Fall Weather and Clothing Recommendations:
It was an abrupt transition from the excessive heat that led to early school closures to the beautiful morning chill of fall. With this change in temperatures, please consider sending your children to school in layers. While the classroom temperatures are now quite comfortable, the outside temperatures will continue to drop and may require a light jacket or sweatshirt depending on the day. It is also recommended that all kindergarten students please pack an extra set of clothes to keep in their cubbies in case of an accident or soiling during outdoor play.
Health Screenings:
I have recently begun health screenings on K-5 students as required by the New Jersey Department of Health. By state law, all students must be screened for height, weight, and blood pressure (annually), hearing (k-3 annually), and vision (biennially). Scoliosis screenings will be completed in the spring on all 5th-grade students. Parents will be notified of any abnormalities and referred for follow-up with their healthcare provider. Should you have any questions about your child’s screenings, or have a concern that you would like addressed, please reach out to me directly to discuss at (973) 593-3182 #3.
Student Illness:
Unfortunately, the beginning of the school year means the beginning of cold, flu, and now Covid-19 season. You may have already noticed your children complain of stuffy nose, sore throat, and cough. While these are typical symptoms of the common cold, which most often is the case, they are also symptoms of the flu and Covid-19. If any of these symptoms are accompanied by a fever, body aches, extreme fatigue, and chills, please keep your child home and bring them to their pediatrician for evaluation. If there is a fever present, please ensure that your child is fever-free for a full 24 hours prior to their return to school (without the use of medication).
If a student does test positive for the flu or Covid-19, please keep them home and reach out to the school nurse to discuss protocols for their return to school. As per the CDC and district guidelines, any student who tests positive for Covid-19 must isolate at home for 5 days and may return to school on day 6 with a mask. I encourage you to visit with your child’s pediatrician for a flu and Covid-19 vaccine, as both have been proven to reduce the risk of infection, decrease the severity of disease, and reduce the risk of severe complications. Frequent reminders to your children to wash their hands frequently, cough and sneeze in their arms, visit the school nurse, and stay home when they feel unwell will help to keep the TJS community healthy!
