April is the month where our weather here on the island changes constantly. Please remember to have your Orcas dress in layers. Mornings are often very cool and rain showers are more often and the afternoon can get quite warm some days. They spend a good deal of time outside for recess and fresh air. Some classes even have lessons outside and our Orca friends may need to be bundled up in the mornings or have a rain jacket with them. The weather is often unpredictable on Whidbey.

Spring is in the air and with it, I am super excited to announce our plans for Month of the Military Child! Our activities for the month of April are meant to celebrate and show support for our students in military families and are inclusive and educational for all students. Please help us by taking part in some of our fun programs!

Did you know that PURPLE is the color that symbolizes all branches of the military? All students are invited to take part in our Purple Up Fridays! On Wednesday, April 19, all students are invited to wear purple clothing and we will be having a big 'Greet the Students' at the front of the school as a way to show support for our military kids. During the week of April 17 - 21, we will be hosting our very own Spirit Week! All students are invited to take part in the fun clothing themes we have planned for that week. Details are included in the flyer. Throughout the month, we will have banners, signs, and student artwork posted around the school and in the front entryway - feel free to take a look if you’re inside the front area! We will also have Special Announcements so all students will have the chance to learn some fun trivia and facts about military families.

Tips to reduce spring allergy symptoms

Seasonal allergies, also called hay fever, are among the most common allergies in the United States. Hay fever results from an allergic reaction to pollen. Depending on the type of pollen your child is allergic to, he or she may only be affected at certain times of the year.

What causes allergies in the spring?

Tree pollen is a common trigger of spring allergy symptoms. Allergens can vary by region, but the trees responsible for many spring allergies include ash, birch, elm, pine, oak, pecan, hickory, poplar, and walnut trees. For instance, a child with a birch pollen allergy will have increased symptoms in the spring when birch trees are in bloom. Other allergies will peak during different seasons. Kids with grass allergies will be hit hardest during summer and those with ragweed allergies will suffer most in the fall.

What are the symptoms of spring allergies?

Signs children have spring allergies include:

• Congestion or sinus pressure
• Runny nose or irritated nasal passages
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Scratchy or sore throat
• Cough
• Swollen, bluish-colored skin beneath the eyes
• Reduced sense of taste or smell
  

Spring allergies may be just an annoyance for a child with mild symptoms. However, severe pollen allergies can affect kids' schoolwork and prevent them from playing outdoors. Symptoms of hay fever usually diminish as children age. The best way to prevent allergy symptoms is to avoid the allergen, but at certain times of the year, that may be difficult.

How to help a child with spring allergies

• Keep your child indoors on days that are both dry and windy
• Don't ask your child to do yard work or other outdoor chores during peak spring allergy season
• Remove and wash clothing that your child has worn outside
• Have your child shower or bathe when coming in from outside
• Keep doors and windows closed when pollen counts are high ( check your local weather) and use air conditioning to keep your car and home cool
• Buy a portable high-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) or dehumidifier or both to combat dust mites by vacuuming your home often (using a machine with a HEPA filter)
• See an allergist for medical advice, to be properly diagnosed, and discuss allergic triggers

These tips can help reduce children's seasonal allergies year-round. See an infographic for more tips to fight seasonal allergies.

What is the best spring allergy medicine?

Because spring allergies are common, there are many medications available to treat allergy symptoms. If high pollen counts are in the forecast, ask your physician if you should start giving your child allergy medications before symptoms begin. Medications to treat hay fever symptoms include:

• Antihistamines, such as Benadryl or Claritin
• Decongestants including Afrin and Sudafed
• Combination antihistamine and decongestant medications like Actifed or Claritin-D

Nasal irrigation with a squeeze bottle can help flush pollens from your child's nose as well. Eye drops may help ease eye irritation.

If you are looking for information or have questions about COVID or quarantine please use this link or phone number.

https://www.islandcountywa.gov/Health/Pages/COVID-19.aspx

or

360-678-2301 Mon - Fri 08:00 - 4:30 pm

For more information please contact them at:

olympicviewelementarypta@gmail.com

or

On Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/OVEPTA