Health Services Newsletter
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As we begin the new year, our goal is to keep students healthy and learning. January and February are peak months for colds and flu, so thank you for keeping sick students home and promoting good hygiene.Ā Please read below for when to keep your kiddo home and when they can return to school, health and wellness information, and fun activities for the whole family! |
Your child should stay home and/or will be sent home for the following:
- fever ā„ 100.4Ā°F
- vomiting*
- diarrhea (3 or more episodes in 24 hours OR one episode with other concerning symptoms)
- rash of unknown cause or with fever, behavior change, drainage, or suspected communicable disease
- eye infections: red or pink eye with purulent discharge, pain, or eyelid crusting
- suspected communicable disease
*If a child experiences unwitnessed vomiting at school they will be monitored in the clinic for at least 30 minutes; comfort measures may be offered such as peppermint, small sips of water, or crackers as tolerated; if no vomiting is witnessed they will return to class.
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It is safe to return to school when you are:
- fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- vomit and/or diarrhea free for 24 hours OR provider clearance if diagnosis is non-contagious/non-infectious
- rash/eye infection has resolved OR provider clearance if diagnosis is non-contagious/non-infectious
- suspected communicable diseases: per disease-specific criteria or written physician clearance
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The next TWISD SHAC meeting is Tuesday February 10th from 2:00 - 2:40 PM via zoom. A SHAC is a group of parents, school staff, students, and community members who work together to support and improve student health and wellness across the district. SHAC provides recommendations to the school board on important topics like physical education, health education, nutrition, mental health, and school safetyāensuring our policies and programs reflect the needs of our students and families.
We invite parents and community members to join our SHAC and help shape a healthier future for our schools. Your voice matters, and your input makes a difference! Join the meeting to get involved!
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January 9 is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, a time to recognize and thank the law enforcement officers who help keep our schools and community safe. We are grateful for their dedication, professionalism, and partnership in supporting the well-being of our students and families. Please join us in showing appreciation for those who serve and protect our community every day. |
Our SROs play an important role in keeping our schools safe and supporting students, staff, and families. They do more than ensure safetyāthey serve as mentors, role models, and trusted adults for our students. We are grateful for our SROs, who who are committed to creating a safe and welcoming school environment. Show your appreciation with a kind word, note, or gesture of thanks for the officers who help keep our school safe every day! |
February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on heart health and lifesaving skills. All students in grades 7ā12 are offered Hands-Only CPR and Stop the Bleed training, taught by our school nurse. Additionally, Hands-Only CPR training is a graduation requirement, ensuring students leave our district prepared to respond in a cardiac emergency. These programs empower students with the confidence and skills to help save lives. Families can learn more about these lifesaving skills using the resources below:
We are also planning an upcoming community CPR certification class. This class will be open to students, staff, families, and anyone in the Three Way community. More information, including dates and registration details, will be shared soon. If you already know you're interested in attending, reach out to Nurse Allison! (contact information and a contact form are linked below)
At home, families can support heart health by encouraging heart-healthy habits! Key heart-healthy guidelines are:
- Be Active: aim for at least 60 minutes of activity a day
- Eat Well: focus on choosing nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and foods lower in sodium, added sugars, and saturated fats.
- Manage Stress & Get Enough Sleep
- Be a Role Model: kids learn by seeing parents make healthy choices!
Together, we can build healthier hearts and a safer community!
Heart Healthy Inspiration
- Outdoor Fun: tag, hide-and-seek, frisbee, basketball, biking, hiking, scavenger hunts, or a DIY obstacle course
- Indoor Movement: dance parties, balloon volleyball, hula hooping, jumping rope, active video games
- Family Activity Time: schedule daily walks, hikes, or backyard games
- Cooking: involve kids in meal planning, grocery shopping, and preparing fruits/veggies for snacks.
- Consistent Routines: set rules for screen time and ensure it doesn't interfere with sleep or activity; establish regular bedtimes and wake-up times to support overall health
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February is Dental Health Awareness Month, a great time to focus on building healthy dental habits that last a lifetime. Good oral health supports overall health, learning, and confidence in children of all ages.
We are thankful for our community partners who help support our students:
- Pre-K and Kindergarten students will receive dental health kits provided by Colgate
- 1st grade students will receive dental health kits provided by the Masonic Lodge
Families can support healthy smiles at home by encouraging students to brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, limit sugary foods and drinks, and visit the dentist for routine checkups.
Family Resources & Activities:
Thank you to our partners and families for helping promote healthy habits and bright smiles!
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Valentineās Day is a special time for our students to celebrate kindness, friendship, and inclusion at school. Classrooms may enjoy fun activities to recognize the day, and we appreciate families helping make celebrations positive and welcoming for all students.
To support students with food allergies and different dietary needs, families may wish to consider non-food Valentine options, which are fun, easy, and inclusive for everyone.
Non-Food Valentine Ideas:
- Stickers or temporary tattoos
- Pencils, crayons, or fun erasers
- Bookmarks
- Small notebooks or notepads
- Bubbles or mini play-dough
- Friendship bracelets
- Valentine cards or notes
Activity Idea: āKindness Heartsā
Students can decorate paper hearts and write or draw something kind about a classmate, teacher, or friend. Hearts can be shared with each other to spread kindness beyond the school day.
Popcorn Grams are available for purchase until February 10th and will be delivered on Valentine's day. Proceeds support the Senior Class. Click here for more information!
Thank you for helping make Valentineās Day a joyful and meaningful celebration for our students!
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If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following links:
- 254-965-6496
- awalker@twisd.us
- 247 CR 207 Stephenville, Tx 76401
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