Respiratory Illnesses, i.e. Flu, Covid-19, RSV:

If you have new symptoms of a respiratory virus, such as a fever, sore throat, cough or a runny or stuffy nose:

Get tested for flu and Covid-19
You may return to school with precautions,even if you test positive for illness, when:
- You have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medicines; AND
- Your other symptoms are improving

For at least the first 5 days after you resume normal activities it is highly recommended that you avoid crowded indoor spaces and wear a mask anytime you are indoors around other people.

If you test positive for a respiratory virus but don’t have any symptoms you can still spread the virus and should take precautions to protect others from getting sick:

Avoid crowded indoor spaces, wear a mask indoors around other people, and avoid spending time with people who are at increased risk for severe disease
Although not required, staying home for about 72 hours may help reduce the chances of spreading the virus to others.

If you have been exposed to someone with a respiratory virus illness you do not need to stay home as long as you are asymptomatic. To protect others you should consider wearing a mask and should carefully monitor for the development of symptoms.

These guidelines are aligned with the current recommendations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the CDC. For more information please visit:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/staying-home-to-prevent-the-spread-of-respiratory-viruses?_gl=1*9o11zc*_ga*MTMxMTkwMDUxNy4xNjgzMjkxMjI3*_ga_MCLPEGW7WM*MTcxMTM3NTEzMS45MC4xLjE3MTEzNzUxNDAuMC4wLjA.

Strep infection:

Stay home for a minimum of 24 hrs from start of antibiotic therapy, as well as being fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.

Medication Policy:

If your child requires medication to be administered in school, please review the following policy:

A parent and a licensed provider (either a Physician or Nurse Practitioner) must sign a consent form for any medications given during the school day; such as an inhaler, epi-pen, or medications for ADHD.
For short-term medications (10 days or less) such as antibiotics, parental consent is required but the prescription on the bottle is sufficient for physician consent.
Only a 30-day supply of medication should be brought to school by a responsible adult. NO child is permitted to bring medication to school (including in their backpack).
All medication forms need to be renewed at the start of each school year or on the expiration date written by the provider.

If your child is to be excused from physical education, notification in writing is mandatory by both parent and physician. Written notification is required for return to PE as well.

Concussions Policy:

The Committee recognizes that head injuries sometimes occur during extracurricular activities including, but not limited to, interscholastic athletics, and that such injuries can have serious medical consequences for the injured student if appropriate and immediate actions are not taken. Furthermore, the Committee recognizes that the district must take actions that are inherently responsive to students’ health and well-being and in compliance with state law and regulation to reduce the likelihood and/or severity of head injuries.

The Head Injury Committee, composed of a school administrator, school nurse, school and/or team physician, athletic director, certified athletic trainer, guidance counselor, and teacher, will maintain, adhere to, and bi-annually review head injury procedures that address all elements required in state law and regulation including, but not limited to:

Responsibilities of the Athletic Director, coaches, athletic trainer, and school nurse
Maintenance of records
Documentation of physical examination consistent with 105 CMR 200.100(B)(3)
Review of medical information
Training requirements for students, parents, and coaches
Pre-participation requirements
How to identify a head injury or suspected concussion
How to report head injuries and to whom the report should be made
Parental notification of head injuries
Medical clearance protocol to resume participation after an injury
Conditions for exclusion from participation if necessary
Protocol for graduated reentry to the activity once medical clearance has been given

The Committee directs the Superintendent to designate the Athletic Director or other staff member with administrative authority and responsibility for the implementation of the procedures developed by the Head Injury Committee. These procedures will be incorporated into the Middle School and High School Student Handbooks.

Note: The Melrose Public Schools Concussion Procedures is located under Forms.

MSC first vote: 10/28/14
MSC second vote: 11/18/14

Allergy Policy:

A few friendly reminders as we begin the start of the school year. In the Melrose Public Schools Elementary Handbook it states that our classrooms are Nut Free. Students eat snacks in their classroom at their desks or study tables. Snacks that are sent to school with your student should be Nut Free.

School provided lunches are nut free and are safe for students with peanut and tree nut allergies. Lunches that are brought from home can contain tree nuts and peanuts because there is a designated space for students to eat that is nut free in the cafeteria. Students with contact allergies to any allergens and/or students who are unaware of their allergies should let Nurse Jenna and their classroom teacher know that they need to sit at the allergy table during lunchtime.

