Central School Nurse Region
December 2019-News and Updates for the 2019-2020 School Year
December 18, 2019: Volume V
As we head into the New Year, I hope your holidays sparkle with moments of love, laughter, and goodwill.
Wishing you and your loved ones all the joys of the season~
With Gratitude,
Janet
Greetings from the DPH School Health Unit!
Greetings from the DPH School Health Unit!
I've always said that I would not like to be a school superintendent, for many reasons, but not the least of which is making difficult weather-related decisions. Well, I now certainly have a better understanding of the challenge! I realize that Westborough did not close on December 17th, and that district is what we generally base decisions on as far as state meetings and other trainings. However, with a full-day event predicted, which would impact some parts of the state heavily, we made the decision we did in the interest of safety. Additionally, by canceling early, we are able to rebook the event and thus do not lose the costs associated with it. My priority is the health and safety of our students, and by extension, the health and safety of those charged with caring for them. I take that responsibility seriously, and so I hope you can practice patience and understanding when these difficult decisions need to be made. I'd like to thank Bev and the BU SHIELD team for their flexibility and work to reschedule the meeting not once, but TWICE!
I also realize that we will now meet three months in a row, in March, April (rescheduled from December) and May. I'm hopeful that with enough notice, you will be able to attend all three, and if school psychologist/social workers are still able to attend in April, even better! A reminder that you no longer need to worry about getting your superintendents there in May. We are going to work on another way to get school health issues in front of superintendents...so stay tuned. I also feel there may be a real opportunity to feel more connected by meeting three months in a row, and hopefully the regional meetings before then help to keep the momentum going.
Thank you for everything you do every day for the staff and students in our schools. I hope your holiday break is restful and joyful and fills you back up. We'll see you in the New Year!
Karen
For CSHS Grant Recipients...A Message from Juliet Berk
This is to remind everyone that the nurse leaders are ideally listed as the point of contact/contract managers for the CSHS grant contract for the purpose of a seamless operation of the CSHS grant contract. Consequently, most communications regarding the CSHS grant is initially sent to the nurses with the expectation that the nurses will pass the information/or documents on to the relevant people in their organization– this can be for signatures or so forth that DPH is requesting for the school/district to sign and send back to DPH. We understand that for others who are new and just starting on this grant this may be new to you, and may require building relationships with the Business Office or Administration folks at your schools/districts.
Thank you.
Juliet
Juliet Sithole-Berk, MPA, MSCED
Unit Coordinator
Phone: (617) 624-5447
Email: Juliet.Berk1@State.ma.us
Grant Opportunity! Time Sensitive Request from Dr. Randi Schuster
The initial letter does not commit you. It is just needed to show the grant funder that they have schools who would like to participate. They propose to offer school based vaping cessation services.
Good morning,
By way of brief introduction, I am faculty at Harvard Medical School and a neuropsychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital. I have spent the better part of the last decade studying the impact of nicotine and cannabis use on adolescents’ ability to learn and succeed, primarily in school-based settings. I am in the process of applying for a very large grant through the American Heart Association that could transform our understanding of electronic cigarette use in youth on combustible tobacco use, other addictions etc, particularly with regard to racial and socioeconomic factors that may mitigate or exacerbate effects. One core initiative that I am proposing in this application is to examine the effectiveness of alternatives to disciplinary action for substance use violations in school settings (e.g., diversion programs), and to evaluate how to implement such interventions in a way that is scalable and sustainable. I have heard from multiple school administrators this is an identified priority area, yet many feel hamstrung by limited resources. This is where I can help! For schools interested in potentially participating in this project, we would provide all of the staffing resources needed to launch the program. Our trained staff will meet with students at school, and therefore accessibility to MGH should not be a barrier for participation.
The catch is that we just learned of this funding announcement and that it is due internally at the end of this week. Therefore, we are urgently requesting that any schools interested in potentially participating in this project email me a letter of interest by Thursday 12/19/19. I have attached a draft letter that schools are welcome to edit, sign and email back to me on school letterhead. If the grant were to be selected for funding, I will personally work with each school individually to review all details and figure out all logistics.
Thank you advance for your consideration. I am hoping the funding agency is as enthusiastic about this project as I am – our kids deserve the best support possible!
All the best,
Randi M. Schuster, PhD
Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School
Center for Addiction Medicine
Massachusetts General Hospital
101 Merrimac Street, Suite 320
Boston, MA 02114
Office: 617.643.6673 Fax: 617.643.1998
TEMPLATE FOR SCHOOLS TO USE BELOW
DPH Survey on EEE: Please complete this short online survey by December 20th!
