Huron Middle School nurse
I hope this message finds you well. As the Huron Middle School Nurse, I want to provide you with an update from the Nurse’s Office. It is wonderful to have our students back in the school after the break.

• General Health: Please be reminded of the importance of maintaining good health habits, including regular handwashing, getting adequate sleep, and a balanced diet. Students often enjoy certain foods, but they don’t always have a balanced diet. Talk to your medical provider to find out if a multi-vitamin would be good for your student during puberty.

• A topic many people try to avoid is about “Constipation.” One of the most frequent symptoms that brings students to my office is stomach upset. I have a rule in my office; if the student has a stomachache they must sit in my private bathroom for 10 minutes and try to “go,” before we call a parent. Most of the time we do not have to call the parent. Students at school have a hard time using public restrooms to defecate; instead, they try to hold it until they get home. This leads to constipation. Constipation can lead to pain, cramping, vomiting and even anxiety about the pain and cramping. Instead of thinking about classwork they are thinking about whether or not they will be able to “hold it” until they get home. If your student frequently complains of stomachaches or vomiting, you should have an in-depth conversation about the frequency and consistency of their bowel movements.  Seek medical advice if your student is not “regular.”

• Vision and hearing Screenings and Immunizations: All vision screenings were done before Christmas. If your student was noted to fail a vision screen, you should have been notified via mail. Hearing screens in middle school are done only when referred by a parent or teacher. If you have concerns about your students vision or hearing please request a screening by contacting me. 

• Immunizations: There are 28 sixth grade, 35 seventh grade, and 31 eighth grade students that still have not received their 2 required immunizations (tetanus booster and meningitis). If your student did not receive immunizations before entering middle school, please do so ASAP. You can contact me for more information regarding your student’s requirements to remain in school.

• Medication: If your child requires medication during school hours, please ensure that all necessary forms are completed and that the medication is provided in its original, labeled container. All medications, except for some emergency medications, are to be kept in the nurse’s office.

• Communication: I want to encourage open communication between myself and parents/guardians. If your child has health concerns or if there are changes in their health status, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. My phone number at the Huron Middle School is 605-353-6900. My email is rita.baszlerlanners@k12.sd.us.

Submitted by Rita Baszler Lanners, Huron Middle School nurse