Welcome to my web page.

 

1/3/13  Happy New Year!

 

Welcome Back! I hope everyone had a restful time off. A quick update on the Flu...as you are aware we have entered Flu season....The Cape May County Health Dept. is still offering Flu vaccinations for those who may still need one- you may call for an appointment or visit the next Flu clinic on Jan. 9 from 4pm-6pm. From what the CDC is reporting this years Flu vaccination is right on target with the circulating Flu virus so it offers excellent protection. However, it does take up to 2 weeks for the vaccination to reach peak effectiveness. Please watch for signs/symptoms of Flu (Flu F.A.C.T.S.- Fever, Aches, Chills, Tiredness, and Sudden onset). Should you develop illness see your physician for treatment as soon as possible, to lessen severity and course of the illness. Please call with any questions or concerns. WASH Those Hands!

 

***Parents please view the kidshealth link to the right for more information on flu and keeping your family healthy!

 

Mrs. B.

 

11/14/12

Reminder regarding medication administration in a school setting- NO oral medications, prescription or over the counter, can be administered by the school nurse without a written order from your child's physician/dentist. In the event that your child needs pain medication such as Tylenol or Advil a written order is needed from the physician/dentist. Please see me for a medication form. The medication needs to be supplied to the school with the order. Dr. Speer, the school physician, has written standing orders that I follow for first aid care that includes topical treatments only (Anbesol, triple antibiotic or first aid cream, Calamine lotion, cough drops, etc.). Thank you for your understanding, any questions please call me or stop in. Thank you! Mrs. Bossuyt

 

11/7/12

Happy November already! Where is the time going?! A few updates for you- as everyone is aware Stone Harbor Elementary school is sharing our building until their school is repaired, in the meantime Mrs. Wheaton (the Stone Harbor School Nurse) is sharing my nurses' suite. Children from both schools will be cared for by their school's nurse unless for absence or immediate unavailability. Should there be any questions or concerns please call our office at 967-7544 x3500.

 

Cough and Cold season is upon us.... please remember to wash hands more frequently and to avoid close contact (within 3 feet) those who are actively sick. Should your child be uncomfortable with cough and runny nose- please use your discretion on when to keep them home from school. If your child is running a fever over 100.4 degrees- please keep them home hydrate well and allow them to rest until they are fever free (without the aid of Tylenol or Advil) for at lease 24 hours. I do have cough drops in my office for the occasional sore throat or cough- should your child request these our school physician has approved the use of these so a separate physician order is not necessary. However, your child may bring in their own and I am happy to assist them should they not like mine. Remember to get your Flu vaccinations to help prevent the Flu this season!

 

Stay Healthy! Mrs. B.

 

 

 

 

 

 

9/7/12

Hello and Welcome Back! Thank you for visiting my website! I will post any health/medical updates or urgent messages at this site. Feel free the scroll down and read over prior postings...lots of good info. to keep in mind.

 

Big reminder! If you just entered 6th grade you should have had your immunization boosters this summer! See me if you have any questions- the mandatory Tdap and Menactra are due PRIOR to starting grade 6....so see me if there is any problems with meeting these requirements. I will be reviewing what has been turned in so far and making follow up calls this coming week. School exclusions will be recommended until these mandates are met. Thank you for your cooperation with these standards.

 

Students in grades 5 and 6 have an assignment this week to visit this website and to review the Health course syllabus with their parents/guardians. No need to copy anything- just sign off on their assignment books that this was completed prior to class on Friday 9/14.

 

That's it for now! Please call me should you have any questions or medical issues or set up a meeting with me. I wish everyone a wonderful new school year! We are happy to have you back!

 

Stay Healthy!

 

Mrs. B.

