Concussion policy
	April 20, 2012
	Gordon has adopted a formal concussion policy, which documents the ways that teachers, staff and coaches respond to head injuries.   To comply with state regulations, when a student's injury meets certain criteria, the parents will be asked to obtain a physician's permission before the student can participate in PE, athletics or other vigorous activities.   Concussion policy Center for Disease Control symptom checklist referenced in the policy

	Spring reminders
	Monday, April 16th
	The warm weather is trying to return and with that comes more time outside. Here are some springtime reminders:   Please remind your children that the same safety rules apply to the playground after school that are in place during school.    If needed, please remember to apply sunscreen in the morning before coming to school. Sunscreen, sunglasses and hats can be kept in students’ cubbies. Some children do have sunscreen allergies, so please remind your child not to share their sunscreen.   Overheating can happen quickly. Please remind children to use their water bottles and to tell an adult if they or one of their friends feels weak, faint, dizzy, nauseous or has cramps in their legs or abdomen.   The prediction is for an increased number of insects this year due to the mild winter. Tick prevention will be important.   In addition to your regular primary care provider, the Center For Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov/ticks) and the Academy of Pediatrics (www.healthychildren.org) have great resources online. The highlights are as follows: Avoid wooded and bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter. Walk in center of trails. There are repellents available for skin and/or clothing. The Environmental Protection Agency has a list of registered repellents at http://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/ Check children for ticks each night. Ticks can also ride home on clothing, gear, and pets. If your child develops a rash, fever, headaches, or muscle aches within several weeks of removing a tick contact your primary care provider.    Seasonal allergies are also on the rise at the moment. If your child needs to have over the counter allergy medication while at school, please fill out the medication form and bring the medication in its original container to the health office.    Most importantly. enjoy the great weather! Please contact the nurse's office at 401 434-3833 if you have any questions or concerns.

	Hearing tests in Kindergarten, first and second grades
	February 21st
	Please look over the brief questionairre.   If the answer to any question is "yes", please fill it out and submit it.

	Flu clinic update
	Wednesday, October 19th
	The flu clinic is happening tonight (Wednesday the 19th) despite what might be indicated elsewhere!   Schools come off the preregistration site a few days before the clinic, but preregistration is not required. Come on down!   Details below.

	Flu clinic October 19th
	On Wednesday, October 19th, Gordon will host a flu vaccination clinic for students. The RI Department of Health, in conjunction with the Wellness Company, will be managing the clinic. The clinic will be staffed with licensed healthcare professionals who will administer vaccinations and monitor and manage any adverse reactions. This year’s seasonal flu vaccine will also include protection from the H1N1 flu virus.   Please arrive according to this schedule: 3:45pm – Nursery, Preschool, Young Kindergarten, Kindergarten  4:30pm – First, second, and third grade 5:15pm – Fourth, fifth, sixth 5:45pm – Seventh and eighth grade, faculty and staff   This schedule has been prepared to ensure the youngest children are vaccinated as early as possible. If you have children in multiple grades, please come to the designated time of the child in the lowest grade.    The seasonal flu vaccine provided to school age children will be administered via injection or intranasal route.    An adult must accompany each student.   According to the RI Department of Health, children will need to stay in the observation area for fifteen minutes following the administration of the vaccine .  What do you need to do?   1. Register online at www.thewellcomp.com/school or fill out the forms at the clinic.    2. Consult with your child’s pediatrician or family physician if your child has an egg allergy   3. On the day of the vaccination clinic, dress your child in a short sleeved shirt or clothing that can be easily rolled up If you have any further questions regarding the clinic, please feel free to contact the nurse's office at (401) 434-3833 x141 or shorton@gordonschool.org

	Welcome back!
	Dear Gordon Parents and Guardians,   Here is some important reference material as you prepare for the upcoming school year: A description of Gordon’s Health Services Program, Gordon’s policy in dealing with students with allergies, Information regarding the control and treatment of head lice, Information regarding Gordon’s voluntary participation in this year’s seasonal flu vaccination clinic Here are some references I drew on for this information: Food Allergy http://www.foodallergy.org/ Influenza http://www.health.ri.gov/flu Immunization http://www.health.ri.gov/immunization Pediculosis http://www.cdc.gov/lice/ I will be available at the upcoming orientation on September 6th to answer any questions you may have. If you need to contact me before then, please email me at shorton@gordonschool.org.