Pediatricians Say Students With Head Lice Can Stay In School

Read the article and listen to the audio here:

http://digital.vpr.net/post/pediatricians-say-students-head-lice-can-stay-school

Dear Parents of 4th Graders,

Today we learned about the Respiratory System and the effects of Tobacco and Smoking on our lungs and bodies. The students learned that there are more than 4000 chemicals and over 60 carcinogens in tobacco.
We looked at healthy lungs and compared them to a smokers lungs. We saw the effects that smoking can have on our lungs. We learned about the cost of smoking, not only monetarily but on our lives. We also talked about the effects of second hand smoking.
We talked about making Healthy Life Choices and what those choices may look like. We talked about 'life giving choices' and that some times this may mean not following or joining in with our friends. The students were given an opportunity to make an informed decision never to try tobacco products.

Feel free to call with any questions.  I really enjoyed being in the classroom with your students!

Sincerely,

Nurse Kristen

Welcome Back from Winter Break!

I hope you all had a relaxing and fun holiday with family and friends. Vacations are a great time to share fun times but also an opportune time to share lice. Most cases of lice are spread during summer, winter and holiday breaks. It is highly recommended to check your students head for lice every couple of weeks throughout the year and especially after school breaks. Please refer to the Health Office Blog Lice page for further information. Lice are always in the community. Regular head checks at home are the best way to catch lice early. Remember to avoid head to head contact, sharing of combs, brushes, hats and bed pillows to minimize exposure to lice. 

March is still a time for colds, flu and stomach bugs. Washing your hands and keeping your hands away from your face are your best defenses against getting sick! 

Keep germs from spreading, wash your hands often and well. 

Proper hand washing: 

1 Use warm water. 

2 Moisten hands/apply soap. 

3 Rub hands together for 20 seconds. 

4 Rinse thoroughly. 

5 Dry hands. 

**From the Vermont Dept. of Health. See poster @ https://www.google.com/search?sitesearch=healthvermont.gov&submit=Search+Our+Site&q=hand+washing

Sincerely,

Nurse Kristen

899-4680

Taste Test: "Bitty Bites"

Staff and students had the opportunity to try something new today. It is a vegetarian, meatless option, that is full of protein and calcium. Calcium is good for strong teeth and bones. A great food to try for dental awareness month.

More than 80% of the students opted to try the 'bitty bites' and all but one of the students liked them. All of the students that tried them and liked them said they would eat them again. Students are looking forward to seeing these on the hot lunch menu. 

Here is the recipe, if you would like to try them at home.

 Recipe taken from: New School Cuisine, Nutritious and Seasonal Recipes for School Cooks by School Cooks, Summer 2013, Pgs. 154-155

 

February is Dental Health Month

As part of the CESU Health Curriculum your child is learning to take responsibility for practicing healthy dental care. Kindergartners and First Graders have learned about good dental health habits - proper tooth brushing and dental care. 

You can help your child develop healthy dental habits by encouraging him/her to:

• Brush teeth for at least two minutes at least twice a day. (After breakfast and before  bed).
• Choose a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles. Change the toothbrush every 3-4 months, when bristles are worn and frayed, or after an illness.
• Floss teeth once a day. It is recommended that for children under 8 years old that a parent help the child floss.
• Choose tooth-healthy/nutritious foods and snacks.
• Visit the dentist twice a year.
• Use fluoride toothpaste. A pea size amount of toothpaste is enough to help fight cavities; make sure to spit it out afterwards.

When selecting snacks for your child, choose snacks that are not sticky and are low in sugar.  Here are some examples:

raw fruits and vegetables unsweetened cereal pretzels low-fat dairy products

The following is a list of items that are sticky and/or high in sugar and should be eaten less often or not at all.

caramels sugared soda and (fruit) juices cakes, cupcakes jelly beans, taffy fruit roll-ups and leather hard candies ice cream candy bars

You can encourage your child to brush after eating something sticky or high in sugar, in addition to brushing at the times listed above.

Another way for your child to have a healthy mouth is through the use of sealants.  A sealant is a plastic material that can be applied to your child’s teeth by a dentist.  Sealants act as barriers to plaque and acids.  You might want to discuss sealants with your child’s dentist.

Taste Testing: We wanted to try something new and something green, as a way to look forward to spring.

On Wednesday of this week, we tried our version of "Cheesy Italian Balls". A great way to enjoy green! They taste like a 'cheesy crackers'!

You can find the recipe here: 

http://chefronlock.com/recipes/baked-spinach-balls/

If you try these at home, let us know. If you try this with a variation, let us know. We love to hear about new healthy food options!

These "Cheesy Italian Balls" may appear on our lunch menu in the next few months. So, be 'Brave' and try one!!!

Mrs. Preston is cooking up something new in the kitchen!

It is green, crunchy and full of Vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for good vision, a healthy immune system and cell growth. Vitamin A plays a critical role in the normal formation and maintenance of the heart, lungs, kidneys and other organs.(1)

The students had the opportunity to try these after the special showing of a movie this morning. They would make a great addition to having popcorn while watching a movie at home with family or as a snack after school. And they are easy to make and good for you! These will be served as part of the lunch menu on Friday, January 24, 2014.

Thanks to all of you who tried this new food. And thank you Mrs. Preston for the great, crunchy treats!

(1)http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-HealthProfessional/
(2) Recipe taken from: New School Cuisine, Nutritious and Seasonal Recipes for School Cooks by School Cooks, Summer 2013, Pgs. 72-73