 

6/14/12

Reminder to incoming 6th grade students- immunizations need to be completed prior to the start of school in September. Please present a copy of the required immunizations as soon as possible to the front office staff. Also, those who will require medication during the school day please complete the medication authorization form and present medications at the start of school in September; those who have had medications administered this school year will have a form with their returned medications. August mailer will have additional medication forms, and a new health history to complete. The health history is required yearly, so please complete that as well as the emergency contact form for the front office. Thank you in advance for your attention to these matters! I wish everyone a VERY Happy and Restful Summer VACATION! Enjoy and see you in September! Mrs. B.

 

5/29/12

Attention all students entering the 6th grade in September- Please turn in  your immunization records asap with your Tdap and Menactra vaccinations recorded. This is a state vaccination requirement for admission to school. Also, anyone who received a vision referral or immunization delinquency reminder recently, please submit proof of vaccine and your signed referral slip. Enjoy the warm spring weather, use your sunscreen! Thank you for your attention to these important reminders.

Mrs. Bossuyt

 

 4/19/12

Just a quick reminder....D.A.R.E. graduation for the 5th grade students will be held today during their Health class time at 12:40. Parents/Guardians of the 5th graders are welcome to attend, the invitation was sent home with your child last week. Hope to see you later today! Mrs. Bossuyt

 

4/16/12

Welcome Back! I hope everyone had a restful break! Yearly health screenings are continuing this month, please check your mail for completed reports and referrals. Puberty lessons will begin for Grade 5 in the next few weeks, please watch for the announcement and sign and return form to me. If you have any questions or concerns please call. Grade 6 Immunization requirement letters will be mailed home this month or early May. Please have these state required immunizations completed before the 2012-2013 school year begins. Please turn in forms to Mrs. Bradley in the front office. I will be checking for these during the summer. Sixth graders who do not have the required immunizations prior to start of school in September may be excluded from school until these are completed.  As always please call if you have any questions or concerns. Have a Wonderful Spring! Mrs. B.

 

 2/2/12

As per Administrative request- Please be aware of the new weight percentages for  Health class for the 3rd Marking Period.  Classwork 30%; Tests 20%; Projects 20%; Homework 20%; Quizzes 10%.

 

 

1/27/12

Marking Period 2 ends today....Grades will be completed early next week, if there are any questions about Health grades please call me to discuss. Comments have been made under each assignment- this may clarify your questions so please review those first. I am setting up the annual screening schedule. Just as a reminder the yearly state mandated screenings include blood pressure check, vision, hearing, height, weight, BMI, and scoliosis exam. These screenings will start in February and continue until completed. All screenings are completed in my nurses' office, confidentially. I will send home via mail a report of any problems found as well as the BMI report. Please share these results with your child's health care provider. As always thank you for your continued support while caring for the  health of your children! Mrs. B.

 Go Red For Women event will be held here at Avalon Elementary School on Feb. 10, please show your support for this important Heart Health Awareness event! See me to make a donation and remember to WEAR RED to school on Friday, Feb. 10. Thank you! Mrs. B.

 

11/9/11

Just a quick reminder to present your child's immunization records and health updates (physicals) when there is a change of status...I need to keep their records up to date and current. Flu vaccines are still available if you are interested- please visit the Cape May County Dept. of Health website for additional information. Should you have any concerns with your child's Health grades, please call me. Enjoy the long weekend. Thank you for your continued support in teaming together for the health and welfare of the children of Avalon Elementary School! Mrs. B.

 

10/27/11

Time for your Flu vaccine- Please check with your child's physician for advice on the Flu vaccine for this year. Area flu clinics have been underway as well as being available at your primary care physician's office- please take advantage of this as it does take up to 2 weeks for your body to develop protection from flu. There has been cases of colds and upper respiratory illness in our school recently- so should your child be ill (coughing, fever (of 100. or higher), aches, chills, not feeling well, etc.) please have your child stay home to rest and recover, rather than spreading germs to another. Remember to call me when your child is absent for medical reasons- the front office will handle other calls but all illness/injury calls need to come to my attention. Thank you for your support and please feel free to call me with any concerns or questions. Happy Fall!

