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Click the link above to see an interactive map of testing sites in Massachusetts
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During quarantine, it is great to get outside and enjoy the fresh air but please remember to protect yourselves from Ticks. Typically, nymph stage Deer Ticks are active from early May through early August and adult stage deer ticks are active September through May. Tick-borne disease is a year round concern.

Nymph Deer Ticks are about the size of a poppy seed. Adult  Deer Ticks are about the size of a sesame seed. Ticks attach to people, pets, or other animals that brush against them.

Prevention and removal: If you wear light colored clothing, it makes it easier to see ticks. It is recommended to use repellents and remove a tick immediately and correctly (Do not use matches, petroleum jelly, gasoline, nail polish remover etc). Note on a calendar the date of removal and save the tick for identification and testing. 

A few tips from the MV Board of Health:

Shower or bathe as soon as possible after working outdoors to wash off and check for ticks.
Remember to check your hair, underarms, and groin for ticks.
Immediately remove ticks from your body using fine-tipped tweezers.
Grasp the tick firmly and as close to your skin as possible (as shown in photo below)
Pull the tick's body away from your skin with a steady motion.
Clean the area with soap and water. Call your physician.
Removing infected ticks within 24 hours reduces your risk of being infected with the Lyme disease bacterium.

Dear Families, 

We are noticing many of our middle school students are tired during their class meetings and some students are missing meetings because they are not yet awake. It is reasonable that students are experiencing an increase in screen time  during this period. With that said, too much screen time and using screens late at night can negatively impact your Child’s health and performance. We would like to help by providing some suggestions and facts regarding children and healthy sleep habits. 

According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, Children 6 to 12 years of age should sleep 9 to 12 hours each night. Teenagers should get at least 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night. Getting the right kind of sleep is important. 

Teens are naturally entering a phase when their bodies want to go to sleep later. Try to create a schedule with your teen. Have your teen wake up at the same time each day, preferably before 9am, and follow the same morning routine they would as if they were going to school; eat breakfast, get dressed and brush their teeth. If your middle schooler is going to wake up by 9 am, they should be asleep by 11pm, at the latest. To help them fall asleep, restrict electronics for at least one hour before the desired bedtime and develop a “winding down” routine. 

If possible, school work should be completed outside of the student’s bedroom. It makes it easier to fall asleep if the bedroom is associated with sleep and not with electronic usage and work. If your child is using electronics late into the evening, it can negatively impact their ability to fall asleep. If you are concerned your child is using electronics when they are not supposed to be, have your child place their devices outside their room (and in your room if needed) when electronic time ends.

Getting enough physical activity can help children sleep better. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends children get 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Ideally they will go out in the yard, but indoor physical activity, such as yoga and stretching, is also effective. 

If you are struggling with your child’s  sleep habits, please feel free to reach out to our school nurse, guidance or your pediatricians office for advice.

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