Dear Highcroft Family,

January has been a very busy month so far. I hope you all are doing well and staying warm. There are many virus and bacterial infections going on in and around school and at home.

Right now there is no such thing as a little cold. We have to be diligent in following the illness guidelines sent out by the district.

Parkway has had record numbers of sick students and staff members and we all want to stay healthy and not spread illnesses. I don’t want to send students home but I have to when they are having symptoms of upper respiratory infections and gastrointestinal illness. The guidelines have eliminated the need to quarantine for close contacts but you will still need to monitor siblings for symptoms. If your student has any of the following symptoms they will need to stay home and will need to be evaluated by a Primary Care Physician to determine the cause of the symptoms the student is displaying.

• Fever or chills

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Fatigue

• Muscle or body aches

• Headache

• New loss of taste or smell

• Sore throat

• Congestion or runny nose

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

So many of the students I am seeing have only a slight symptom and then test positive.

Please let me know and I can advise you of Parkway’s current guidelines for returning to school.

I also need to know if your child tests positive for Strep, Influenza or RSV. All of this is done to keep every child and staff member healthy and for your child to be able to attend in-person learning.

The best way to help prevent the spread of respiratory droplets is for all persons to wear at the minimum a surgical grade mask. I have a supply of masks at school for those who cannot find them in the stores. Currently our mask mandate will continue through February 18th. This is reevaluated on a regular basis and is determined by the number of positive cases we have in the buildings.

During Recess and PE students will be going outside when the weather permits. Please remember to send your student to school with gloves/mittens and a hat everyday. We want to protect heads and hands from exposure to the cold. I have some extra in my office if students forget. A benefit of wearing a mask in the cold helps keep faces warm when students are outside. This is optional for all.

I want to Thank all of you for all of your wonderful support, kind words and gestures during these very trying times. Highcroft Ridge is a fantastic place to work and I truly feel a part of this amazing community. Know that I am always here to answer questions and support students and families, to keep your children healthy.

Cathy Hubert BSN, RN, NCSN

314-415-6410

chubert2@parkwayschools.net

January 2022

• 24 Highcroft and Rosie's Birthday!! Wear Red

• 24 All Read 3:20 PM

• 24 Progress Reports are available

February

• 2 Early Release @ 2pm

• 7-11 School Counselor Appreciation

• 10 PSO Meeting

• 14 Valentine’s Day Parties

To see events for the year click here.

Community Events!

• We unfortunately could not make our November walk work, however, there will be another chance in March!

Being Healthy as a Family

GO OUTSIDE Just because it’s cold outside does not mean you have to stay inside! The key is to bundle up. Dress in layers, wear boots instead of gym shoes, thicker, warmer socks, a hat at all times, and mittens or gloves. Moving around outside and getting your heart rate up will help keep you warm as well. Encourage your kids to walk the dog, go to the park, shoot a basketball or play outside with friends.

TRY ANOTHER INDOOR LOCATION Especially in the winter months, getting out of the house can help prevent cabin fever. Try choosing a location that also incorporates physical activity like a bowling alley, local gym, indoor basketball court, roller or ice skating rink, or an indoor pool.

TRY AN EXERCISE VIDEO If you have trouble getting to a class or they don’t like group activities, have your kids try a kid-friendly exercise video. Here are a few of my favorites: gonoodle.com; PopSugar fitness, fitnessblender.com; Alo yoga for kids.

Healthy Recipe

Hearty Oat Cookies

I LOVE a good cookie. After the holidays, however, I am looking for ways to cut out all the sugary treats. Here is a cookie the whole family is sure to love!

Content by Mrs. Rudd, Highcroft’s Student Wellness Leader.