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**COVID Update: While the CDC has changed COVID guidance and are no longer recommending isolation for a positive COVID test, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has not. LC has aligned with the Massachusetts DPH guidelines since the start of COVID, therefore, until Massachusetts DPH changes guidance, LC will continue to abide by the 5 day isolation period for any positive test.**
The Elementary Health Office began conducting mandatory health screenings (vision, hearing, postural and BMI) o Monday, March 11th. All health screenings conducted in school are required by Massachusetts Law. Those students that have an up to date physical on file with the appropriate screenings documented will not be included in the screening.
Spinal Screening
Postural screening is conducted for students in grades 5 & 6. Parents are notified of concerns and referred to their physician for follow-up.
Vision Screening
Vision screening is conducted for students in grades Pre-K-6. Parents are notified if the student does not pass for referral to their physician for follow-up.
Hearing Screening
Hearing screening is conducted for students in K-3rd & 6th grade. Parents are notified if the student does not pass for referral to their physician for follow-up.
Growth Development Screening
Growth screening is conducted for students in grades 1 & 4. Heights and weights are measured and calculated into BMI or Body Mass Index.
If you do not wish to have your child screened, please send an email declining the screening to me at MPalasek@lowellcatholic.org
A few additional reminders from the Health Office:
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Tis the season for colds, germs and other viruses! Please do not send your child to school with any medication (even if it is over the counter medication) if it does not have a doctor’s order with it. State regulations are extremely strict when it comes to administration of medication in a school setting. Any medication to be given at school (prescription or over the counter) must have a physician’s order and must be administered by the Health Office nurse. MD order forms can be found on the LC Website under Student Life→ Nurse. It is the last page of the packet. If your child arrives at school with a medication and no order, I will not be able to administer it here at school. In addition, the medication must come in its original packaging with a proper pharmacy or package label.
- We have had some isolated COVID, flu and strep cases as well as a variety of other viral illnesses here at school. If your child is ill, we respectfully ask that you keep them home to prevent spreading germs to others. Please take a moment to review our illness policy which can be found on our website under Student Life→Nurse.
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Please email me (MPalasek@lowellcatholic.org) to report any positive COVID cases. Free COVID tests may be ordered from the state via this link: https://www.covid.gov/tests
- If your child has a yearly physical during the course of the school year, please forward me the updated physical after their visit. It is extremely important for me to have the most up to date information on your child. Thank you to those families that have sent their child’s physical in after their visit!
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LC is a nut free school! Students should not be sent to school with any snack or lunch that contains any type of nut product.
- No outside food is to be brought into school for birthdays, celebrations, etc. We have multiple students with complex food allergies. If you would like to celebrate your child’s birthday with their class, please bring in something non edible so all students can participate.
As always, feel free to reach out with any questions!
Nurse Maureen
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