Denali Montessori School

As you all know, winter is quickly approaching, and with that comes the need for appropriate winter clothing. Our Anchorage weather requires proper clothing for Denali students going to and from school as well as outdoor recess. The Anchorage School District policy allows students to go outside for recess until the temperature drops below -10 degrees. The dangers of frostnip and frostbite are increased when children are improperly clothed.

The properly dressed Denali student wears…
A firm fitting hat or cap that covers the ears
A warm wind resistant coat or jacket that zips or snaps
Gloves or mittens
Snow pants
Lined boots

Thank you for sending your child to school dressed for our chilly winter weather.

Nurse Pattie

Notes from the Nurse

The fall season is upon us. At a recent conference, Dr. Thad Woodard, a local pediatrician mentioned September was the busiest month for his pediatric office. With children getting as many as eight colds per year or more, this viral infection of the upper respiratory tract is the most common infectious disease in the US and the number-one reason children visit the doctor and stay home from school.

Most colds are caused by rhinoviruses (the name comes from the “rhin” the Greek word for nose) that are in invisible droplets in the air we breathe or on things we touch. More than 100 different rhinoviruses can infiltrate the protective lining of the nose and throat, triggering an immune system reaction that can make your child’s throat sore, his or her head ache, and can make it hard for your child to breathe through the nose.

The first symptoms of a cold are often a tickle in the throat, a runny or stuffy nose, and sneezing. Kids with colds may also have a sore throat, cough, headache, mild fever, fatigue, muscle aches and loss of appetite. The discharge from your child’s nose may change from watery to thick yellow or green.

Colds are most contagious during the first 2 to 4 days after symptoms appear, and may be contagious for up to 3 weeks. You can catch a cold from person-to-person contact or by breathing in virus particles that are spread through the air by sneezing or coughing. Touching the mouth or nose after touching skin or another surface contaminated with a rhinovirus can also spread a cold.

Because so many viruses cause them, there isn’t a vaccine that can protect against catching colds. But to help prevent them, your child should:

* wash their hands thoroughly and frequently

* cover their noses and mouths when coughing or sneezing (cough into their elbows)

* not touch their eyes, nose, and mouth

* not drink from the same glass, can, or bottle as anyone else

You should follow up with your child’s doctor if you think your child might have more than a cold, or if he or she is getting worse instead of better. Like most virus infections, colds just have to run their course. Getting plenty of rest, avoiding vigorous activity, and drinking lots of fluids-juice, water and decaffeinated beverages-all may help your child feel better while on the mend.

Please call me at 742-4501 if you any questions or concerns.

Nurse Pattie