Head Lice Policy:

Guidelines for Pediculosis (Lice) Management in Melrose Public Schools (MPS)

In alignment with the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Association of School Nurses, and the CDC, these guidelines aim to minimize disruptions to the educational experience, maintain confidentiality, and provide parents/caregivers with effectiveinformation on lice treatment:

1. Lice Check Procedure: If a student is suspected of having lice—due to complaints of head itchiness or visible frequent scratching—the school nurse will assess the student for the presence of lice.

2. Parent/Guardian Notification: If live lice or nits are found, the nurse will notify the parent or caregiver to discuss necessary treatment steps and arrange follow-up.

3. Student Attendance: Immediate removal from school is not required. The nurse will assess whether the student is comfortable enough to remain at school based on the severity of the case.

4. Caregiver Support: The nurse will provide caregivers with information on lice and effective treatment methods. Consultation will be available throughout the treatment process.

5. Return to School: Upon returning to school after treatment, the student must check in with the nurse to confirm evidence of treatment.

6. Targeted Screenings: The nurse will perform targeted screenings of the student’s known close contacts and family members. Full classroom screenings will not be conducted.

7. Classroom Notifications: When a case of lice is identified or reported, an email notification with instructions for lice checks will be sent to the families of all students in the affected classroom.

8. Parental Responsibility: Parents/guardians are encouraged to perform regular head checks for early detection and removal of lice and nits, as this is the most effective method for controlling lice outbreaks. Parents are also asked to inform the school nurse if they discover lice on their child.

9. Teacher Education and Confidentiality: Teachers will be trained on classroom lice control strategies and will be informed of any cases intheir classrooms, while ensuring the confidentiality of the affected student(s).

By following these guidelines, we aim to maintain a healthy learning environment while ensuring that cases of lice are managed effectively and discreetly. We appreciate the cooperation of parents, caregivers, and staff in helping to prevent and control the spread of lice within our schools.

What are Head Lice? Head lice are tiny insects that live only on people’s scalp and hair. They hatch from small eggs (nits) that are firmly attached to the person’s hairs near the scalp and cannot be easily moved up or down the hair (as can specks of dandruff). They look like grains of sand. Nits may be found throughout the hair but are most often located at the back of the scalp, behind the ears, and at the top of the head. The eggs hatch in about 10 days, with new lice reaching adulthood in about 2 weeks. A female louse (the size of a sesame seed) can live for 20- 30 days and can lay about 6 eggs a day. Lice live by biting and sucking blood from the scalp and can survive up to 8 hrs between feedings and can do so off the body. Until a person with head lice is treated they can transmit lice to others.

How should you check for Head Lice? You probably will not see the lice easily, only the eggs. These are tiny, pearl-gray, oval-shaped specks attached to the hair near the scalp. Look carefully, using a magnifying glass and natural light. Search the scalp for nits, particularly at the back of the neck, behind the ears, and at the top of the head.

How does a person get Head Lice? Lice are transmitted during head-to-head contact with an infected person or sharing personal items. Lice are spread only by crawling from person to person directly or onto shared personal items, such as combs, brushes, head coverings, clothing, pillows, bedding, or towels. Lice do not fly or jump. Remind your children to be aware of their surroundings and not to share items that touch their heads like hats, headphones, helmets, headbands or hair accessories, etc.

What should you do about Head Lice? If your child does have head lice, your health care provider can recommend an over-the-counter or prescription treatment. All household members and anyone with close contact should be checked for lice, and anyone with live lice or nits should definitely be treated. Let the school nurse know. This is kept in strict confidence.

To get rid of Head Lice:

Use a product that your healthcare provider prescribes or recommends. Use any of these products very carefully. Consult a physician before treating infants, pregnant or nursing women, or people with extensive cuts or scratches on the head or neck.
After appropriate treatment, all nits must be removed. Removal is a difficult and time-consuming process because nits have such a firm grip on the hair. A solution of vinegar and water may help loosen nits so you can remove them with a special, fine-toothed, metal nit-removal comb.
Check for nits daily for the next 10-14 days. Repeat the treatment process in 7 days to kill any newly hatched lice.
Clean personal items and surroundings:

Machine wash all washable and possibly infested items clothing, bedding, and headwear in HOT water, at least 130°F (54°C). Dry them thoroughly in a HOT dryer.
Put non-washable items (furry toys or pillows) in a hot dryer for 30 minutes or dry clean them.
Seal items that cannot be washed or dried, in a tightly sealed plastic bag for at least 10 days (any eggs or lice on the items will die in this time).
Soak all combs, brushes, and hair accessories in hot water [at least 130°F (54°C)] for 10 minutes or wash them with a shampoo that is approved to kill lice.
Thoroughly vacuum rugs, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and car seats.
Do not use insecticide sprays because they can be harmful to people and animals.

