IMPORTANT NEWS FOR ALL PARENTS TO READ
Try as we might, we still have not beaten the lice problem here at Swanson. A Principal's Meeting was held recently to discuss this issue. The group panel included Marty Armato(Director of Pupil Services/oversight of nurses), Mary Stuckey-School Nurse, Stacey Knight-School Social Worker, Wendy Ruhland, Program Support, Leslie Stollberg, staff.
Minutes from LICE Meeting
September 16, 2008
Welcome & Introductions by Anne Kreul, Principal
This is a community issue. We were notified this summer that parents were experiencing problems with lice. With awareness and support, we can all help to eliminate this problem.
Meeting Purpose: To discuss how we identify and respond to head lice concerns
Mr. Armato reviewed area policies for parent and notification as well as treatment expectations from area schools and districts. We are handling this issue in a similar manner to others.
Eight out of 625 students have been identified since the start of the school year. Cases span across grade levels and rooms, and are not all related to bus ride, YMCA, or neighborhood, etc.
Health Room Procedures:
* Health room staff becomes aware of student(s) with lice.
* Every student in the classroom is checked individually
* Parents are contacted to pick up his/her child, and students go home with parents to receive home treatment. Parents are also directed to take precautions at home.
* Students are rechecked upon re-entering school and rechecks are done on students after one week.
* The Waukesha County Health Department works with staff and parents to eradicate the problem within the home if necessary.
Custodian/Teacher Procedures:
* Remove rugs, stuffed animals, and clean rooms
* Teachers send home book sacks, smocks, etc. for cleaning
* Teachers plan activities for students to avoid close head contact
Communication Procedures:
* Letters are sent home with students within the identified classroom(s).
* Mrs. Kreul and School Nurse, Mrs. Stuckey, send out a letter to all families detailing how to identify and deal with this issue at home.
Parent/Family Responsibilities:
How can our parents help get this problem under control?
* Contact the health room staff when your family experiences an outbreak so that we can check others as soon as possible.
* React to this issue with your children in a "matter of fact" manner. This should not be considered a social stigma-anyone can get head lice.
* Make every effort to clean your home environment and check your child's head daily for signs of lice. Be proactive.
* Long hair: wear it in a ponytail; do not share combs, hats, brushes, scarves, coats, and other accessories with friends or family members.
* Remind your children not to PILE their clothing on top of other children's clothing at school as well as in other environments in the community.
* Eliminate stuffed animals from play/home/school environments for a period of time if you are eliminating eggs or bugs. It was suggested to "bag" pillows, linens, fabric toys and stuffed animals and put them out in the garage for no less than two weeks (winter or summer).
* Investigate alternative hair treatments, e.g., shampoos with essential oils, mayonnaise, olive oil treatment, tub butter, Vaseline, grease-cutting shampoo or dish soap (none listed here have been scientifically evaluated). There are many natural products for sale that may discourage lice including products with basil and tea tree oil. Hair care shops for children in the Brookfield area do cater to treatment and elimination services. Parents have used online sources for additional information and treatment.
Brainstorming Ideas from Parents in Attendance:
* Continue to send out a letter; however, include all families when outbreaks occur.
* Send out periodic reminders for families to check heads and be aware of all the different places your child comes into contact with other children who may have lice.
* Establish a team of volunteer parents to check all student heads across the school approximately every three weeks to eradicate the problem and quickly act on any new outbreaks with children.
* Encourage parents to learn from other parents'/families' experiences e.g., take clothing, coats, and linens to the dry cleaner. Bag up clothing and toys for a period of time, Put linens in the dryer at high heat for at least 40 minutes if you are attempting to eliminate this problem in your home over a period of time.