Head Lice
As a courtesy, we inform parents by email when there are multiple confirmed cases of lice found in the school. It does not mean we have an infestation, it is merely a proactive stance for parents to be aware.
School policy states that if a child is found with lice, the parent will be contacted and treatment is expected. The student may come back to school the day after treatment but will be checked by the health clerk to make sure the treatment worked. There will be another head check after a week to ensure there is no new infestation.
Lice can happen to anyone, anywhere. It’s part of school culture. Children work close to each other. They are just as exposed to lice as they are to strep throat, pink eye, and a host of other common childhood afflictions.
In an average school year, more children in the United States will “catch” lice than they will the common cold. If you find evidence of lice (either bugs, eggs, or nits), it is vital to treat every person in the household. Cleaning the house is essential. (See attached checklist)
In addition to identifying and eradicating lice from the home, it is important to notify the school so that we can effectively and confidentially monitor the situation. These outbreaks end faster when there is effective communication between parents and staff.
Due to confidentiality, we will not release the classes or grades of the students with lice. Middle school students come into elementary classes, elementary students carpool with middle school students. There is constant contact between the two “schools”. No matter where lice are located, it affects us all.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Health Clerk by phone (303) 651-7900 ext. 211 or email.
Please visit the Centers for Disease Control website for more information on Head Lice.