There are also Lice treatment centers where professionals remove the lice. Call for information and costs. There are many options on line. Some parents have said they have used the below. Please note there is no endorsement by the school nurse, the Melrose Public Schools or Melrose Health & Human Services Dept.

Lice Clinics of America-Woburn (Operated by Lice Aunties)

3 Baldwin Green Common - Suite 310 - Woburn, MA 01801

Phone: (617) 209-4464

Website: https://www.liceclinicsofamerica.com/

Comb and Cure

389 Main St #403 Malden MA

Email: info@combandcure.com

Lice Happens

Phone: 617-515-0051

Email: boston@licehappems.com

Combing to eliminate lice:

When combing, hold the mass of hair with one hand. With the other hand, hold the lice comb in a slanting position with teeth toward the head.

1. Getting ready--you will need:

A fine-toothed comb designed for nit removal. It is the most effective at removing nits. Walgreens, Rite Aid, etc. sell these.
Bobby pins or hair clips (for long hair)
A large towel to place around the child’s shoulders during combing
Box of facial tissue
Wide bowl of water with a squirt of dishwashing liquid

Note: Combing should be done in a well-lighted area. Seat the child so her/his head is just below eye level. It might be a good idea to entertain the child with reading or picture books or a DVD.

2. Preparing the hair--Cover the hair with a hair conditioner to keep the hair wet so combing is easier. Remove tangles with a regular hair comb.

3. Combing--Separate a mass of hair about the width of the metal lice comb. It is important to separate the hair into small sections so you can more easily see lice and nits.

Hold the mass of hair with one hand. Insert the lice comb as close to the scalp as possible and gently pull the comb slowly through the hair several times. Check the hair carefully. Comb one section at a time--check each section again (Figure 6). Pin the hair in a curl flat against the head. Dip the comb in the soapy water and use the tissue to remove lice and debris. Make sure the comb is clean before you use it on the hair again. Continue combing.

4. Cleaning Up--Flush the contents of the bowl down the toilet. Shampoo the hair at least twice to remove the conditioner. When the child’s hair is dry, check for stray nits. Remove those hairs individually with a pair of small, pointed scissors.

For effective treatment, it is important to remove all of the eggs (nits). Boil the metal comb in plain water for 15 minutes. Use an old toothbrush to clean the comb.

Students with Special Needs Policy:

For students with specialized healthcare needs in school (including emergency plans/letters for conditions not included above), please plan with your school nurse to review the paperwork. A separate Individualized Healthcare Plan may be indicated to create an agreed-upon plan for how to manage your student’s health needs in school.

Pregnant Students Policy:

During the COVID pandemic, the superintendent or principal of a school may revise or suspend provisions of the policy to facilitate the education of students at risk or with special physical needs or their family caregivers, including, but not limited to caring for or educating students with disabilities, illness, pregnancy, childrearing responsibilities, or special education needs consistent with law and regulation.

The Melrose Public Schools encourages students who become pregnant and/or take on parenting responsibilities to continue and complete their education in the district. Every effort will be made to ensure that the student’s educational program is disrupted to the least extent possible; that health counseling services, as well as instruction, are offered; that return to school after leave is encouraged; and that opportunities to complete high school or post-graduate education are provided.

Pregnant students are permitted to remain in regular classes and participate in extracurricular activities with non-pregnant students throughout their pregnancy, and after giving birth are permitted to return to the same academic and extracurricular program as before the leave.