 

 

9/12/11

Welcome Back to School! I hope everyone had a restful and fun summer and are ready for a new school year! It was wonderful seeing both familiar and new faces this past week- I hope everyone is adjusting to the start of school well- remember to get enough sleep and eat well so you have energy for our busy school days.

 

Just a reminder for 6th graders- if you have not submitted your updated vaccination reports for Tdap and Menactra please do so immediately or see me if you concerns or questions.

 

Health classes are underway for grades 5,6, and 8- if there are any questions regarding content or grades please  call me- I am happy to go over this with you. On Course grading will be kept up to date weekly, if there is a problem or concern with a grade please call me.

 

Should a student require medications during the school day please see me for paper work and to review individual health issues. Should a student require crutches, cast, or splints- or other medical devices- please call me so proper arrangements can be made for class as well as physical education excuses. No student will participate in p.e. class with a cast or splint on- this is for the safety of all students. Physician notes are expected when a student is needing special medical equipment and excuses for p.e. Thank you for your cooperation.

 

I wish everyone a wonderful new school year!

 

 6/6/11 Summer is fast approaching....and with that the end of another school year.

Just a reminder as we begin wrapping up this school year- students entering sixth grade will need new immunizations (Tdap and Menactra) before the start of classes in September; please see me for details and any questions also please present record of these immunizations to the front office asap.

Remember to apply sunscreen when outside- the sun is already hot! Wishing everyone a safe and healthy summer break! See you in September:)

 

4/26/11

Welcome back from Spring break! I hope everyone enjoyed the week off and are healthy and ready to return to "work". Please keep me posted of any changes or updates in your child's health or vaccinations so I may keep their records up to date.  A reminder to all 5th grade parents- Tdap and Menactra vaccinations are needed before the start of 6th grade so make your child's appointment with their physicians now to received these important vaccinations. Also, remember to bring in the documentation once these vaccinations have been received. Thank you! Should you have any questions please call me at school to discuss. Have a wonderful week!

 

3/10/11

Hello! Keep an eye on your mail- I'm completing the screening letters this week and sending home the updates- should you have any questions please call me! Just a quick reminder to keep me posted on any health changes or new immunizations your child receives so I can update their health records.

 

We are still experiencing some illnesses at school such as the common cold, and now Strep throat. Please watch for any fevers, headache, red sore throats (tonsils may have white patches), tender and swollen neck glands, and a fine red "sand paper" like skin rash, and stomachache complaints are also common with this infection. Have child evaluated by their primary health care provider for a rapid strep test to confirm, antibiotics will be required. Again remember to keep your child home from school if they have a fever of 100 or above. Child must be fever free for 24 hours without any fever reducing medications before returning to school.

 

Remember this weekend to set your clocks ahead- Spring forward- for Daylight Savings time. This is also a good time to resume your seasonal allergy medications now as the tree pollens have begun in the Northeast over the last few weeks. Should you have symptoms of runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, nose or throat- this may be allergy not cold symptoms. Check out the Claritin website at www.claritin.com for more information on seasonal allergies. Other web sites to view are: Allergy and Asthma Network (www.aanma.org); American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (www.aaaai.org); Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (www.aafa.org) as well as the Mayo Clinic at (www.mayoclinic.com).

 

2/14/11

Happy Valentine's Day! A great big thank you to everyone who supported the AHA- Go Red for Women this month! As a school we raised $150.00! This is wonderful! I appreciated everyone's effort and we looked great Friday all in red!

This month I am still working on the children's health screenings. Look for information in the mail on your child's BMI and any referrals for vision or hearing screening issues- this will be sent out asap over the next few weeks. Any questions please call my office. Thank you.

 

2/1/11

Please support our school wide fundraising effort for the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, Go Red for Women strives to raise awareness and fund research for women's heart health. During health classes we will be discussing our hearts and risk factors for heart disease as well as warning signs for heart disease and stroke. Wear Red on February 11 to support our awareness of healthy hearts! Thank you!

