talk to the school nurse.

● Use a nit comb after the treatment to remove lice and nits from the hair shaft.

● Continue to check the scalp and hair everyday and remove the nits for the next 2 weeks.

● Machine wash and dry clothing worn in the previous 2 days and all bed linens. Use hot water at 130 degrees for 20 minutes and use a high heat setting on the dryer. Dry clean items, as needed.

● Place all non-washable items such as stuffed toys and pillows in a sealed plastic bag for at least 2 days.

● Soak combs and brushes in hot water (at least 130 degrees) for 5-10 minutes. Do not share combs, brushes, and hair accessories with the person who has head lice.

● Vacuum furniture, rugs and floors. Discard vacuum bags.

● Do not use fumigant sprays or fogs. They are not necessary and can be toxic.

Mrs. Clark's class had an author celebration this week! They finished their information books about Fall and share them with one another.

Jamie Smith has provided us with this great diagram! It is very important that we model best practice for bus safety. Please do not stand behind or beside the buses while they are in our bus loop at dismissal. It is best to wait in the parking lot until you see the buses pull away from the school before coming to pick up your child. We also ask you to keep the sidewalks clear to allow the classes to get to their colored dots. Thank you for your help and support!