DPH Survey on EEE:
This was a particularly active year for cases of mosquito-borne illnesses, including Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), in Massachusetts.
The state Department of Public Health is seeking feedback from school and district leaders, school nurses, and others regarding communication and other activities during the 2019 season. This feedback is important and will help inform planning for the next season. Please take a few moments to complete this short online survey by Friday, December 20.
Dear High School Nurses working with MA Students with Food Allergies!
Dear High School Nurses working with MA Students with Food Allergies!
We are looking for dedicated and responsible high school age "Mentors"!
The MassGeneral Hospital for Children Food Allergy Center at MGH, is excited to launch the first year of its Food Allergy Buddies Program, a program of community-building events for children and families managing food allergies.
In this yearlong program, young children with food allergies will be teamed with older children and teenagers managing food allergies (“Mentors”); over the course of 4-5 events annually, the groups will share experiences, build confidence, develop self-management skills, and – most importantly – create friendships and have fun! Interested parents, as well, will benefit from access to community-building and educational events throughout the year with our partner AAFA New England.
What you need to know:
Applications are open December 1 through December 30. Apply here: https://forms.gle/5eixGg2opXPywLqR7
Teen mentors (students in 9th-12th grade) will be eligible for college recommendation letters and community service hours through this program. https://forms.gle/xp7botrHcTsNcBt49.
Applications can be submitted prior to the reference person submitting their form. Participation in this program is free and is open to all children / families managing food allergies, even those receiving care outside of the Massachusetts General Hospital Food Allergy Center. We are committed that costs should not be a barrier for participation in this program; transportation can be arranged for children and families, as needed. Please be aware that we will be requesting signed parental consent forms to participate in this program. If you are selected as a mentor, you will receive this form with other orientation materials and asked to bring it to the first event. As this is the first year for the program, we anticipate we will have a limited number of slots available. Applicants who are not selected will be provided with a list of local supports and resources for families and children managing food allergies; we hope to be able to accommodate more children and families in future years, and we will contact interested families about those opportunities. Tentative program dates for the 2020 year are January 26th, March 29th, May 17th, September 13th, and December 6th. We ask that all program participants commit upfront to make every effort to attend all sessions.
For more information and to apply, please visit http://bit.ly/FoodAllergyBuddies. If you have questions, please email us at foodallergybuddies@mgh.harvard.edu.
We look forward to your enthusiasm and support for our program!
Protecting Immigrant Families
Protecting Immigrant Families Campaign has new translations available for community education materials. Please see the links below and these are all now LIVE on the website on our KNOW YOUR RIGHTS page.
- Public Charge: Does this apply to me?
- Anharic | Arabic | Burmese | Chinese | French | Haitian Creole | Hindi | Korean | Spanish | Vietnamese (PIF)
- Should I Keep My Kids Enrolled in Health & Nutrition Programs?
- Anharic | Arabic | Burmese | Chinese | French | Haitian Creole | Hindi | Korean | Spanish | Vietnamese (PIF)
CDC Releases 2018 School Health Profiles
The release includes:
- updated report with results from surveys conducted in 43 states, 21 large urban school districts, and 2 territories;
- 2018 Profiles fact sheet describing the system of surveys and highlighting the latest results;
- state results presented by quartiles on US maps easily downloaded in PowerPoint;
- all questionnaires;
- information on how to obtain Profiles datasets; and
- technical documentation for data analysis.
Access the 2018 Profiles Report
Profiles Background: The School Health Profiles (Profiles) is a system of surveys assessing school health policies and practices in states, large urban school districts, and territories. Profiles surveys are conducted biennially by education and health agencies among middle and high school principals and lead health education teachers.
Population Health Information Tool (PHIT)
SBIRT Training
New! Two SBIRT in Schools sessions are being added to SHIELD's training schedule.
Dates:
Friday, January 17
Monday, January 27
Location:
Crosstown Building
801 Massachusetts Avenue
Boston MA
Registration will open by mid-day December 20 on the SHIELD website.
Reminder this is a blended class that requires an hour of pre-course online work; registrants should plan accordingly.
SAVE-THE-DATE! School-Based Medicaid Program (SBMP) Training
In response to requests from LEAs for more training opportunities in person, MassHealth, in conjunction with UMass Medical School, is pleased to announce the dates for February in-person regional trainings throughout the Commonwealth!
