Author: Kari Heideman

Dear SPC Parents,

We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with you in supporting your child(ren)’s health and safety at school. Your partnership in this effort is not only appreciated, but essential in ensuring our shared success.

The management of pediculosis (head lice) requires prompt and uninhibited communication with myself and the school office; along with careful screening and follow up assessment, which often requires professional support for families who are not familiar with best practices.

The video tutorials and links below are intended to serve as helpful resources. Two first two links are new additions to the page in 2026, recommended by a Dermatologist and SPC school parent (thank you, Dr. Del Campo!).

Please don’t hesitate to contact me for additional clarification and/or with additional concerns.

Sincerely,
Nurse Kari

[email protected]

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/head-lice-treatment

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/head-lice-overview

The link below contains a helpful article for parents navigating head lice treatment.

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/no-panic-guide-to-head-lice-treatment

The following article is intended to guide clinicians in managing their patients diagnosed with head lice. This clinical report informs and influences our protocols and policies at SPC.

Hand-Foot-Mouth disease is a common childhood illness which is caused by a virus. It typically affects children under the age of ten but older children and adults may also become infected. 

Initial symptoms of hand-foot-mouth disease include fever, poor appetite, general discomfort and often a sore throat. Approximately two days after onset of initial symptoms, painful sores develop in the mouth. A non-itchy rash with flat or raised red spots with a blister-like appearance develops on the hands and feet. 

This virus can be contagious and is spread from person to person by direct contact with nose and throat discharge, saliva, fluid from blisters, or stool of the infected person. Surfaces contaminated with these substances may also become a source of infection. Proper hand washing and thorough cleaning of surfaces can reduce the spread. 

The incubation period for hand-foot-mouth disease is three to seven days. A person infected with the virus is contagious from the onset of symptoms until the blister-like rash disappears. 

If your child becomes ill with hand-foot-mouth disease or displays any possible symptom, please keep him or her home. If you have further questions concerning hand-foot-mouth disease, consult your healthcare provider.