 

1/26/11

Happy Winter....Student health screenings began last week and will continue through early February. Please check with your child to see if they were screened and if any problems where found expect to hear from me within the next few weeks. Should your child wear glasses it is advised to have yearly exams at their eye doctor to keep tract of any changes in their vision...their needs may change yearly. If your child is sick, remember to call me in the morning with their absence information and reason. The stomach virus is still going around our school as well as the community, please remember to wash hands frequently and stay home if sick. Stay warm and healthy! Mrs. B.

 

12/13/10

Hello!

Please remember to send me any new immunization or physical exam updates for individual student records. The Health Dept. will be in soon to audit all student records and any missing immunizations will be noted and letters sent home. Mandatory student health screenings (vision, height, weight, blood pressure, and hearing) will begin in January.

 

Look for information on the National Children's Dental Access Day scheduled in NJ on Friday, February 4, 2011 included in your January student calendar packets. This Dental program is for any student with financial need and who may not otherwise be able to have dental care access. The local site in Cape May county is at the Community Health Care Center in CMCH, there are other sites in Atlantic and Cumberland counties, please look for these papers or visit www.njda.org/gkas for more information, appointments are necessary.

 

I have applications for the NJ Family Care health insurance in my office should you need health insurance. I met with a representative in November and there have been qualifiying changes in the program, call me if you need a packet or stop in for one.

 

Remember to call me with any student illnesses or injuries when student is absent. There seems to be a stomach virus circulating in the county currently, please keep student home if they are vomiting, diarrhea, or with a fever, until 24 hours after symptoms have resolved. Thank you for your help in keeping our school community healthy! Remember to wash those hands!

 

I'd like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

 

9/29/10

Welcome to Fall :)

The Cape May County Free Drive-Through Flu Clinic is scheduled for October 17 from 9am-2pm for all those over age 14 at the Kindle Ford dealership in CMCH. Another Flu clinic will be scheduled at the CMC Department of Health in CMCH for Children and Their Parents (6mos-18yrs and parents) soon, please visit their website- cmchealth.net for details.

 

The fall allergy season is in full swing! Many are suffering from the ragweed pollens- symptoms may include itchy-red eyes, sore throats, coughing, sneezing, and runny noses. Symptoms may be lessened with the use of antihistamines such as Claritin- please discuss with your child's primary care practitioner or the pharmacist for more information.

 

Should your child become sick and need to stay home from school- please remember to call me with the information rather than notifying the front office- I may have questions or need to discuss more with you. I will inform the office of your child's absence.

 

As always please follow the medication policy in place- medications need to be presented to my office with a primary care practitioner's order, your written permission form, and medications in the original packaging, no baggies with pills please! Feel free to call me anytime with questions or concerns, leave me a voice message if I am unable to answer your call and I'll get back to you. Have a fantastic and healthy school year! Remember to WASH YOUR HANDS.......

 

 

6/22/10

Wishing everyone a happy and safe summer break! If your child had a vision or hearing referral sent home this past spring please follow up with your physician over the summer and have your child examined. Students entering sixth grade will need to submit immunization requirements prior to our first day of school in September so please have this completed as soon as possible so your child does not miss any school days. Those students who have medication requirements during the school year have received their paperwork to complete with their physicians, should you need paperwork please see the front office or see me in September. Remember I can not administer any medications without your physician's order. Thank you for your attention to these important reminders! Happy Summer, Enjoy!

 

6/2/10

Summer is just around the corner....please remember to be safe in the sun...students are learning about sun safety and summer safety in health classes. Parents of 5th graders...please be on the look out for the second notice letter regarding the mandatory immunizations for entering 6th grade in September. The Cape May County Health Dept. has a low-cost vaccine program going on now that includes the mandatory immunizations...please make your appointments asap and notify me in writing of your child's immunization status asap. Thank you! Call if you have any questions. Have a Happy and Healthy Summer!

