As we head into November and December, our school community is entering a busy and exciting time of year! Between fall activities, holiday celebrations, and the anticipation of winter break, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. This is also a great time to remember the importance of taking care of ourselves and one another.
With cooler weather and seasonal illnesses making their rounds, please continue to encourage good handwashing, healthy habits, plenty of rest, and staying home when sick. If your child has any new health concerns, medication changes, or updated medical information, please be sure to communicate those changes with the school nurse so we can help keep them safe and supported at school.
As we approach the holiday season, I hope your family finds time to slow down, enjoy special moments together, and make wonderful memories. Wishing all of our Braves families a healthy, happy holiday season and a restful winter break!
Stay healthy, Braves Nation! ❤️🖤
SHAC
We invite parents, guardians, and community members to be part of our School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) this school year. SHAC is a group that works together to support the health, safety, and well-being of our students. Members provide input on topics such as physical health, mental wellness, nutrition, school safety, and health education programs.
Your voice and perspective are valuable! By joining SHAC, you can help shape programs and initiatives that promote healthy, successful students and strengthen the connection between our schools and community. Whether you are a parent, healthcare professional, business leader, or community member, we welcome your participation.
SHAC meets just four times each school year, making it an easy and meaningful way to get involved. Members may attend meetings in person or via Zoom, providing flexibility for busy schedules.
If you are interested in serving on SHAC or would like to learn more, please join us at our first meeting of the school year. We look forward to working together to support the health and success of all students.
Did you know that children and teens can develop both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes? November is American Diabetes Month, a time to increase awareness, share important health information, and support individuals and families living with diabetes.
Diabetes affects how the body regulates blood sugar (glucose), which provides energy for our cells. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition and is not caused by eating too much sugar or making unhealthy choices. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body has difficulty using insulin effectively. Both types can affect young people and require proper medical care.
Know the warning signs! Symptoms can include:
Increased thirst and frequent urination
Increased hunger
Unexplained weight loss
Unusual tiredness or fatigue
Blurry vision
Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes can develop quickly. If you notice these signs in your child, contact their healthcare provider promptly for evaluation. Vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or unusual drowsiness can indicate a life-threatening emergency and require immediate medical attention.
Most importantly, remember that children living with diabetes can participate in school, sports, and everyday activities with the right care and support. Education, early recognition, and understanding help us build a healthier and more supportive school community!
Learn more: Explore these trusted resources for families and young people:
November is Epilepsy Awareness Month, an opportunity to learn more about epilepsy, recognize seizure symptoms, and help create a safer, more supportive environment for children and teens living with this condition.
What is epilepsy? Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes a person to experience recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Seizures happen when there is a sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. They can look different from person to person. While some seizures involve shaking or loss of consciousness, others may appear as staring spells, confusion, unusual movements, or a brief loss of awareness.
Know what to do if someone has a seizure!
Stay calm and stay with the person.
Clear nearby objects that could cause injury and cushion their head if they are on the ground.
If the person is lying down, gently turn them onto their side when possible.
Time the seizure.
Never restrain the person or put anything in their mouth.
Follow their seizure action plan, if one is available.
Call 911 if a seizure lasts 5 minutes or longer, another seizure begins before the person has recovered, the person has difficulty breathing or waking afterward, the seizure occurs in water, or the person is injured or experiencing their first known seizure.
Children and teens with epilepsy can learn, play sports, build friendships, and participate in school activities. Understanding the condition, recognizing seizures, and knowing how to respond can make a meaningful difference. Let's work together to replace fear and misconceptions with knowledge, compassion, and support!
Learn more: Visit the Epilepsy Foundation for information about epilepsy, seizure recognition, and first aid. Be sure to review the accompanying seizure first-aid flyer to learn how you can help keep someone safe during a seizure. 💜 Remember: Stay calm, keep them safe, and know when to call for help!
🧼 National Handwashing Awareness Week
Clean hands help keep our school community healthy! National Handwashing Awareness Week is observed during the first full week of December, making it the perfect time to refresh our handwashing habits and help prevent the spread of germs.
Germs can spread easily when we touch contaminated surfaces, cough or sneeze into our hands, or touch our eyes, nose, and mouth. Washing our hands with soap and water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to help prevent illnesses such as colds, flu, and stomach bugs.
Remember to wash your hands:
Before eating or preparing food
After using the restroom
After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
After playing outside or touching shared surfaces
Whenever your hands look or feel dirty
Make it count! Wet your hands, apply soap, and scrub all surfaces—including the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails—for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Try singing “Happy Birthday” twice! Rinse well and dry your hands with a clean towel.
If soap and water aren't available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol, when appropriate and with adult supervision for younger children. Hand sanitizer is not a substitute for soap and water when hands are visibly dirty.
As we head into the holiday season, let's make clean hands part of our everyday routine. A few seconds of proper handwashing can help protect you, your family, and our entire Braves community! Clean hands, healthy Braves! ❤️🖤
The holiday season is full of family gatherings, festive decorations, delicious food, and plenty of fun! As we head into the cooler months and winter break, let's keep safety on our holiday checklist so everyone can enjoy the season with fewer unexpected surprises.
❄️ Cold Weather Safety
Dress in warm layers, including coats, hats, and gloves when needed.
Change out of wet clothing promptly and take breaks indoors when spending time outside in cold weather.
Watch for signs of frostbite, such as numbness or pale, waxy-looking skin, and hypothermia, which may cause shivering, exhaustion, confusion, or unusual drowsiness.
Use space heaters safely, keep them away from anything that can burn, and never leave them unattended.
🎄 Christmas Trees & Holiday Decorations
Keep live Christmas trees well-watered and away from fireplaces, heaters, and other heat sources.
Check holiday lights for frayed wires, broken bulbs, or damaged connections. Replace damaged strands.
Turn off holiday lights before going to bed or leaving home.
Keep candles away from decorations, curtains, and other flammable items. Never leave a burning candle unattended.
Keep small, sharp, or breakable decorations out of reach of young children and pets.
🦃 Kitchen & Turkey-Frying Safety
Never leave cooking food unattended, and keep children away from hot stovetops, ovens, and hot liquids.
Keep pot handles turned inward and use oven mitts when handling hot cookware.
If frying a turkey, use a turkey fryer outdoors on a flat, stable surface, well away from your home, garage, deck, and anything that could catch fire. Never use a turkey fryer indoors or in an enclosed space.
Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and dry before frying. Never lower a frozen or partially frozen turkey into hot oil, as it can cause a dangerous overflow and fire.
Keep children and pets at a safe distance from hot oil, and follow the fryer's instructions carefully.
🚗 Travel & Gathering Safety
Buckle up on every trip, and make sure children use the correct car seat or booster seat for their age, height, and weight.
Never drive distracted or under the influence.
Keep medications, alcohol, cleaning products, and small choking hazards out of children's reach during family gatherings.
Wash hands before preparing or eating food, and refrigerate leftovers promptly.
A little preparation can go a long way toward preventing holiday injuries and emergencies. From our school health office to your family, we wish you a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season! ❤️🖤
