We're already seeing active flu cases across the district.
- Flu tends to hit fast: fever, chills, body aches, cough, and feeling wiped out
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A yearly flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older, and it's not too late. Talk to your medical provider.
- Handwashing with soap and water and covering coughs still go a long way
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We've also had cases of pertussis show up here at Collister.
- It starts like a regular cold, then turns into hard coughing fits that can end in a "whoop" or vomiting, and it can drag on for weeks
- Got a cough that won't quit? Call your provider. Vaccines are the best protection, so it's a good time to make sure your child is up to date.
- If your child is diagnosed, let us know. They'll need to stay home for 5 days after starting antibiotics.
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There are two main types. Type 1 isn't caused by anything a family did, and it can't be prevented. Type 2 is showing up more and more in kids, and everyday habits go a long way toward preventing it.
Habits that help:
- Move every day. Kids need about 60 minutes of active play.
- Make water the go-to drink. Soda, sports drinks, and juice add up to a lot of sugar.
- Get good sleep and keep screen time in check
Know the signs. Call your provider if your child is suddenly very thirsty, running to the bathroom a lot (or wetting the bed again), extra tired, or losing weight without trying.
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A few easy ways to keep those teeth happy:
- Brush for 2 minutes, twice a day, with fluoride toothpaste, and floss once a day
- Save treats for mealtime instead of grazing all day. Teeth need a break from sugar.
- Swish with water after sweets. Sticky and sour candies are the hardest on teeth.
💡 Same habit, two wins: cutting back on sugary snacks and drinks protects teeth and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes.
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I'm still making my way through every grade, K–6, with our Health & Illness lessons: how germs spread, how the immune system fights back, what vaccines do, and the most important one, proper handwashing. With flu season here, the timing couldn't be better.
Ask your child to show you how long to scrub. (Hint: 20 seconds.)
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We're finishing up dental and vision screenings for Kindergarten, 2nd and 5th grade this month.
Nothing is needed from you. We'll be in touch if we see anything worth a follow-up with your provider.
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With cold and flu season here, a quick reminder:
- Every medication given at school, even over-the-counter ones like Tylenol, Motrin, or allergy medicine, needs a completed Medication Authorization Form on file first
- Please drop medications off at the front office in the original container, clearly labeled with your child's name
- Need a form? Email or call us and we'll get one to you.
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Your child can come back to school when:
- They've been fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine (like Tylenol or Motrin)
- They've gone 24 hours with no vomiting or diarrhea, also without medicine
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Or you have a note from your doctor saying they can attend school
Pertussis is different. Students with whooping cough need to stay home for 5 days after starting antibiotics.
Not sure about a symptom? Call us. We'd rather answer a quick question than have you guess.
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One more thing: please let us know about any injury, illness, or change in your child's health that might call for accommodations or activity restrictions at school — a cast, crutches, no PE or recess, anything like that.
Wishing your family a happy, healthy Thanksgiving!
— Kasey & Mardi
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