Due to the significant number of students with allergies and food sensitivities, all snacks and treats brought to school by students for consumption in the classroom must be free of peanuts and tree nuts. Please also note on the Monday Memo, certain days when the gym is in use for a special event and so lunches will be eaten in the classrooms. On those days we ask that student lunches brought to school be nut free as well.

The school will maintain records that indicate which students may have a serious allergic condition. The school nurse, the Principal, and the teachers and coaches of each child with a serious allergic reaction shall be made aware of the child’s serious allergic condition. Each year the school nurse will provide training to teachers and classroom paraprofessionals in the administration of EpiPens and emergency procedures for students with serious allergic conditions.
 

I hope this note finds everyone well and happy to be back to school! Please reread the reminders below to help us assure a safe and healthy school year! 
 
Remember - Each morning, we ask that you check your child/children's temperature and do an overall wellness check.  If your child has a temperature at or above 100 degrees, he/she and all siblings, need to stay home from school.  A wellness check also involves the overall appearance of the child. Do they have a new cough, a sore throat, chills, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, headache, muscle or body aches, loss of taste or smell, congestion or a runny nose, nausea, vomiting or any diarrhea? Of course, COVID is not limited to just these symptoms, as we are learning more each day. If your child has a temperature or any symptoms, you will need to contact your pediatrician and work with him/her to determine what the next step will be. In order for your child to return to school, I will need a note or a phone call from the pediatrician.
 
In order to keep track of illnesses and potentially determine any contact tracing, I am asking that a communication to the school is made for all absences. It can either be by phone (860) 828-4343 ext. 106, or email me at d.raymond@stpaulkensington.org. 
 
As stated in the Plan for Reopening of School, handwashing and social distancing are very important in reducing the transmission of COVID. Handwashing should be done multiple times a day. Please practice and let your children know to expect to wash their hands several times a day. Also, please remind them of the importance of social distancing. 
 
Connecticut currently has a travel advisory for anyone traveling back into the state. The list of states is updated on a weekly basis and can be found in the following link. https://portal.ct.gov/coronavirus/travel Any travel to those states would require you to self quarantine for 14 days when you return to CT. A negative COVID test does not exempt you from the 14 day quarantine.  Please be mindful of this as we get closer to the start of school. You don't want to be the family that brings COVID to Saint Paul School! If you have concerns over a Saint Paul family traveling, please feel free to email me in confidence. 
 
Keeping our school safe and healthy will be a joint effort and if we are all honest and follow what is asked, we have a greater chance of achieving that. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I am always available by email. 
 
Diane Raymond, RN

Covid-19 Information

Head Lice Policy

Nut-Free Snacks

As you are aware, cold and flu season is here. We have had several cases of strep throat throughout the school.  In order to prevent widespread illness in the school we recommend you keep your child home if he or she is experiencing cold or flu symptoms.

Consider keeping your child home if he or she has any of the following symptoms:

• very stuffy or runny nose and or cough
• sore throat
• headache
• stomach ache                                                                                                                                                                      

• fever greater than 100.4 (may return to school when fever-free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication)
• vomiting (even once)
• diarrhea
• chills
• general malaise or feelings of fatigue, weakness or muscle aches
• frequent congested (wet) or croupy cough
• lots of nasal congestion with frequent blowing of nose                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

• wash hands frequently
• do not touch eyes, nose or mouth
• cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, use a tissue, throw it away and wash hands
• avoid close contact with people who are sick

Colds are most contagious during the first 24 hours.  A child who has a fever needs to remain home until fever-free for 24 hours.  A child who has started antibiotics needs to be on medication for at least 24 hours to be considered non-contagious.
Often, when a child awakens with vague complaints, it is wise to observe the child at home for a few hours before making the decision to bring him or her to school.
Your child should be physically able to participate in all school activities upon return to school. Keeping a sick child at home will minimize the spread of infections and viruses in the classroom.
Please feel free to call me with questions at 860-828-4343. Thank you in advance for helping make this year at school as healthy as possible.