Health Office Update + Grandfriends Day

Dear GUS Families,

As you are all likely aware, cold and flu season is upon us, and, as is being seen across the state, we are seeing an uptick in cases of COVID, RSV, and the flu here at GUS. As always, it is important for all families to monitor children for symptoms of illness, to practice safety precautions, and to keep children home if they are unwell. Please see the attached letter co-signed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics that outlines the steps you can take to prevent illness and stay healthy this season.

With Grandfriends Day approaching at the end of this week, we want to remind all families to take any additional precautions needed to help protect themselves and their grandfriends. We will have masks and hand sanitizer on hand for anyone that would like to use them. As always, any individual who wishes to wear a mask at school, whether they’re experiencing symptoms or not, is always welcome to do so.

Additionally, the State has provided COVID-19 tests to be sent home so that families may test students before returning to school after the Thanksgiving break. Tests will be sent home next week in your child’s backpack (or your youngest child for families with multiple children). We ask that you please report any positive results to the Health Office.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Best,
Kitty Hunt
School Nurse