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To fully enjoy the holidays, we want our KIPPsters to remain healthy. KIPP Texas is committed to supporting the well-being of our students and families. Here are some simple tips to help your family stay on track:
Stay Active: Even during the holidays, movement is key! Go for a family walk, have a dance-off to holiday tunes, or play a game of tag. Keeping active boosts energy and promotes well-being for children and adults alike.
Eat and Hydrate Well: It’s important to balance holiday treats with nutritious options. Incorporate fruits, veggies, and whole grains into meals and ensure everyone stays hydrated with water, even in cooler weather. Fun tip: Add fruit slices to the water for a festive twist!
Prioritize Rest: Busy holiday schedules can disrupt sleep routines. Aim for consistent bedtimes to help your Little KIPPsters recharge. Proper rest supports immunity, focus, and emotional health.
Be Proactive About Health: Colder weather can bring on more colds and flu. Teach your Little KIPPsters good hygiene, such as washing hands often and covering their mouths when sneezing. Make sure they stay up to date on vaccines to keep them protected.
Care for Mental Health: Take breaks to relax and recharge through family reading time, gratitude exercises, or simply enjoying moments of calm together.
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Know When to Keep Your Little KIPPster Home from School
Sometimes, deciding whether a child is too sick for school is hard. Use this quick guide to know whether you should send your Little KIPPster to school:
- Send your Little KIPPster to school if they:
- Have a runny nose, mild sore throat, or a slight cough but no other symptoms.
- Haven’t had a fever in 24 hours without taking medicine.
- Have a mild stomach ache or headache.
- Keep your Little KIPPster home if they:
- Have a fever higher than 100°F.
- Are vomiting or have diarrhea (they should stay home until symptom-free for 24 hours).
- Seek medical care for your Little KIPPster if they:
- Have a persistent cough, trouble breathing, or a high fever with other symptoms like ear pain, rash, or severe stomachache.
- Show signs of dehydration, such as extreme sleepiness or not urinating for 8+ hours.
- Have eye pain with swelling or a rash with fever.
If you keep your child home, remember to call the school to report the absence and provide a doctor’s note with any follow-up information when they return if they saw the doctor. Frequent absences can impact learning, so only keep your KIPPster home when they are truly too sick for school. If your doctor wants the school nurse to give your child any medications, please bring in doctor’s orders (even for Tylenol!).
If your KIPPster shows concerning symptoms or if you’re unsure about their health, contact your school nurse for guidance. They’re here to help you make informed decisions.
By following these tips, you can help ensure your family stays healthy and ready for the excitement of the holidays and the return to school.
From our KIPP Texas family to yours, we wish you a joyful, restful, and healthy holiday season!
