The Virtual Health Office

November 2020

A Great Start!

Our stethoscopes are off to the amazing families, students, and staff, who adapted to yet another change these past weeks. We missed seeing our students smiling faces (even behind a mask), it was long awaited to see everyone on our campuses, as well as virtually through the hybrid model. We witnessed many examples of students being safe and respectful. Adhering to wearing masks, social distancing, helping to clean, all while learning in this new environment. Keep up the good work to keep our schools open! This month we clarify questions regarding our sick policies, provide new COVID-19 resources, and celebrate American Diabetes and Skin Health Awareness Month.
Sick Policies

Sick Policies

Nurses and the district have worked hard to create sick policies for this year. For the safety of everyone you will find that your health office is stricter than last year. We ask that you please keep any children with what were previously considered minor symptoms home for 24 hours. The state has some pretty strict guidelines for handling symptoms that could be related to COVID-19. As you are all aware, the list is pretty long, but it is difficult to distinguish between a cold, the flu, allergies and COVID-19. Schools are not in the business of diagnosing. If your child has any symptoms of COVID-19 or a combination of them, they will be sent home from school and will not be allowed back until certain criteria are met. More children will be sent home now than before and we want everyone to be prepared for this. Have a plan for who can pick up your child promptly if you are asked to do so. Please don't send your child to school if they are not well in the first place. We all have to pitch in and do what is necessary right now for the good of everyone. I encourage everyone to read CDPH's School Guidelines (https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-schools.pdf) so you won't be surprised when you are told your child may not return to school for an extended period of time. We are going to follow the guidance we are given by state officials because we want to open and stay open!

For more information on CUSD's sick protocol, and how we are handling positive cases, please visit the COVID-19 Resource Page: http://www.chicousd.org/News/Emergency-Info/COVID-19-Information/Protocols/index.html

Sick Policies

COVID-19 Resources

COVID-19 news and information can be overwhelming! Here are some new, valuable resources to help you during these uncertain times. Check out this virtual padlet, created by Chico State nursing students:



-For other COVID-19 questions and resources please visit Butte County Public Health's website: http://www.buttecounty.net/ph/COVID19. Or visit their Facebook page for frequent daily updates: https://www.facebook.com/buttecountypublichealth

-For COVID-19 testing sites see below:

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American Diabetes Month

American Diabetes Month

According the America Diabetes Association more than 34 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, that is more than 10% of the population! About 210,000 Americans under age 20 are estimated to have diagnosed diabetes.

There are three types:


  • Type 1- the body does not produce insulin. The body breaks down the carbohydrates you eat into blood sugar that it uses for energy—and insulin is a hormone that the body needs to get glucose from the bloodstream into the cells of the body. Type one diabetes is the most common among our students. These students rely on insulin through injections or their insulin pumps.
  • Type 2- Previously called Adult Onset, but that has changed as this condition is being seen in increasing rates in children. The body doesn’t use insulin properly. And while some people can control their blood sugar levels with healthy eating and exercise, others may need medication or insulin to help manage it.
  • Gestational Diabetes


Many Chico Unified students have diabetes, and work with nurses, parents, and staff to gain independence and knowledge in their diabetes care. This can be challenging, especially with growing bodies, and active children! Students may use the health office to count carbs, administer medications, and for treatment of high or low blood sugars.

To learn more about diabetes, treatment, resources, and ways you can support students with diabetes visit:


If you are a parent or student looking for more resources, contact your school to get connected with families in our community!

American Diabetes Month
National Epilepsy Awareness Month

National Epilepsy Awareness Month

Epilepsy is when a person has 2 or more seizures with no known cause. A seizure occurs when one or more parts of the brain has a burst of abnormal electrical signals that interrupt normal signals.

There are many different types of seizures. Students symptoms may range from absent stares to full convulsions. Staff at school work hard to ensure safety of students with diagnosed epilepsy using training, care plans, and medications if needed.


National Epilepsy Awareness Month

National Healthy Skin Month

Your skin is the largest organ on your body. It is our bodies first line of defense against viruses, bacteria, and injury. Lately we have all been pitching in to keep our skin clean with thorough hand washing, etc. Here are more tips to protect this vital organ, and education on conditions that may effect it:


If we had a nickel for every time we were asked to look at a rash, we could buy a whole lot of band-aids. If your student has a skin condition you are unsure of, please notify your health office. Skin conditions can vary from minor to extremely contagious, and your school nurse can help get with the medical referral or advice you may need!

Oral Health

Did your student come home with a FREE TOOTHBRUSH KITS? Nurses and Butte County public health distributed these fun kits at various school sites during lunch meals. Kits included toothbrushes, toothpaste, timers, and more. If you missed out, and would like a kit please contact your school nurse!

Thank you Nurse Julie!

Thank you Nurse Julie!

We would like to honor Nurse Julie Graber for her many years of service at CUSD. Most recently she worked at Emma Wilson Elementary, Little Chico Creek Elementary, Hooker Oak Elementary, and Neal Dow Elementary, and was dedicated to our COVID-19 planning team. Her dedication and care for our student will be truly missed. She is passing the torch to Tina Collins, who has been working in the district for the last year.
Thank you Nurse Julie!

CONTACT YOUR SCHOOL NURSE!


Melanie Evans, mgevans@chicousd.org: Marsh Junior High , Parkview Elementary, Bidwell Junior High

Tina Collins: tcollins@chicousd.org: Emma Wilson Elementary, Little Chico Creek Elementary, Hooker Oak Elementary, Neal Dow Elementary

Michelle Neves Dean, mnevesdean@chicousd.org: Chico Senior High, McManus Elementary, Wildflower Elementary

Julie Scalet, jscalet@chicousd.org: Pleasant Valley High, Fairview, Sierra View Elementary

Julie Parker, jlparker@chicousd.org: Loma Vista, Marigold Elementary, Oakdale Elementary and Oakbridge

Cindy Steffen, csteffen@chicousd.org: Citrus Elementary, Rosedale Elementary, Chapman Elementary

Sherry Atkin, satkin@chicousd.org: Shasta Elementary, Chico Junior High, Forest Ranch