 

4/30/10

Just a reminder to parents and guardians- please update me with any changes in your child's health or any contagious illness (i.e. strep throat, flu, stomach virus, etc.) being treated so that I may notify and  protect the other children in the classroom...thank you. Also, students entering grade 6 next fall need to present documentation of receiving the required vaccinations of Tdap and meningococcal vaccine prior to start of school in September. Please call or see me with any questions. Thank you! Enjoy the warm weather this weekend! :)

 

If you received a referral letter for vision or hearing issues please update me on the outcome of your child's physician visit, any questions please call me here at school. Thank you!

 

3/24/10 Happy Spring! Finally....

 

BMI letters and screening referrals have been sent home (first grade to be completed this week and sent asap), please call me if you have any questions.

 

Today I was notified by the Cape May County Health Dept. that  confirmed cases of Norovirus have been noticed in our county. This is a gastrointestinal illness that causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Symptoms usually last 1-2 days and usually no medical care is required. This is a highly infectious illness, therefore, if students develop these symptoms please have them stay home for 24 hours after resolution of symptoms (fever and headache may accompany). Disinfect home environment carefully to prevent further spread within the family and always remember to wash hands frequently with soap and water after caring for those who are ill, using bathroom, and before eatting or preparing food (hand sanitizers are ineffective against norovirus). For more information on norovirus please see the Cape May County Health Dept. web site (www.cmchealth.net) or the CDC web page. As with any illness or injury resulting in an absence from school, please inform me at x 3500. Thank you!

 

 

2/16/10 Back from the Snow.....

Annual Student health screenings continue this month. Grades 5-8 are completed and letters have been sent home, if you have any questions regarding your child's screening please call me. Grades 3 and 4 have been screened, I am still working on their BMI reports and referral letters, these should be completed by the end of this week. I plan on screening the 1st graders on 2/17 and 2/18, and will reschedule the 2nd graders screenings for 2/23 and 2/24. Please keep me informed of any health changes for your children as they arise. Thank you.

 

1/4/10 HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Welcome back! A reminder about the H1N1 vaccination: Children under 10 will need a second dose, please attend one of the Cape May County Health Department clinics or contact your private physician for an appointment. Two clinics scheduled for January are: January 6 at the Wildwood H.S. from 4-7pm and on January 11 at the Ocean City H.S. from 4-7pm.

 

Also, annual student health screenings will begin this month, I will inform you of any problems as these are completed. Please keep me informed if your child has had a recent physical or any vaccinations, or vision exams so I can update their student health records.

 

12/9/09 Attention: There will be no H1N1 followup clinic for students under 10 years old. The Cape May County Health Dept. has cancelled further school based clinics, however, they will be advertising their public clinics and students who need the second H1N1 dose will need to make arrangements to attend a public clinic outside of school hours. I am sorry for any inconveniences this may cause. Please remember the 25-28 day wait period required before setting up your child's next dose. Thank you.

 

11/30/09 The H1N1 followup clinic for students under 10 will be arranged by the Cape May County Health Dept., generally there is a 25-28 day wait before second dose is given, it may be longer than this, but not sooner. Should you have any questions please call. Hope everyone is staying healthy! (our first clinic was held on 11/24/09)

 

Health classes are now working on nutrition for the second marking period. Happy Healthy Eating during our holiday season! Ask your children what we are learning so they can share all their great information with you at home, remember our paperwork stays in their health folders until the units are completed, then look for them to come home in a large bundle to review. Thank you!

