2023-24 School Year

Dear Parent(s) and Staff,

We hope this message finds you and your children in good health. At Thrall ISD, we prioritize the well-being of our students, and one crucial aspect of that is maintaining good hygiene practices. Today, we would like to emphasize the importance of proper hand hygiene to prevent illnesses, childhood parasites, and lice.

Common Childhood Illnesses: Childhood illnesses like the common cold, flu, and stomach infections can be easily transmitted through contaminated hands. Proper hand hygiene can significantly reduce the chances of your child falling ill. Here's what you can do:

1. Ensure your child frequently washes their hands with soap and water, especially after sneezing, coughing, or playing outside.

2. Teach them to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of germs.

3. Advise them to avoid close contact with sick children to minimize the risk of infection.

Childhood Parasites: Parasites like pinworms and head lice are common among children. These parasites can easily spread from one child to another through physical contact, sharing personal items, or even playing in close proximity. To reduce the risk of these parasites spreading, it is essential for your child to practice good hand hygiene:

1. Encourage your child to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet and before meals.

2. Teach them to avoid touching their face, particularly their mouth, nose, and eyes, to prevent the transmission of parasites.

Lice Infestations: Head lice infestations are a common concern in schools. These tiny insects can cause discomfort and are often challenging to eliminate. To prevent lice, it's crucial to educate your child on the importance of not sharing personal items like combs, hats, or headphones, as these can transmit lice. Regularly check your child's scalp for signs of lice and nits.

Keep your child home if they are sick.

Symptoms of illness may include the following:

• Fever or chills

• Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Fatigue

• Muscle or body aches

• Headache

• New loss of taste or smell

• Sore throat

• Congestion or runny nose

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

If your child has fever, diarrhea, or vomiting please keep your child home until they are symptom-free for 24 hours without medication.

In conclusion, proper hand hygiene is a simple yet effective way to protect your child from childhood parasites, illnesses, and lice. By instilling these practices, we can create a healthier and more comfortable environment for all our students and staff.

Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment at Thrall ISD.

If you have any questions, please contact Nurse Lisa.

Lisa McMurray, RN

Thrall ISD District Nurse

lmcmurray@thrallisd.org         

P.512.898.5579

https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=T&app=9&p_dir=P&p_rloc=188576&p_tloc=&p_ploc=1&pg=2&p_tac=&ti=26&pt=1&ch=746&rl=3603

https://www.dshs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/schoolhealth/docs/Communicable%20Disease%20Chart-Schools%20and%20Childcare%20Centers-072922.pdf