Sabía usted que casi toda información por medio de la pagina web de SWISD se puede traducir a diferentes idiomas? Solo necesita que hacer clic en la palabra “Translate” de la página web de SWISD y escoja Español. Oprima "Translate" que aparece a la derecha de esta página. Llame al 210-622-4430 si necesita ayuda.

November is National Diabetes Month, a time when communities across the country seek to bring attention to diabetes. This year’s focus is on taking action to prevent diabetes health problems.

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. It affects about 37 million Americans, including adults and youth. Diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart, and it is linked to some types of cancer.

Flu Season is upon us! Please follow proper handwashing and respiratory etiquette to help prevent the spread of unwanted germs.

Per policy, students are NOT sent home if lice is discovered, however, students are checked for live lice before re-admission. If lice is discovered on your student, or a student in the same classroom, you will be notified.

Here are some important things to know about lice:

• Head Lice does not discriminate against any socio-economic group or race, and is not related to bad health or hygiene habits
• Head lice DO NOT come from animals or pets, and cannot survive on a nonhuman host
• Itching of the scalp is usually the first noticeable sign
• Transmission occurs through direct head to head contact or contact with personal items (hats, scarves, coats, brushes or combs).

If lice is discovered:

• Check all family members and treat all those with lice with appropriate medicated shampoo (consult a physician or pharmacist)
• REMOVE THE NITS (eggs). Some may not be killed by the shampoo and will hatch into new lice.
• Wash clothing and bed linens in hot water at time of treatment to prevent re-infestation.
• Soak combs, brushes, and hair accessories that have been used recently with hot water.
• Pillows, comforters, and stuffed toys can be dried on high heat for 20 minutes or placed in a sealed plastic bag for 2 weeks.
• Vacuum rugs and furniture.

Does your family receive Medicaid or CHIP health insurance? Make sure you renew when it’s time to keep your coverage if you’re still eligible. Your children may qualify for CHIP benefits even if adults in your family aren’t eligible for Medicaid.

Medicaid and CHIP coverage continued during the COVID-19 public health emergency through a federal law preventing anyone from losing those benefits. Continuous coverage for Medicaid and CHIP recipients ended in March 2023. Click here for more information.

Medications may be administered at school by the nurse or authorized trained school personnel when such treatment is necessary for school attendance and cannot otherwise be accomplished outside of school hours. Please click on the button below to visit the different Health Services forms for the new school year. The form included below must be completed and returned before the administration of medication will occur. A new medication form is required each school year.

The medication must be brought to the school in the original container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy. Parent/Guardian should request that the pharmacist dispense two (2) bottles of medication, one for home and one for school.

It is recommended that this form be taken at the time of the appointment for the physician to complete. *Specific forms must be completed by the healthcare provider for asthma, seizures, life-threatening allergies, and diabetes.

Please contact the school nurse for more information or any questions.

Please send your students to school with an extra set of clothing. Providing extra clothing will be extremely helpful when students have accidents, spills, or damage to clothing

SWISD will continue a safety plan based on the most up-to-date public health guidance, scientific data, and governmental guidance for COVID-19. The end of the Federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) was declared on May 11, 2023. We will continue to review, adjust, and communicate changes to our protocols and plan due to the evolving nature of COVID-19. SWISD will prioritize the safety and health of our students and staff during the upcoming school year.

Adults exposed to COVID should self-monitor for symptoms and students exposed should be monitored for symptoms. If symptomatic, COVID testing is recommended. Isolation guidance has remained the same (10 days): positive individuals must isolate for 5 days and may return on day 6 if no fever and if symptoms have improved. A mask is recommended upon return from Day 6 to Day 10. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

For more information, click here.

Mindy Kierstead MSN, RN
Elm Creek Elementary
Office: 210-622-4430, Fax: 210-622-4431

Email: mkierstead9211@swisd.net