DISTRICT NURSES
The District Nurses are located in Bedford High School, Room D-6B,
8285 Jackman Road, Temperance, MI 48182
DISTRICT NURSE: Karen Weis, RN, BSN, Phone: 734-850-6034
DISTRICT NURSE: Mindy Klawonn, RN, BSN, Phone: 734-850-6034
Fax: 734-850-6099
WHEN SHOULD I KEEP MY KIDS HOME FROM SCHOOL?
COVID SCREENING TOOL FOR BEDFORD FAMILIES
In an effort to control germs and prevent the spread of illness at school, please review and follow our district’s guidelines based on the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Divisions of Communicable Disease & Immunization recommendations below:
FEVER
Fever: A child has a temperature of 100.4°F taken by mouth or 99.4°F taken under the arm. The child should not return until 24 hours of no fever, without the use of fever-reducing medications.
**Children must be fever-free, without using fever-reducing medication for 24 hours before returning to school.**
If your child has a fever on Monday...can't return to school before Wednesday
If your child has a fever on Tuesday...can't return to school before Thursday
If your child has a fever on Wednesday...can't return to school before Friday
If your child has a fever on Thursday...can't return to school before Monday
If your child has a fever on Friday...can't return to school before Monday
Example: If your child is sick on Monday and DOESN'T have a fever on Tuesday and HASN'T USED MEDICINE ON TUESDAY TO KEEP THE FEVER DOWN, then your child can return to school on Wednesday. If your child still has a fever on Tuesday, then he or she should not return before Thursday. (Avoid using aspirin, or medications with Aspirin in them, since aspirin may cause Reye's Syndrome, a rare, but serious, illness.)
DIARRHEA
Diarrhea may be difficult for a child to manage in school and may be a symptom of a contagious illness. Diarrhea can also be very upsetting to a child. Treatment requires diet modifications, rest, and fluids which should be managed at home. A child should have no loose stools for 24 hours prior to returning to school. Exception: A healthcare provider has determined it is not infectious and documentation is provided to the school.
VOMITING
Vomiting: A child that is vomiting should have no vomiting episodes for 24 hours prior to returning to school. Exception: A healthcare provider has documented it is not infectious and documentation is provided to the school.
RASH
Rash: If your student has an undiagnosed rash, the child should be seen by a medical provider. We will exclude until the rash subsides or until a healthcare provider has determined it is not infectious with documentation provided to the school.
COUGHS, RUNNY NOSES, SNEEZING
Active, heavy coughing with a runny nose and sneezing are symptoms that may need a doctor’s evaluation. Allergy symptoms can be controlled with medication. A child with a cold needs additional rest and fluids to avoid complications and should remain home until symptoms have diminished.
OTHER COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
Other communicable diseases. Children diagnosed with certain communicable diseases may have to be excluded for a certain period of time. We will follow Managing Communicable Diseases in Schools.
* These are general recommendations. Please consult your local health department or medical provider for additional guidance.
These guidelines will help to protect your child from picking up another infection when he or she is rundown and it will help to reduce the spread of illness at school.
If you have any questions with these recommendations including physician notes, and other communicable diseases, please contact your school nurse.
Also, remind your children to:
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Wash their hands often with soap and water.
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Cover their coughs or sneezes with a tissue, or use their elbow, arm, or sleeve to cover their nose or mouth when a tissue is not available.
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Not to share personal items, including food and drinks.
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Get your family vaccinated for seasonal flu.
IMMUNIZATION INFORMATION
Updated and complete immunization records are required for all new students coming in to the district, grades 1-12, even if they were previous enrolled, left the district and subsequently returned to BPS.
Additionally, all schools in Michigan are required to report the immunization status of all 7th grade students by November 1st of each year.
All 7th grade students must have documentation from a health professional of the following immunizations:
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Complete series of diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus vaccine (DTP, DTaP, DT, or Td). Additionally, one dose of Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) for children 11 - 18 years of age if it's been 5 years since the last dose of tetanus.