MSC Informational Review: 8/25/20

MSC First Vote: 9/8/20
MSC Second Vote: 9/22/20

Homeless Students: Enrollment Rights and Services:

As required by law, the district will work with homeless children and youth and unaccompanied youth (collectively “homeless students”) as well as their families or legal guardians to provide stability in school attendance and other services. Special attention will be given to ensuring the enrollment and attendance of homeless students not currently attending school. Homeless students will be provided district services for which they are eligible, including Head Start and comparable pre-school programs, Title I, similar state programs, special education, bilingual education, vocational and technical education programs, gifted and talented programs, and school nutrition programs, summer programming, and extra-curricular activities.

Homeless students are defined as lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including:

1. Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, or economic hardship, or similar reason;

2. Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations;

3. Living in emergency or transitional shelters;

4. Being abandoned in hospitals;

5. Living in public or private places not designed for or ordinarily used as

regular sleeping accommodations for human beings;

6. Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard

housing, transportation stations or similar settings, and;

7. Migratory children living in conditions described in the previous examples.

Students Remaining in Schools of Origin

It is presumed to be in the best interest of homeless students to remain in their school of origin, i.e. the school that the student was attending at the time he or she became homeless or the last school the student attended prior to becoming homeless. Homeless students may continue to attend their school of origin for as long as they remain homeless or until the end of the academic year in which they obtain permanent housing. For homeless students who complete the final grade level served by the school of origin, the term "school of origin" shall also include the receiving school in the same school district educating students at the next grade level.

Homeless students are entitled to transportation comparable to that provided for all other students attending school in the district. The district will transport students who are sheltered or temporarily residing within the district to the students' school of origin. For homeless students attending a school of origin located outside the district in which the student is sheltered or temporarily residing, the district in which the school of origin is located will coordinate with the district in which the student is sheltered or temporarily residing to provide the transportation services necessary for the student, and these districts will divide the cost equally. Formerly homeless students who find permanent housing mid-school year will continue to receive transportation services until the end of the school year.

Students Enrolling in District Where Sheltered or Temporarily Residing

Parents or guardians may elect to enroll homeless students in the school district in which the student is sheltered or temporarily residing, rather than having the student remain in the school of origin. Enrollment changes for homeless students should take place immediately.

If homeless students are unable to provide written proof of their shelter or temporary residence in the district, the homeless liaison will work with the family seeking enrollment to determine homelessness. Information regarding a homeless student's living arrangement shall be considered a student education record, and not directory information. Records containing information about the homeless student's living arrangement may not be disclosed without the consent of the parent or satisfaction of another student-privacy related exemption.

If the student does not have immediate access to immunization records, the student shall be permitted to enroll under a personal exception. Students and families should be encouraged to obtain current immunization records or immunizations as soon as possible, and the district liaison is directed to assist. Emergency contact information is required at the time of enrollment consistent with district policies, including compliance with the state's address confidentiality program when necessary. After enrollment, the district will immediately request available records from the student's previous school.

Attendance rights by living in attendance areas, other student assignment policies, or intra and inter-district choice options are available to homeless families on the same terms as families who reside in the district. Accordingly, the district will provide transportation services to school in a manner comparable to the transportation provided for all other students in the district.

Dispute Resolution

If the district disagrees with a parent or guardian's decision to keep a student enrolled in the school of origin and considers enrollment in the district where the student is sheltered or temporarily residing to be in the student's best interest, the district will explain to the parent, in writing and in a language the parent can understand, the rationale for its determination and provide parent with written notice of their rights to appeal the district's determination to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. During the pendency of any such appeal, the student should remain enrolled in the school selected by the parent or guardian, receiving transportation to school and access to other available services and programs.

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Advisory on Homeless Education Assistance contains additional information about educating homeless students and the appeal process.

Homeless Liaison

The Superintendent shall designate an appropriate staff person to be the district's liaison for homeless students and their families. The district's liaison for homeless students and their families shall coordinate with local social service agencies that provide services to homeless children and youths and their families; other school districts on issues of transportation and records transfers; and state and local housing agencies responsible for comprehensive housing affordability strategies. This coordination includes providing public notice of the educational rights of homeless students in locations such as schools, family shelters and soup kitchens. The district's liaison will also review and recommend amendments to district policies that may act as barriers to the enrollment of homeless students. The liaison shall ensure district staff receive professional development and other support on issues involving homeless students.

MSC Informational Review: 10/13/20

MSC first vote: 10/27/20

MSC second vote: 11/10/20

Melrose Public Schools

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