 

WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL! I hope everyone had a restful and healthy summer break:) Please remember to update your child's health forms and return as soon as possible. If there is any new medical issues you would like to discuss with me please call my office at extension 3500. If your child will need any medication during the school day, please see me for a medical form that your doctor can complete, remember no medications may be carried by your child during the school day and I need a medical note to administer medications. Please be assured that the Avalon staff and custodians are working hard to keep our environment germ free, please do your part as well- encourage frequent hand washing or use of hand sanitizers, eating well, and getting enough rest, as well as staying home when sick. Children will need to be fever free for 24 hours without the use of any Motrin or Tylenol before returning to school after an illness. Thank you for your help in keeping our school healthy! I hope everyone has a wonderful school year! 

 

HEALTH Classes- This first marking period the students (Grades 1-4, and 7th) are gearing up for Flu and Cold season by learning about health and good hygiene practices. Please ask them to teach you the proper way to wash hands. As always, should you have any concerns regarding your student's health grade, progress, or lesson topics,  please call me at school, my extension is 3500.

 

5/15/09 Reminder to all Parents: Please remember to send in a copy of any new/recent immunizations that your children may receive while having well visits at your doctors office. This will help to keep your child's health records current. Thank you.

 

H1N1 Influenza:

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I am sure you are aware of the national outbreak of Swine Influenza from listening to the news. The CDC and the National Association of School Nurses is recommending that we continue to practice good hygiene practices of covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding touching face, eyes, nose, and mouth, wash hands frequently, stay home if you are sick, especially if you have a fever, and avoid others who are sick. For more information on H1N1 Flu please visit the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/. I have instructed the staff and students to continue practicing the hygiene measures above and frequent hand-washing is being discussed again in our health classes. If you have any questions you may call me here at school or discuss with your medical doctor.

 

Attention Parents and 5th Grade Students: Please Read requirements below and Provide Proof of Vaccination of Tdap and Meningococcal vaccine prior to the start of the upcoming school year.

 

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS
Every child born on or after January 1, 1997, and entering or attending Grade 6 will be required to receive one dose of Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria,acellular pertussis)given no earlier than the 10th birthday.  If your child has received a TD booster within the last 5 years, the child shall be exempt until 5 years have elapsed from the last TD booster.
Every child born on or after January 1, 1997, and entering Grade 6 will be required to have one dose of a meningococcal-containing vaccine.

 

Attendance reminder:

 

Please call my office to report a student absence at 967-7544 x 3500. Leave your name, child's name and reason for absence. If I do not receive a call or message from the front office, I will make phone calls home to notify you of the absence. Upon the child's return to school, please provide a letter stating reason for absence. If an extended absence for illness a note from the doctor is requested with a diagnosis. Any questions please call me. Thank you.

 

Some reasons to keep your sick child home from school are: a fever of 100 degrees or higher for the past 24 hours, vomiting within the last 24 hours, and/or excessive coughing or runny nose (common cold signs and symptoms) that is uncomfortable to child and disruptive to classroom activities.

 

Please encourage frequent hand washing, and avoidance of other sick individuals during the flu season, which is October through the end of March. Flu shots are recommended. Please seek further advice and vaccination from your primary care physician or if you need information on area health centers or clinics please call me.

 

 

Medication Administration in the School:

 

No medication, prescribed or "over-the-counter" will be given to any student unless a licensed physician or dentist has ordered it. These guidelines will be followed:

 

1. Written orders are to be provided to the school from the private physician/dentist.

2. The parent/guardian will provide a written request for administration of the prescribed medication at school and the time the last dose was given at home.

3. A responsible person will bring the medication to school in the original container. The pharmacy or the physician should appropriately label the container.

4. The school will provide a secure locked space for the safe storage of the medicine.

5. The records are required to be maintained by the school nurse.

 

I have medication forms available in my office for the physician to complete as well as permission to administer, please see me if you should need them. If the medication is only to be given for one or two days, you the parent/guardian may come to school and administer the medication to your child. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. The safety of your child is my main priority. Also, I do have cough drops and sore throat lozenges available in my office that have been  prescribed by the school physician , so it is not necessary for you to get doctors order for these. However, if your child has certain cough drops they like, I can store them in my office for their use.