SUN SAFETY
A Melanoma Awareness Campaign 2019
district-wide activities by the pta & the mollie biggane melanoma foundation
MELANOMA MONDAY
About Mollie Biggane Melanoma Foundation: As a sophomore in college, Mollie Biggane (GCHS'98) discovered a mole on her thigh. In the following six months, she underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. The Foundation was created in her memory after her tragic death at the age of twenty. The mission of Mollie's Fund is to increase awareness for melanoma prevention, provide information and services on skin cancer detection, and support melanoma patients through education of the latest treatments.
ALL Schools Participate in DON'T FRY DAY!
To help reduce rising rates of skin cancer, the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention has designated the Friday before Memorial Day as Don’t Fry Day (DFD) to raise awareness of skin cancer prevention and to encourage everyone to protect their skin as they head outdoors to kick off the summer season. The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention reminds everyone to be safe in the sun by following all of the Sun-Safety Action Steps:
- Don’t Burn
- Cover Up
- Seek Shade/Use Umbrellas
- Generously Apply Sunscreen
- Use Extra Caution Near Water, Snow and Sand
- Check the UV Index
- Get Vitamin D Safely
The PTA will also be distributing UV silicone wristbands to students in school and to parents during the SUN SAFETY Presentation at the ALL-SCHOOLS PTA MEETING on MAY 13th. When the bands change color, it is a reminder to the wearer that he/she is exposed to strong UV rays. Take Sun-Safety Action Steps to protect yourself from these harmful rays. At the PTA meeting, packets of sunscreen and "Have You Checked Your Skin Lately" brochure cards will also be distributed compliments of the Mollie Biggane Melanoma Foundation.
In addition, each classroom in the Primary Schools will be given DFD Posters with pictures of animals explaining how they stay safe from the sun. Students are asked the question: How do you stay safe in the sun? These sheets are included below.
Primary Schools
Elementary Schools
The Foundation is also donating hats to all 5th grade students for their pool party in June!
Middle School
Parents and students can take a Sun Safety Personal Assessment (pdf attached). Complete the attached Skin Cancer Fact Sheet which includes information about how to take a self-exam and warning signs. Also included is a Goal Sheet for students to write a sun safety plan and include their signature.
The PTA Health and Safety representatives will display posters regarding sun safety at the school donated by the Mollie Biggane Melanoma Foundation.
High School
Students in the SADD Club (Students Against Destructive Decisions) will make morning announcements for "Don't Fry Day" and distribute UV bracelets to students. The PTA Health and Safety representatives will display posters regarding sun safety at the school.