Headlice Letter to All Students from Mr. McVittie

Dear Parents/Guardians:

As our colder weather has arrived and we move indoors more, the issue of head lice has reached our Dallas community once again.  We are aware of cases in at least five classrooms at this time, so we are taking the unusual step of contacting all parents and asking you to check your child(ren) carefully tonight.

Please check your child’s hair and scalp carefully following these basic steps:

STEP 1:            Find a comfortable well-lit spot.

STEP 2:            Check the hair from the scalp to the end of the hair strand.  First, look at the hair at the back of the neck, behind the ears and above the forehead.  Then, check the rest of the head.

STEP 3:            You are looking for live lice and/or eggs.  Nits (eggs) are glued to hair close to the scalp (6  mm or ¼ inch).  Nits are white to light brown in colour and may be confused with dandruff.  Nits are firmly attached to the hair and do not move unless you slide them down the hair strand.

STEP 4:            If you find a louse or nit, check all household members.  Treat only those who have head
                         lice or nits, following Option A or B.  (see attached)

 STEP 5:            Let the school know if your child has head lice or nits.

 

Remember:

• Make weekly head checks part of your routine.
• Scratching and itching of the scalp may be a sign of head lice.
• If your child has long hair, keep it tied back.

 Should you find any issues, please refer to this document from Interior Health on Recommended Head Lice Management: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/YourHealth/SchoolHealth/HeadLice/Documents/Head_Lice_Management.pdf

Should you have any questions or concerns please call or email me at your convenience.

Regards,

 

Mark McVittie

Vice Principal