Please share this email with others in your LEA who play key roles in the administration of the Medicaid program for your LEA and mark your calendars to save the date for one of the following trainings.
What: School-Based Medicaid Program (SBMP) Training
Who: LEA stakeholders and primary contacts for the SBMP
Where / When: From 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (continental breakfast and lunch will be provided) on:
· Tuesday, February 11, 2020 (snow day TBD): Somerville
· Wednesday, February 12, 2020 (snow day 3/4): Chicopee
· Tuesday, February 25, 2020 (snow day 3/5): Taunton
· Thursday, February 27, 2020 (snow day 3/11): Marlborough
What’s next?
Stay tuned! Agenda topics and intended participants will be distributed before winter break, along with registration information.Please help us spread the word by sharing this information with any appropriate individuals in your LEA.
School-Based Medicaid Program
UMass Medical School
333 South St.
Shrewsbury MA, 01545
Toll Free: 1-800-535-6741
Fax: 508-856-7643
Community Health Training Institute
Announcing: Spring 2020 Training Calendar!
These opportunities are presented by the Community Health Training Institute at no cost, thanks to generous funding from the MA Department of Public Health.
SIGN UP for our newsletter to receive training updates and resources. To see other trainings offered around the state by CHTI partners, please view our CALENDAR
NEW: Strategies for Addressing LGBTQIA+ Health Disparities
January 2020 (Online Training)
NEW: Using Twitter to Promote Your Message
January 2020 (Online Training)
NEW: Chatting About CHIPS: Understanding the DoN Process
January 2020 (Online Training)
NEW: Examining Our Own Privilege: How to Move from Ally to Accomplice
March 2020, Location TBD
NEW: Organizing For Environmental Justice: How Our Environment Impacts Our Health
April 2020, Location TBD
NEW: Dismantling Structural Racism to Advance Health Equity
June 2020, Location TBD
NEW: Lasting Impact: How to Engage Your Community and Make Your Coalition Work Meaningful
June 2020, Location TBD
2019 Multicultural Mental Health Resource Directory
This directory contains information about organizations in Massachusetts that offer linguistically and culturally appropriate mental health and related services for communities of color, LGBTQ community, immigrants, and refugees.
Follow Central School Nurses of Massachusetts On Twitter!
Diane Moffat from Leicester Public School shared this Amazing Video about Pancreatitis Awareness Month!
Diane Moffat from Leicester Public School shared shared this amazing video about Pancreatitis Awareness! Diane shares, "a shout of to my Leicester Middle School Nurse, Melissa Ledbetter, and student for this fantastic video for Pancreatic Awareness Month."
Great job!
ROUTINE HEALTH CARE IS IMPORTANT !
Thank you to WEST Regional Consultant Veronica Webb Barrett for sharing her newsletter regarding health care and encouraging care in Ghanaian families
ARTICLES OF INTEREST
"For low-income students, the suburbs are no sure path to college."- Boston Globe Article November 16, 2019
Upcoming Meetings
UPCOMING MEETINGS
CSHS NURSE LEADER MEETINGS (State-wide):
REGISTER HERE https://www.bucme.org/node/1078
- Mandatory for CSHS Model & Affiliate Recipients
- Thursday, March 5, 2020- Westborough, MA 8:30 AM-3:00 PM
- Monday, April 13, 2020 Westborough, MA 8:30 AM-3:00 PM
- Thursday, May 21, 2020- Westborough, MA 8:30 AM-3:00 PM
SCHENA:
- 1/14/2020 - Webinar: 9:00-10:30 AM
- 2/11/2020 - Webinar: 9:00-10:30 AM
- 3/17/2020 - Live Course: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM, DoubleTree, Westborough
- 4/14/2020 - Webinar: 9:00-10:30 AM
- 5/19/2020 - Live Course: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM, DoubleTree, Westborough
- Attendance required for all Model grant awardees.
- Course in progress - registration time period has ended.
*If having trouble registering on any of the above links, please call 617-358-5005.
January 15, 2019 ( Snow date: 1/31/19)
Central Region Meeting-
FREE!
Bring your own lunch!
Assabet Valley Collaborative- 28 Lord Road, Marlboro, MA 01752
8:30a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Register here: https://www.bucme.org/live/9792
Update Regarding The May Nurse Leader Meeting
The May Nurse Leader meeting date will remain as, May 21, 2020. DPH understands that it is very difficult for Superintendent’s to leave their districts, particularly in May. The theme for the May meeting will be best practices in-regards to Care Coordination. DPH recognizes this topic is not the most relevant to present for guest Superintendents, though there is a connection regarding how this practice can improve care and subsequently address attendance issues! The department is therefore working on other methods to engage with Superintendents.
