School Health & Medicine
Campus Information & Problem Solving



Page Index
Keys For Conflict
Lice Information
Be Safe: Over-the-counter Rx


Keys For Conflicts


Conflict Will Come In Every Job! This is something we hate to think about, but it comes sooner or later. Whether with a teacher, staff or a parent we will have to go through it. How can we think ahead how to handle it before it comes around?

Conflict Do's Conflict Dont's
Take time Rush into resolution
Discuss calmy the ROOT problem Displace your anger towards someone else
Express anger constructively Accumulate anger
Accept your angry feelings
and understand why
Say one thing and your body
language shows another
Evaluate the situation carefully Assume anything
Have a plan of action before confrontation Lose control

The Lice of our Lives

"She got them from school", "Her friends have them", "I can't believe he has it AGAIN!", "It's not us bringing them to school"

How many times have we heard these statements? Too many I am sure. What are some safe and effective ways to treat these pesty pets and get rid of them? And what happens with 'repeat offenders" ? Here are a few tips to work with parents and the problem of lice.

1. Teach! Teach! Teach!

One of the problems we encounter is adult attitudes. We need to be concerned, compassionate and careful all in one. Make sure the parent understands and can repeat the instructions including bringing the child for a re-check before sending them back to school.

2. Stay safe

Don't treat "just to be safe" - the chemicals are harsh and should only be used on the person with the lice/nits.

Don't be irrational with a parent. Remember that parents are just as frustrated as you are. Try to work out a plan and then if you still have the problem, refer them to someone that can make a home visit.

Do be encouraging. Encourage the parent to ask questions and work within a team setting.

Do stay with the facts. Lice needs to be treated including taking all nits out (if you have a No-Nit Policy)

3. Facts

Lice are fragile and can travel through combs, brushes, clothing, and other items passed between persons.

Carpets, furniture and pets are not a source of infestation, but can harbor the lice for travel.

There is no significant relationship between length of hair and infestation.

In time, inbreeding of lice on a person's head causes them to die and that is why children are not covered with them. It is a self-timing condition, but we need to treat to get the child back into school quickly.

Direct head-to-head (brushes, combs, hats) is the most common way to transmit head lice.

Head lice is not a serious medical condition. More annoying than anything.

If a child has lice on his/her head, the possibility of transmission has been present for several days / weeks before any symptoms have been seen. The child should not be secluded or taken away from activities unless the child is perposely getting close or sharing items that transmit the lice.

Minimize head to head contact as much as possible in your classroom if you are concerned about transmission. Keep children from sharing personal items and keep hats/clothing separated.



Be S.A.F.E.!

Be SAFE program delivers four important messages about over-the-counter prescriptions.
S - See the label for complete instructions
A - Ask the doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professional if you have questions
F - Follow the directions carefully
E - Enter the time and amount of each dose given in a medication log for easy reference

For free materials and more information for parents and school staff call 1-800-472-3923

Please tell me what you think by sending your ideas and suggestions to:

© 1998 Shannon, RN

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