Mrs. Holly Harris, RN
898-0375
Kindergarten Parents
New recommendation for the 08/09 School Year
Effective July 1, 2008, the state of Virginia is recommending 2 doses of the varicella(chickenpox) vaccine to enter kindergarten. This is for all susceptible children (those who
have not had the chicken pox) who were born after January 1, 1997. The first dose must be
administered at age 12 months or older. The second dose is given at age 4-6 years before
entering kindergarten.
Fifth Grade Parents
New for rising 6th graders for the 08-09 School Year:
Legislation has just been passed at the state level requiring the new Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) booster for all rising 6th grade students effective at the start of the 08/09 school year. Please contact your health care provider to update your child’s immunization records if they have not had a tetanus booster in the past 5 years.
In 2005 the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) reported 20,000 cases of pertussis (whooping cough) which is the most cases in 40 years. There has been a resurgence because they’ve learned that immunity wears off after 5-10 years. That leaves adolescents susceptible to pertussis, since currently, the last immunization for it is given prior to starting kindergarten. Because pertussis is highly contagious, adolescents become a huge reservoir of this disease, increasing the risk to all family members.
New Student Physicals
The State of Virginia requires all students newly enrolling in Virginia schools in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade to have a "Comprehensive School Physical" within the past 12 months of the first day of school. This does not apply to transfer students from one Virginia school to the next. This also includes a current immunization record. Students must have this physical completed prior to the first day of school.
Lost and Found
The Lost and Found is located in the cafeteria and is full of jackets, sweatshirts, etc, etc. Please claim all items prior to the last day of school. All leftover items will be donated to charity.
Birthday/Class Treats
Please be aware that we have students with a variety of food allergies and medical conditions that require special diets. Please work with your child's classroom teacher ahead of time to plan any treats you are going to bring in. Often we can arrange for substitutions for students with special dietary needs if prior notice is given. Please do not offer any student a "treat" without permission from the classroom teacher.
Below are some helpful links that contain information to use when your child is ill.
Check back frequently for updates.