REMINDERS for CSHS Funded Programs: CSHS MONTHLY REPORT INFO:
The correct link to the Monthly report form is shown below:
https://mdph.checkboxonline.com/MonthlyReport-2020.survey
Questions related to CSHS mandated grant reporting should go to: dph_eshs_data@dph.state.ma.us
All CSHS Report forms and instructions can be found here: CSHS pdf forms 2019-2020
Clicking the link will download a zip file.
CSHS BUDGET QUESTIONS:
Questions related to CSHS budget and spending can be directed to Juliet Berk at juliet.berk1@state.ma.us
Updated CSHS Guidelines for choosing PD offerings paid for by CSHS grant funds
State Reports for Non-CSHS Funded Schools:
Epinephrine administration report form
https://mdph.checkboxonline.com/Epinephrine-Report-2020.survey
SBIRT data report form. This is an Excel spreadsheet that needs to be downloaded, completed, and then returned as an email attachment.
Single user version: SBIRT data collection form 2019-2020 (Single screener)
Multiple user version SBIRT data collection form 2019-2020 (Multiple screeners)
If the file does not automatically download, but opens in Excel, click “ok” when prompted then select “save as” and then save the file to a folder of your choosing (you can re-name the file if needed).
Asthma and Diabetes Survey questions may be directed via email to the project mailbox at DPH-BEH-Asthma@state.ma.us or via telephone to 617- 624-5757. Please ask for the Pediatric Asthma Coordinator.
Concussion Report:
BMI report form. This report is required of districts that are not funded through the CSHS program. CSHS-funded districts and schools should NOT submit a separate BMI report. This report is optional for non-public school districts.
https://mdph.checkboxonline.com/SchoolHealth2020.survey
Questions? E-mail your question to: DPH_ESHS_data@MassMail.State.MA.US
MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
DESE
DESE
MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Click http://www.doe.mass.edu/ for general information and resources! Click http://www.doe.mass.edu/licensure/ for School Nurse Educator License information!School Health Unit Contacts
Karen Robitaille, MBA, MSN, RN, NCSN
Director of School Health
Phone: (617) 624-5427
Email: karen.robitaille2@state.ma.us
Caitlin Pettengill, DNP, RN
Assistant Director of School Health
Phone: (617) 624-6058
Email: caitlin.pettengill@state.ma.us
Juliet Sithole-Berk, MPA, MSCED
Unit Coordinator
Phone: (617) 624-5447
Email: Juliet.Berk1@State.ma.us
Evelyn Levenson
Interim Medication Administration
Program Coordinator
Email: evelyn.levenson@state.ma.us
Phone: 617) 624-6013
Fax: (617) 624-6062
Robert Leibowitz, Ph.D.
Epidemiologist
Email: robert.leibowitz@state.ma.us
Phone: (617) 624-5474
Fax: (617) 624-6062
Statewide Regional Consultants
Boston
Mary Jane O'Brien, PhD, RN, CPNP, NCSN
mobrien@bostonpublicschools.org
(617) 635-6788
Central
Janet Guertin-Moruzzi BSN, RN, NCSN
(781) 392-7726
Metro West
Jill Connolly, MEd, BSN, RN, NCSN
jill.connolly@braintreeschools.org
(781) 848-4000 x7841
Northeast
Shanyn A. Toulouse, MEd, BSN, RN NCSN
shanyn.toulouse@haverhill-ps.org
(978) 420-1919
Southeast
Ann M. Linehan, DNP, MSN, RN
(508) 580-7363
West
Veronica Webb Barrett, MSN, MA Ed Psych, RN, HNB-BC
webbv@springfieldpublicschools.com
(413) 896-8100
New England Public Health Training Center
___________________________________________________
Central Nurse Meeting
Wednesday, Jan 15, 2020, 08:30 AM
28 Lord Road, Marlborough, MA, USA
Central Nurse Meeting
Friday, Mar 27, 2020, 08:30 AM
28 Lord Road, Marlborough, MA, USA
Janet Guertin-Moruzzi BSN,RN,NCSN
The Central Massachusetts School Nurse Managers promote holistic wellness of school communities through leadership and collaboration.
Email: moruzzij@weston.org
Location: 444 Wellesley Street, Weston, MA, USA
Phone: 781-392-7726
Twitter: @CentralNursesMA