The IPPC Health and Safety Committee has two goals: provide local PTA’s with information regarding district-wide programs such as Helping Hand, Red Ribbon Week, Walk to School Day and Internet Safety and to provide a place where local PTA’s, District 204 parents and community members can find information about pertinent Health and Safety issues impacting our children. Often, these topics or concerns arise during IPPC meetings.
Hot Topics:
MRSA
Allergies and PTA Snacks
One item that has been in the news lately and concerns parents is Methicillin-resistent Staphylococcus aureus, more commonly known as MRSA.
MRSA is a Staph infection that is spread through direct contact. Although it can be difficult to treat, it is often successfully treated with the use of proper skin care and antibiotics.
In October, 2007, Dr. Katherine Birkett, Deputy Superintendent, released a statement regarding MRSA. At that time, it was learned that two District 204 students had received treatment for MRSA. Read her statement here.
The Center for Disease Control recommends the following to prevent the spread of MRSA:
- Wash hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Clean cuts and scrapes and cover with a bandage until healed
- Avoid contact with other people's wounds and bandages
- Avoid sharing personal items such as towels and razors
For more detailed information please visit the following websites
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PTA’s and schools work together to offer programs beneficial and safe to all children. The issue of childhood allergies and the danger they may pose to some students continues to be an issue that requires smart planning and good forethought.
The district has instructed each school to deal with parties and events on a building-by-building basis; therefore, school policies will vary. Many schools across the district have found a way to balance the needs of their students with allergies, while still offering enjoyable programs to their entire student body. While the needs of individual school populations may vary, we thought it would be helpful to provide a sample policy from one of the elementary buildings that has successfully found that balance.
IPPC’s role is to provide information to help each PTA decide what snacks are best for their students. We had hoped to provide a list of healthier foods with fewer potential allergens. However, in discussing and researching the issue, we have found that reading the label each time you provide a snack is the only way to ensure the absence of allergens. This is because food manufacturing and packaging plants periodically change the manner in which products are manufactured. A snack could be safe one month, only to change the next time you serve the snack.
If you have a policy or resources that have been effective at your school, please share them with the Health and Safety Committee Chair. Everyone may benefit from your experience.
For food allergy information: Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network www.foodallergy.org