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JLCG Head Lice Policy

JLCG

SHUTESBURY SCHOOL COMMITTEE

HEAD LICE POLICY

Efforts to address outbreaks of head lice should minimize disruption to school activities and absences by students. Efforts to inform and educate children and families about head lice shall occur in a manner that is matter of fact and does not cause shame or embarrassment.

All suspected cases of head lice shall be checked by the school nurse.  If evidence of head lice is found on a student, the school nurse may arrange for selective inspections of higher risk children (siblings, friends, classmates, bus-mates) or general examinations of children’s heads to seek out affected students. Additional measures may be taken with the approval of the principal in the event of a widespread infestation.

If a child’s head is inspected and evidence of head lice is found, the parent/guardian will be notified by the school.  Procedures will be recommended for home, such as applying anti-lice shampoo; the parent/guardian shall be notified, preferably in person or by phone.  Notification shall occur as soon as reasonably practical.  The school nurse may notify families of all students in the classroom where lice were found, encouraging them to check their children and to contact their child’s health care provider for treatment options.

Parents/ guardians may be asked to keep their children home from school for the day following discovery of an infestation only if necessary to complete the process for eradicating the lice. Upon return to school, the student must be examined by the school nurse (or others deemed qualified by the principal) before entering class.  The school nurse, in consultation with the principal, shall take further action as needed.

Reviewed by Shutesbury Policy Committee: 03/17/16
First Reading: 04-14-16
Second Reading, First Vote: 05-19-16
Final Vote: 06-23-16