Updated 3/4/2024

This is a photo of Nurse Julie Lizanecz

Julie Lizanecz, MBAHM, BSN, RN

ALL student absences must be reported to the NURSE or FRONT OFFICE

ILLNESS RELATED → REPORT TO NURSE

NON-ILLNESS RELATED → REPORT TO FRONT OFFICE

****NOTIFYING THE STUDENT'S TEACHER DOES NOT FULFILL THE ABSENCE REPORTING REQUIREMENT****

POSITIVE COVID TEST? HERE’S WHAT TO DO!

CDC released updated recommendations for how people can protect themselves and their communities from respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. The new guidance brings a unified approach to addressing risks from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, such as COVID-19, flu, and RSV, which can cause significant health impacts and strain on hospitals and health care workers. CDC is making updates to the recommendations now because the U.S. is seeing far fewer hospitalizations and deaths associated with COVID-19 and because we have more tools than ever to combat flu, COVID, and RSV.

RETURN TO SCHOOL WHEN:

Return to normal activities (including school) when, for at least 24 hours, symptoms are improving overall, and if a fever was present, it has been gone without use of a fever-reducing medication. For more guidance, please click this LINK.

Once people resume normal activities, they are encouraged to take additional prevention strategies for the next 5 days to curb disease spread, such as taking more steps for cleaner air, enhancing hygiene practices, wearing a well-fitting mask, keeping a distance from others, and/or getting tested for respiratory viruses.




ALLERGY SYMPTOMS VS COLD SYMTPOMS

Fall is upon us, and this could mean an increase in allergy symptoms. Please refer to this guide when trying to determine if your student should be taking some Claritin and jumping on the bus, or getting back into bed for some rest. 

Common symptoms of BOTH allergies and colds:

  • Runny/stuffy nose

  • Sneezing

  • Fatigue

  • Cough

Allergy symptoms (that you’re less likely to have with a cold)

  • Watery, red or swollen eyes

  • Itchy nose, eyes or roof of the mouth

  • Thin, watery and clear mucus

  • Facial swelling

Cold symptoms (that are rare, or don’t occur as often with allergies can include)

  • General aches and pains

  • Thick yellow or green mucus

  • Fever (mostly in children)

Remember, intermittent coughing and/or a runny nose is to be expected with both colds and allergies, and is not in itself a reason to stay home from school.  However, students with a fever or an uncontrollable cough should stay home until they feel better no matter the cause of their symptoms. *Note: students with a fever must be fever free for overnight without fever reducing medication before returning to school. As always, if your student’s symptoms are not resolving or are getting worse, please make an appointment with their PCP for an evaluation. 

Nutrition Is Vital For Health and Growth!! See what the York School Department is cooking up for MARCH!

VES breakfast

VES lunch

VACCINE INFORMATION

COVID-19 VACCINE

It is recommended that everyone aged 6 years and older get an updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, even if you have received one or more doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, or Novovax vaccines in the past.

  • This applies to anyone who may have previously been infected with COVID-19, whether vaccinated or not.

  • People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional doses of updated Pfizer- BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

  • Talk to your health care provider about timing for additional doses.

  • For more information, read more here

COVID TESTING INFORMATION

Looking for a more COVID-19 vaccination sites for yourself or your child? Please visit this LINK for all Maine vaccination sites.

Click HERE to order free COVID-19 home tests. You can place a new order each month!

LOOKING FOR A FLU SHOT?

Drive-through Flu Shot Clinics are being held at the York Hospital Walk-in Clinic (343 US Rt 1, York, Maine) on the following dates and times: ** Arrive for your flu shot prepared by clicking this Link for the consent form and more info from York Hospital.

There are no dates currently scheduled for drive -through flu shots clinics at York Hospital Walk-in. Webpage will be updated when information is available.

In the meantime, you can get flu shots at your doctor's office and at retailers such as Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS, and Walmart.

MENTAL HEALTH

It's OK to not be OK sometimes!

Mental Health & Emotional Wellness Resources

American Academy of Pediatrics - handouts on managing anxiety, depression, behaviors, etc.

AAP Parenting Website - articles on healthy sleep habits, stress, supporting kids through divorce, etc.

National Alliance on Mental Illness

**Contact your student's health care provider to determine appropriate action to take.

Please reach out to Julie Lizanecz, RN or Amanda Benoit, Guidance Counselor if your student is struggling.

TICK BOURNE DISEASES IN MAINE

Deer Tick Sizes

Types of Ticks

Most Common Ticks In Maine

There are 14 species of ticks that have been identified in Maine, but the 2 species that commonly bite humans are deer ticks and dog ticks. 

Deer Tick vs. Dog Tick: Though dog ticks are larger than deer ticks when compared to each other (see above photo), it may be hard to identify them by their size alone, since all ticks are tiny when they are in their nymph or larve stages. The best way to differentiate dog ticks from deer ticks is by the appearance of their backs, and the time of year you see them.  It's good to know which type of tick bit you, since deer ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme, Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis, Borrelia Miyamotoi and Powassan. 

Dog Ticks: Both male and female dog ticks have white markings on their backs, and short mouthparts . They are active from April through July. 

Deer TIcks:  Adults are the size of an apple or sesame seed and nymphs are the size of a poppy seed. The female has a smaller capitulum (shield on the back, close to the head) because they need more space in their abdomen to store blood for laying eggs. She may have a red colored abdomen. The male has a larger capitulum, and because of this appears to be more one color. The nymphs are active from June through August and the adults are active from October through December (NOW!!). 

If you or someone you know has a tick attached to your body, remove the tick with a pair of tweezers. Do not use vaseline, hot match ends, etc. in an attempt to get them to "back out".  Simply pull the tick off at a 90 degree angle, and take note of which type of tick it appears to be. Notify your PCP in case they choose to treat prophylactically with antibiotics. Watch the removal site for signs of infection, and monitor for signs of illness. Remember, some tick born illnesses have very similar symptoms to the flu with achy muscles and joints. Lyme disease MAY or MAY NOT present with the classic "bullseye" rash. 

MEDICAL FORMS

Medical Forms

  1. Asthma Action Plan


    (If your child has asthma, and will have an inhaler at school, this form MUST be filled out, signed by their doctor, and returned)

  2. Anaphylaxis Plan


    (If your child has a life threatening allergy that requires an EpiPen at school, this form MUST be filled out, signed by their doctor and returned)

  3. Immunization Exemption Form


    (If your child has a medical condition that prevents them from being fully vaccinated, per Maine Law, this form MUST be filled out by their doctor and returned)

  4. Medication Administration Form


    (If your child will require medication administration at school, this form MUST be filled out, signed and returned)

  5. Seizure Action Plan


    (If your child has a history of seizures, and may require emergency medications in the event of a seizure at school, this form MUST be filled out by their doctor and returned)

  6. Food Allergy Meal Substitution Form

    (If your child has food allergies that require alternative meals or beverages) this form can be located on the York School Department Food and Nutrition page

VILLAGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STAFF

Have you had an incident at work (injury from a fall, etc.)? Don't forget to come see me for an evaluation, and fill out a staff incident report to submit to central office.