Head Lice Update

December, 2008

This is to inform you that we have received calls to report cases of head lice and/or nits. As a result of these calls, these student's classes have been checked. A special shampoo must be used and students must be lice free before returning to school.

The school policy is that if a student is found to have live lice, he/she will be sent home for treatment and removal of lice and nits. Students will be allowed to stay in school with nits. It is unnecessary to do mass screenings; however, a student and his or her siblings will be rescreened weekly for three weeks. This policy follows the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association of School Nurses. We do not want students to miss valuable school time.

Head lice are parasites which are small, greyish-white with dark edges. Lice eggs, called "nits", fasten to the hair shaft. They are "glued" to the hair and cannot be washed or brushed out like dandruff. They generally will crawl from one head to another, either during close contact, or by "hitching a ride" on fabric, such as clothing (hats), bedding and sometimes furniture or carpet. Vacuuming furniture, carpets and your car after treatment with the lice killing shampoo is recommended. Discarding the vacuum bag when this is completed is also encouraged.

At school students have been taught to avoid sharing hats, coats, combs, hairbrushes, barrettes, etc., and your reinforcement, at home, as always is very much appreciated. If your child has long hair, it is being suggested that he/she puts their hair up. At this time the students have been requested to put their coats/hats in their backpack or plastic bag.

It is important that you continually check your child for the possibility of lice/nits and report any occurrence to the Health Office. This will help to avoid an epidemic and shows character in that you are showing concern for the SJG family.

For further information please call the Health Office (973.305.618) and refer to the following website.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/lice

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.