Monday, June 7, 2021

Heat Related Illness


It seems summer has arrived!  

Today was hot, tonight will only cool to the 60s or 70s, and tomorrow will only be somewhat cooler.  Without air conditioning, it can be difficult for people to cool off.

Vermonters are at increased risk for heat related illness when the weather reaches 87 degrees or higher.  Children are particularly at risk because their bodies heat up quickly, they play hard, and they have less of an ability than adults to cool themselves through sweating.

Heat Illnesses can be prevented!

Stay cool, Porters Point Pandas!

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Information on the Covid-19 Vaccine for Adolescents

 Town Hall for Families on Covid-19 Vaccine and Kids!

Thank you to Dr. Costello and Dr. Hunt for providing this opportunity for families.


Click for the ZOOM LINK

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

February Break is coming up!

Our students have been working so hard!  They have made amazing progress this year and deserve a break!  

Our February break is scheduled from February 22-March 2nd.  We will resume our normal schedule with our remote learning day on Wednesday March 3rd. 

Here is a video reminder from our Colchester School District School Nursing Team to remain vigilant with health practices over break so we can finish the year strong and healthy!



Have a great break!

Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Sledding Safety

 


We have SNOW!  

Sledding is a fun winter activity enjoyed by many Vermont children. However, not being cautious can lead to serious injury.  Here are some tips for a safe sledding season!

  • Be sure the sledding path is away from any motor vehicles!
  • Sled feet first only
  • One person per sled is safest
  • Be sure the hill is free of trees, fences, poles, or other people.  A hill that ends with a flat runoff will allow for a safe stop.
  • Consider a helmet.
  • Return to the top of the hill out of the way of others who are sledding downhill
  • Dress warm in layers and protect exposed skin to the elements, including the sun.
Most importantly, have fun!
Check out more tips from the National Safety Council








Friday, December 18, 2020

Holiday Break Coming Up!

 Many of us will be celebrating various holidays over the upcoming winter break.  We understand it feels hard to try to balance the risk of illness with the need for connection with our families and loved ones. Please keep a few things in mind as you plan your celebration to keep our schools healthy when we return.

What Families Need to Know

  •  The Health Department strongly advises against non-essential travel, even within Vermont. All travel to and from Vermont requires quarantine
 
  • Vermonters are not allowed to socially gather with people they don’t live with. This includes gathering both inside and outside, and in public and private spaces.
·      
  • Visitors to Vermont can only socialize with the people they are traveling with. They cannot gather with Vermonters in their home or elsewhere.
If your student tests positive for Covid-19 over break or develops symptoms, please send me an email so we can take appropriate action at school, if needed.  I will be checking email throughout the vacation.

Be well and Happy Holidays!  




Thursday, November 12, 2020

Playground Safety

Hello everyone! My name is Helena Weisskopf and I am a senior nursing student at UVM that has been working with Nurse Moriah at Porters Point for the last six weeks. As you may have heard, we have some exciting news at PPS this week: the playground is open again during recess! With students not having been on the playground since the spring, a few of the students and staff have put together a great video on playground safety that can be found here. With the return of the playground, not only do we have to consider general safety, but new COVID precautions as well.

  • Before going out to the playground, students will need to either sanitize or wash their hands. They have already been doing an amazing job with this!
  • When on the playground, the students will still need to wear their masks and keep 3 feet of space between them.
  • While using the playground, students should be moving in one direction in order to maintain 3 feet of distance.
  • There are 3-foot-apart cones set up at different areas of the playground for students to wait their turn.
In addition to COVID precautions, there are a few safety tips to touch on so that everyone can stay safe and have fun on the playground. Some of these tips include
  • While using the swings, students should use two hands and keep their bottom in the seat. If it's not their turn to use the swings, they should be waiting by the cone and not walking behind or in front of someone using the swing.
  • When using the slide, slide down feet first. Students shouldn't be climbing or walking up the slide.
  • Students should hold on tight when using the monkey bars to minimize the risk of falling.
  • Remember to stay on the mulch!
As always, PPS staff will be outside with your children to supervise. We look forward to getting back out onto the playground at recess!