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Three (3) doses of polio vaccine
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Two (2) doses of measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine after 12 months of age
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Three (3) doses of hepatitis B vaccine
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Two (2) doses of chickenpox (varicella) vaccine (or approximate date of chickenpox disease)
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One (1) dose of meningococcal vaccine for children 11-18 years of age.
Occasionally, immunization requirements are different between states. The current requirements are slightly different between Ohio and Michigan. If your child's doctor is in Ohio, it will be important to take this letter with you to your child's next appointment, so your physician can review those differences. The 7th grade immunization assessment will help assure that all school-aged children are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.
If your child needs immunizations, you should contact your physician or the Monroe County Health Department.
If you have any questions regarding school immunization requirements, you may call Bedford Public Schools Health Services at: (734) 850-6034, or the Monroe County Health Department at (734) 240-7812.
Thank you for your assistance in providing the school office with updated immunization information.
Sincerely,
Karen Weis, RN, BSN
Mindy Klawonn, RN, ADN
District Nurses
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
End the Stigma and Be In...Informed-Involved-Inspired.
A couple of websites to help with the"Be Informed" part:
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/our-history
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/bell
Additional informational resources are available on the following topics:
-- Depression- What You Need to Know
-- Eating Disorders-About More Than Food
-- Generalized Anxiety Disorder-When Worry Gets Out of Control
-- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder-When Unwanted Thoughts or Irresistible Actions Take Over
-- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder-Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence or Disaster
RESOURCE LOCATOR
Need help with mental health questions or substance abuse and do not know where to start looking? Check out the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for programs/resources in your area.
Contact Community Mental Health at 800-886-7340 if you need additional resources.
Monroe County Mental Health Resource Guide
FREE WEBSITE/APP FOR PERSONAL SUPPORT
Monroe Community Mental Health Authority is now offering a free website/app. Personal support for you is available in a web/mobile tool to help you get better and stay mentally strong. It is safe, secure, and offers personalized resources to improve your mood and help you overcome challenges. Go to www.mystrength.com and click on "Sign Up." Enter Access Code: MCMHACommunity
IN AN EMERGENCY
Dear Parents and Guardians:
The safety of the school environment where your children spend their day is a top priority. In view of heightened security measures throughout our country, we have met with representatives of Monroe County's local school districts, parochial and independent schools, the Monroe County Intermediate School District, community law enforcement agencies, and the Monroe County Emergency Management Division and have made preparations to respond appropriately to an external threat. The federal government has established the Homeland Security Advisory System to oversee procedures that will protect citizens throughout our nation. When our country is under a high alert (orange), we are asked to be alert, but the business of everyday life should continue as usual. In the case of a severe alert (red), we are asked to increase security measures; however, the schools will not close unless directed to do so by the Emergency Management Division. Likewise, if a severe alert is announced during evening hours when school activities are taking place, these activities will not be cancelled unless the Emergency Management Division requires cancellation.
If a severe alert is declared, do not panic. Stay as calm as possible. We want to let you know how you can help us in the event of an emergency. Please follow these guidelines:
- First, ensure your own safety.
- Know that your children are safe and sheltered in place; do not come to school.
- Do not call school; this will tie up emergency lines that must remain open.
- Listen to the radio or television for current information and instructions. The media, websites and specific hotlines will be activated for communication.
- If your child's stay at school is extended beyond the regular time, you will receive information about the place and time you can pick up your child. All school districts throughout Monroe County have current and up-to-date safety plans. Your children are surrounded daily by professionals who have dedicated their lives to helping their students; in the event of an emergency, you can count on these caring individuals to keep your children secure.
Our best preparation for any situation is a well-informed community and a coordinated response by local emergency and school officials. We feel that we have taken every opportunity to make these preparations. You can be assured that your children's safety at school is our foremost priority; our schools will continue to be the safe havens they have always been.
Thank you for your cooperation as we take these precautionary actions on behalf of our children.