Spring Update from the Health Office

Hello GUS Families, 

Spring is in full swing! Allergies, bug bites, poison ivy, sun burns…let the warm weather fun begin ☺. With only a few weeks left in the school year, below are some tips to keep your child healthy:

  1. Water bottle: Please send your child with a water bottle to school each day! This is important for keeping them hydrated during the day and to help regulate their body temperature. 

  2. Sunscreen: Please plan on applying sunscreen in the morning before school. Please also send your child to school with a hat and protective clothing. 

  3. Tick Checks: We are so lucky to have such a beautiful campus. Unfortunately, due to its wooded nature ticks are present. Please perform a thorough tick check daily. Be sure to pay extra attention to any venous creases (behind the knees, armpits, groin, hairline). 

  4. Springtime Illness: Despite the warm weather viruses like strep and the “common cold” are still among us. Please follow the guidelines below to keep your child and the community healthy:

  • A child who has a fever must remain at home until "fever free" for a minimum of 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications. 

  • Colds are most contagious during the first 48 hours.

  • Often, when a child awakens with vague complaints (the way colds and flu begin) it is wise to observe your child at home for an hour or two before deciding whether to bring them to school. 

  • Your child should be physically able to participate in all school activities on return to school. 

  • Keeping a sick child at home will minimize the spread of infections and viruses in the classroom.

  • If your child tests positive for Covid-19, please contact the nurse to review current CDC guidelines. 

Keep your child at home for treatment and observation if he or she has any of these symptoms: 

  • Fever (greater than 100.4 degrees and your child may return to school only after his or her temperature has been consistently below 100.4 degrees, for a minimum of 24 hours) 

  • Vomiting (even once, must be vomit-free for 24 hours before returning)

  • Diarrhea 

  • Chills

  • General malaise or feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness, or muscle aches 

  • Frequent congested (wet) or croupy cough

Consider keeping your child at home for extra rest and observation if he or she has any of the following symptoms:

  • Very stuffy or runny nose and/or cough

  • Mild sore throat (no fever, no known exposure to strep)

  • Headache 

  • Stomachache

To help prevent the flu and other colds, practice good hygiene habits with your children: 

  • Wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask if showing any cold/flu symptoms

  • Wash hands frequently

  • Do not touch eyes, nose, or mouth 

  • Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, use a tissue, throw it away, and then wash hands

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick

Thank you,
Julia Bugeau-Heartt
School Nurse

Please contact Julia Bugeau-Heartt with any questions or concerns: jbugeau-heartt@gus.org. 

Health OfficeJulia Bugeau-Heartt